Lloyd Cushenberry III Bio
Lloyd Cushenberry III (born November 22, 1997) is an American professional football center who most recently played in the National Football League (NFL). Standing 6 feet 4 inches and listed at 315 pounds, he has built his reputation as a durable, team-oriented lineman capable of playing every offensive snap. A product of Louisiana high school football and the LSU Tigers, Cushenberry earned national recognition as a college standout before launching an NFL career that has spanned multiple franchises.
After being selected in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft, Cushenberry became a full-time starter as a rookie and has continued to serve as a starting center throughout his professional tenure. He is recognized for his leadership in the locker room, his consistency at the line of scrimmage, and his ability to anchor an offensive line against top defensive fronts.
Early Life and Background
Lloyd Cushenberry III was born on November 22, 1997, in Carville, Louisiana, a small community located in the southern part of the state. Growing up in Louisiana, he was immersed in a region where football is woven into the culture of nearly every town. From an early age, Cushenberry developed an interest in the sport, training in an environment that produced generations of college and professional players.
He attended Dutchtown High School in Geismar, Louisiana, where he played on the football team and developed into a highly regarded offensive lineman. His performance at Dutchtown drew attention from college recruiters across the Southeast. Originally, Cushenberry committed to play college football for the South Carolina Gamecocks, but he later de-committed from that program. He ultimately chose to remain in his home state, opting to play for the LSU Tigers, a decision that would shape the next phase of his football career.
Path to the NFL
Following his senior season at Dutchtown, Cushenberry enrolled at Louisiana State University, where he joined a Tigers program with a long tradition of producing NFL-caliber linemen. He redshirted his true freshman year, using the time to build strength and adjust to the speed and complexity of the college game. As a redshirt freshman, he appeared in 11 total games, including six on offense, gaining valuable experience in a developmental role.
Cushenberry entered his redshirt sophomore season as the Tigers’ starting center, a position he would hold for the remainder of his college career. As a redshirt junior in 2019, he was named first-team All-SEC, recognizing him among the top offensive linemen in the Southeastern Conference. That same season, he was a key contributor to LSU’s run to the College Football Playoff National Championship, helping the Tigers capture the 2019 national title. Following the championship, Cushenberry announced that he would forgo his final year of eligibility and declare for the 2020 NFL Draft.
Lloyd Cushenberry III Career
Early Career (2020–2021)
The Denver Broncos selected Lloyd Cushenberry III with the 83rd overall pick in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft. The Broncos named him their starting center heading into his rookie season, a clear sign of confidence in his ability to handle the responsibilities of the position at the professional level. Cushenberry made his NFL debut on September 14, 2020, starting in the season opener against the Tennessee Titans.
He played every offensive snap during his rookie year, starting all 16 games and establishing himself as one of the more dependable young centers in the league. His strong debut season earned him a place on the PFWA All-Rookie Team. He continued to start at center for most games through the 2021 and 2022 campaigns, reinforcing his reputation as a reliable anchor on the offensive line.
Denver Broncos Tenure (2020–2023)
Over his four seasons in Denver, Cushenberry served as the team’s primary starting center, logging extensive playing time. In 2022, he appeared in the early portion of the schedule before suffering a groin strain on November 8 that sent him to injured reserve. According to Cushenberry, the Broncos kept him on injured reserve even after he had recovered, and he was not reactivated for the remainder of that season.
He returned healthy for the 2023 season and once again played every game as the starting center, demonstrating his durability and consistency. Across his time in Denver, he developed into a respected voice in the locker room and a steady presence along the offensive front, helping to set the tone at the line of scrimmage.
Tennessee Titans Era (2024–2025)
On March 14, 2024, Cushenberry signed a four-year, $50 million contract with the Tennessee Titans, signaling a significant new chapter in his career. He quickly became a team captain and the starting center, playing every offensive snap early in the 2024 season and logging one fumble recovery along the way. His veteran presence was viewed as a stabilizing force for a Titans offense in transition.
Unfortunately, on November 6, 2024, Cushenberry suffered a season-ending Achilles tendon tear in Week 9 and was placed on injured reserve after appearing in eight games. He began the 2025 season on the Active/physically unable to perform list on July 24 before being activated on August 11. On February 25, 2026, the Titans released him, closing his tenure in Tennessee.
Driving Style and Strengths
Cushenberry is recognized for his physical strength, sound technique, and football intelligence at the center position. His ability to absorb power from large defensive tackles, combined with quick feet in pass protection, has made him a reliable anchor against both the run and the pass. Linemen and coaches have pointed to his communication skills and his command of the offensive line as defining traits.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among the most significant moments of his career was his role on LSU’s 2019 College Football Playoff National Championship team, followed by his selection in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft. His selection to the PFWA All-Rookie Team underscored his immediate impact in the NFL, while his four-year, $50 million contract with the Titans in 2024 reflected his standing as one of the league’s respected centers.
Lloyd Cushenberry III Career Wins
As an offensive lineman, Lloyd Cushenberry III’s career is measured less by individual victory totals and more by team success and individual recognition. His résumé includes the 2019 College Football Playoff National Championship with LSU and a place on the PFWA All-Rookie Team in 2020. Through the 2025 season, he had appeared in 80 NFL games with 80 starts, a testament to his durability and the trust placed in him by multiple coaching staffs.
College Highlights
At LSU, Cushenberry’s most memorable achievement came during the 2019 season, when he helped the Tigers win the College Football Playoff National Championship. His first-team All-SEC selection that same year confirmed his status as one of the top centers in college football. Those performances positioned him as a likely early-round NFL prospect heading into the 2020 draft.
Professional Achievements
In the NFL, Cushenberry’s primary accolades include his PFWA All-Rookie Team honor in 2020, recognizing one of the league’s top first-year players at his position. His career 80 games played and 80 games started through 2025 mark him as a model of consistency at center.
Lloyd Cushenberry III Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Publicly available information about Lloyd Cushenberry III’s immediate family remains limited. He was raised in Carville, Louisiana, and his early football development was supported by the local community, though specific details about his parents or siblings have not been widely published.
Personal Life
Details about Cushenberry’s personal life, including marital status, spouse, or children, are not publicly confirmed in the sources reviewed. He has largely kept his private life out of the public eye, focusing public attention on his football career and team commitments.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season represented a recovery year for Lloyd Cushenberry III following the Achilles tendon tear that ended his 2024 campaign. The Titans placed him on the Active/physically unable to perform list on July 24, 2025, before activating him on August 11, indicating a careful ramp-up to full participation. His return to the active roster was an encouraging sign for both player and team.
Cushenberry’s experience and leadership were viewed as important assets for a Titans offensive line seeking stability. As a former team captain, his presence in the meeting room and on the practice field was expected to help set the standard for younger linemen. His ability to return to form after a serious injury was a key storyline for the Titans heading into the season.
Looking ahead, Cushenberry’s value as a veteran starting center remained clear, even as his contract situation with the Titans evolved. Ultimately, the Titans released him on February 25, 2026, opening the next chapter of his professional journey. His performance and health throughout 2025 helped establish the foundation for his subsequent signing with the Buffalo Bills on March 26, 2026.
