"When Brian Cushing was in elementary school, just 8 years old, Ray Lewis was a rookie linebacker with the Baltimore Ravens. Cushing became a fan then and, as the Texans' middle linebacker admitted Wednesday, remains one now.

"Ray's the best that's ever played," Cushing said. "He's the guy I grew up watching. He's the guy I wanted to model my game after."

Cushing is now 24 and regarded as one of the NFL's best, a recent second-team All-Pro selection. Meanwhile, Lewis is 36, and he's angling for his second Super Bowl ring. The Texans are standing in the way this weekend, but the 16-year veteran was complimentary of the franchise that didn't exist when he entered the league in 1996 — specifically Cushing."