Lloyd Cushenberry III Bio
Lloyd Cushenberry III (born November 22, 1997) is an American professional football center for the Tennessee Titans of the National Football League (NFL). A versatile interior lineman, he is recognized for his durability, leadership at the line of scrimmage, and his steady presence on the field since entering the league.
Standing 6 feet 4 inches tall and weighing approximately 251 pounds, Cushenberry has built his reputation on technique, football intelligence, and the ability to anchor a starting offensive line. After beginning his NFL journey with the Denver Broncos, he now serves as a team captain and starting center for the Tennessee Titans.
Early Life and Background
Lloyd Cushenberry III was born on November 22, 1997, in Carville, Louisiana. He grew up in the same small community where he first developed his interest in football. Surrounded by a strong regional football culture, Cushenberry played the sport from a young age and quickly stood out for his size and skill along the offensive line.
He attended Dutchtown High School in Louisiana, where he played high school football and developed into a highly regarded interior lineman. His performance at Dutchtown drew the attention of several college programs, and he initially committed to play college football for the South Carolina Gamecocks before changing his mind before signing day.
Cushenberry ultimately chose LSU, a program with one of the deepest traditions in college football. That decision set the stage for his rise as a major-college starting center and his eventual entry into professional football.
Path to American Football
After arriving at LSU, Cushenberry redshirted his true freshman season, preserving a year of eligibility while adjusting to the speed and demands of the Southeastern Conference. As a redshirt freshman, he appeared in 11 total games, including six appearances on offense, earning valuable experience behind more experienced linemen.
By his redshirt sophomore season, Cushenberry had earned the Tigers’ starting center role, a strong sign of trust from the coaching staff. He continued to develop his footwork, hand placement, and recognition of defensive schemes at the line of scrimmage. His work in the Tigers’ offensive line room helped him grow into one of the top interior linemen in the SEC.
As a redshirt junior in 2019, Cushenberry was named first-team All-SEC, the highest individual honor for an offensive lineman in the conference. He was also part of the LSU squad that captured the College Football Playoff national championship that same season. Following that campaign, he announced that he would forgo his senior season and enter 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. Going into his rookie season, the Broncos named him their starting center, a clear sign that the organization viewed him as an immediate contributor on the interior of its offensive line.
Cushenberry made his NFL debut on September 14, 2020, starting the season opener against the Tennessee Titans. He went on to start all 16 games during his rookie campaign and played every single offensive snap for Denver, a remarkable feat of durability for a first-year player. His strong play earned him a place on the PFWA All-Rookie Team at the end of the season.
Denver Broncos Era (2020–2023)
Cushenberry continued to serve as Denver’s starting center through the 2021 and 2022 seasons, providing consistency in the middle of the offensive line. He became a familiar face in the Broncos’ lineup and built strong chemistry with his fellow linemen and the team’s quarterbacks.
On November 8, 2022, Cushenberry was placed on injured reserve after suffering a groin strain. According to Cushenberry, the Broncos kept him on injured reserve after he had recovered, and the team did not reactivate him for the remainder of that season. He returned for the 2023 season, where he once again played every game as Denver’s starting center, reaffirming his reputation as a durable, dependable presence on the offensive line.
Tennessee Titans Era (2024–Present)
On March 14, 2024, Lloyd Cushenberry III signed a four-year, $50 million contract with the Tennessee Titans, signaling a new chapter in his professional career. He was named a team captain and took over as the starting center, tasked with anchoring a Titans offensive line that was in the midst of a roster transition.
During the 2024 season, Cushenberry started eight games and played every offensive snap at center before suffering a season-ending Achilles tendon tear in Week 9. He was placed on injured reserve on November 6, finishing the year with one fumble recovery to his credit. On the first day of Tennessee’s 2025 training camp, the Titans placed him on the Active/Physically Unable to Perform list on July 24, and he was activated on August 11.
Driving Style and Strengths
Cushenberry is recognized for his technique, balance, and composure at the line of scrimmage. His strengths include his ability to read defensive fronts, deliver consistent snaps in the shotgun, and hold up against both power and quick interior pass rushers. Teammates and coaches have pointed to his leadership and communication as key assets that help the Titans’ offense operate efficiently.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among the highlights of Cushenberry’s career are his role on the 2019 LSU College Football Playoff national championship team, his first-team All-SEC selection the same year, and his placement on the PFWA All-Rookie Team in 2020. He has also started every game available to him in three of his first four NFL seasons, an accomplishment that underscores his consistency and toughness.
Lloyd Cushenberry III Career Wins
Lloyd Cushenberry III’s statistical highlights are rooted in durability and consistency at center rather than traditional win totals. Across his professional career, he has been recognized with All-Rookie honors and has delivered multiple full-season starting campaigns for two NFL franchises.
College Highlights
As a starter at LSU, Cushenberry earned first-team All-SEC honors in 2019 and was a key contributor on the Tigers’ College Football Playoff national championship team that same year. His steady play at center helped LSU’s offense dominate the SEC and on the national stage.
NFL Highlights
In the NFL, Cushenberry earned a spot on the PFWA All-Rookie Team in 2020 after starting all 16 games and playing every offensive snap for the Denver Broncos. He later signed a marquee $50 million contract with the Tennessee Titans in 2024 and was named a team captain, reflecting the high regard the Titans’ organization has for his leadership and skill set.
Lloyd Cushenberry III Family
Family Background and Football Lineage
Lloyd Cushenberry III grew up in Carville, Louisiana, a community with a deep appreciation for the sport of football. His full name, Lloyd Cushenberry III, reflects a family tradition that carries across generations, and his early life in Louisiana helped shape his path toward a career in the sport.
Personal Life
Cushenberry is widely described as a private individual, and verified public details about his personal and family life remain limited. His professional focus has remained on his development as a starting NFL center, his leadership responsibilities as a Titans captain, and his continued recovery from injury.
2025 Season Outlook
Lloyd Cushenberry III enters the 2025 season coming back from the Achilles tendon injury that ended his 2024 campaign in November. His activation on August 11, 2025, signaled a positive step in his recovery, and the Titans are expected to rely on his experience as a returning starting center and team captain.
How quickly Cushenberry regains his pre-injury form will be a major storyline for Tennessee’s offensive line. With his track record of playing every offensive snap in multiple seasons, the Titans’ staff has reason to be optimistic about his durability and his ability to anchor the middle of the line.
Beyond his individual performance, Cushenberry’s leadership will remain a key piece of Tennessee’s locker room culture. His blend of on-field communication, toughness, and big-game experience positions him as a central figure for the Titans as they work to build a more consistent offense in 2025.