Brad Cousino (Cooz-eh-No) is a former NFL player, accomplished entrepreneur, keynote speaker, published author, and mentor whose life embodies perseverance, grit, and transformation. Born into a dysfunctional and abusive home, by the grace of God, Brad overcame rejection, adversity, and insurmountable odds to build a life of impact and influence.
After cleaning sewers to pay for his first quarter of college, Brad earned a spot as a non-scholarship walk-on at Miami University in Oxford, OH. Through relentless determination, he became a consensus All-American, a two-time Mid-American Conference Defensive M.V.P., and ultimately an NFL player under two Hall of Fame coaches: Paul Brown of the Cincinnati Bengals and Chuck Noll of the then Super Bowl champion Pittsburgh Steelers.
Despite his athletic success, Brad’s most powerful lessons came not from victories on the field, but from his personal struggles and professional “crash and burn” moments. Those experiences gave him a deep resilience, humility, and passion for helping others rise above challenges. Today, Brad shares his story and insights as a thought leader, inspiring people to do the right things for the right reasons, to finish strong, and to leave a robust legacy.
As a husband to Tami for 48 years, proud father of four adult children, and a blessed “Papa” to 11 superstar grandchildren, Brad values family, faith, and people above all else.
Professionally, Brad has led successful ventures across multiple industries, including commercial real estate, restaurant development, brand and business building, fundraising, and nonprofit leadership. He was a former president of the Cincinnati NFL Alumni chapter and remains active as a keynote inspirational speaker, mentor and life coach.
As a keynote speaker, coach, and facilitator, Brad specializes in professional mastery, leadership development and team building. His authentic delivery and real-world experience resonate with audiences ranging from business executives to faith-based organizations, helping individuals and teams unlock their potential, strengthen resilience, and become their best versions of themselves.
Brad Cousino is the real deal—a man who has lived through the lows of rejection and failure, the highs of championship-level performance, and the transformation that comes from perseverance.
READ THE COMPLETE BIOHis traumatic past comes back to haunt him, as a savage "winner-take-all" spiritual battle rages for the young man's heart, life and future family.
“I’ve never read any book that sparked my emotions, or which was as enjoyable and inspirational as “Unwanted, Unworthy, UNSHACKLED”. This book is a true masterpiece. As I read, I found myself wiping away tears more that a few times. The “Five Immutable Laws” revealed in the book are profound and insightful. I’m now UNSHACKLED from the lies and face the future with renewed faith & hope”
"Brad's story is one of pure determination; and what that character trait can do for a person – and ultimately for an entire team! He NEVER GAVE UP, no matter the odds! All his many great plays were a direct result of Brad's determination to be a 'Difference-Maker' for his team."
This is an amazing story about how an unwanted child overcame all sorts of obstacles in childhood and then in adulthood and had to face his own obstacles to decide how he wanted to live his life. While reading, I was asking myself would I have been as courageous? There are many life lessons here!
“I was not a natural athlete, I didn’t have the necessary size, strength, speed or skill set... but what I did possess was great DESIRE and that is THE critical trait required to be a real “difference-maker” for you, your team... and I believe it’s the most important life trait for achieving anything worthwhile in life!”
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