Brad Cousino, Bio
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. His guiding principles are simple but profound:
Love God first & foremost, then love your family, then love others!
Always Give Your Best Effort! Never coast -- why cheat yourself?
Be a Difference Maker to all in your sphere of influence (friends, neighbors, coworkers, etc.)
Finish Life Strong
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.
Key Highlights & Roles:
Former NFL Player – Pittsburgh Steelers, New York Giants, Cincinnati Bengals, Toronto Argonauts
Consensus All-American, Two-time MAC Defensive M.V.P. while at Miami University
Keynote Speaker, Facilitator, Trainer, Life Coach, Mentor
Entrepreneur & Business Leader – Real Estate Investor/Developer, Restaurant Development, Brand & Business Growth
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. His purpose today is clear: to inspire others to rise above challenges, lead with integrity, and leave a legacy that resonates for generations.