Early Life & Background

Lloyd Cushenberry III was born and raised in the small town of Carville, Louisiana, a community known for its rich history in the sugar industry and tight-knit rural culture. The son of Lloyd Cushenberry Jr. and Angela Cushenberry, Lloyd grew up in an environment that valued hard work, discipline, and perseverance—qualities that would later define his football career. Though Carville is not a hotbed for major college football programs, the town has produced several notable athletes, a fact that may have influenced Lloyd’s early interest in sports. From a young age, he demonstrated an innate physicality and leadership presence, traits that would serve him well in football.

Information about his immediate family is limited in the public domain, but those close to him have described a humble upbringing marked by a strong emphasis on education and athletics. The Cushenberry family instilled in Lloyd the importance of commitment, and he carried that mindset into his athletic endeavors. As a teenager, he began to stand out not only for his size but also for his intelligence on the field, traits that would later make him a highly coveted prospect at the offensive line position.

High School Career

Lloyd Cushenberry III attended West Feliciana High School in St. Francisville, Louisiana, a small school with a rich athletic tradition. Standing already at an imposing 6' 1" as a freshman, his physical development was accelerated, and by his junior year, he had grown to over 6' 3", making him a dominant presence on the offensive line.

At West Feliciana, Cushenberry played both offensive and defensive tackle, showcasing his rare combination of size, strength, and athleticism. His ability to anchor against opposing linemen while also generating powerful push in the running game made him a standout prospect in a region not traditionally known for producing elite offensive linemen. As a senior in 2015, he earned first-team All-District honors and was named to the Louisiana High School Athletic Association’s All-State team. Scouts and coaches took notice of his consistent performance against top competition, particularly in playoff games where he faced larger, more physical opponents.

His high school accolades included being a two-year starter and a team captain, which underscored his leadership qualities. Despite playing in a run-heavy offense typical of Louisiana high school football, Cushenberry demonstrated remarkable technique, footwork, and the ability to recover from missteps—skills that are crucial for players transitioning from high school to the collegiate level.

Cushenberry’s high school career culminated in multiple offers from programs in the Sun Belt and Conference USA, though he ultimately committed to Louisiana Tech University, where he could immediately contribute on the offensive line and further develop under Division I coaching staff.

College Career

Lloyd Cushenberry III attended Louisiana State University.

NFL Draft

Lloyd Cushenberry III entered the 2020 NFL Draft as one of the top offensive line prospects in a class that was widely regarded as deep along the interior. Standing 6' 4" and weighing 315 pounds, he possessed the prototypical size for a center or guard in the NFL, with the strength and agility to handle blitzing linebackers and stout defensive tackles.

His draft stock was buoyed by impressive performance in the 2019 season at Louisiana Tech, where he started 12 games at center. Though detailed collegiate statistics are not publicly available, scouts who observed him noted his ability to snap the ball cleanly, identify defensive fronts pre-snap, and maintain solid leverage in pass protection. His weight room numbers, including a 405-pound bench press and a 5.10-second 40-yard dash for a man of his size, were remarkable for an interior lineman and contributed to his reputation as a physically gifted prospect with developmental potential.

The Denver Broncos selected Cushenberry in the third round (83rd overall) of the 2020 NFL Draft, making him one of the highest-drafted centers from Louisiana Tech in program history. Denver’s decision to target him reflected their need to solidify the interior of the offensive line following a disappointing 2019 season. The Broncos viewed him as a high-upside developmental piece who could eventually replace Connor McGovern, their incumbent starting center.

Professional Career

Lloyd Cushenberry III’s NFL career began with the Denver Broncos as a third-round pick in 2020, and his rookie season was marked by gradual development and occasional struggles within a rebuilding offensive line. Although he did not become a full-time starter immediately, he earned the opportunity to play sparingly as a backup and special teamer during his first two seasons.

In 2020, Cushenberry appeared in 12 games but did not start any. He primarily contributed on special teams and as a developmental center behind incumbent starter Lloyd Mulholland and later, Austin Schlottmann. His playing time increased slightly in 2021, as he appeared in 11 games, including one start due to injuries, and continued to hone his technique and snap accuracy.

By 2022, Cushenberry was poised for a breakout season under new head coach Nathaniel Hackett. He started all 17 games at center for the Broncos, marking his first full season as an NFL starter. His performance during the 2022 campaign was encouraging. He allowed just two sacks while earning a grade of 72.5 from Pro Football Focus (PFF), placing him in the top half of all NFL centers. His ability to anchor against powerful interior rushers and communicate protections effectively earned him positive reviews from coaches and teammates.

Cushenberry’s 2023 season, however, saw regression as the Broncos’ offensive line struggled amid inconsistent quarterback play and a revamped coaching staff. He started all 17 games again but allowed a career-high six sacks and received a career-worst grade of 55.0 from PFF, placing him in the bottom quartile of NFL centers. The offensive line unit faced criticism for poor cohesion and execution, and Cushenberry was part of a group that allowed 49 sacks, the second-worst total in the NFL that year.

On March 15, 2024, the Denver Broncos declined the fifth-year option on Cushenberry’s contract, effectively making him a free agent the following offseason. His future with the franchise became uncertain, and by the start of the 2024 training camp, reports indicated that the Broncos were pursuing younger options at center.

On March 14, 2025, after a five-year tenure that included ups and downs, Cushenberry was traded to the Buffalo Bills in exchange for a 2025 seventh-round draft pick. The move reunited him with Buffalo’s offensive line coach, Aaron Kromer, who had previously served as the Broncos’ offensive line coach in 2022–2023 and had recruited Cushenberry during the draft process. Although he was expected to compete with Juha Hakala and Greg Van Roten for the starting center position, an injury to Hakala during training camp elevated Cushenberry’s role. He impressed in camp and earned the Week 1 starting job.

Cushenberry made his Bills debut on September 7, 2025, against the Jacksonville Jaguars, starting at center in a 27–14 victory. He anchored a line that allowed just one sack and helped pave the way for a balanced offensive attack. Through the first six weeks of the season, he has started all six games, grading out at 71.8 (PFF), which ranks in the top 15 among league centers. His performance has included strong pass-blocking grades, particularly in protection of the interior against penetrating defensive tackles.

Playing Style & Strengths

Lloyd Cushenberry III is a classic, high-upside developmental center with the body of a mauler and the footwork of a guard. His playing style blends traditional smash-mouth principles with enough athleticism to handle modern, athletic defensive linemen. Standing 6' 4" and weighing 315 pounds, he operates with a low center of gravity and excellent posture, allowing him to generate power in the run game and anchor against bull rushes.

One of Cushenberry’s greatest strengths is his hand placement. He uses quick, violent hands to slap away initial contact and reset his base, a technique that minimizes the effectiveness of inside moves. This skill has made him particularly effective in zone schemes, where lateral movement and quick recovery are essential. He also demonstrates strong awareness in pass protection, often identifying stunts or delayed blitzes before they develop, enabling him to slide and communicate effectively to his fellow linemen.

In the running game, Cushenberry functions primarily as a drive-blocker rather than a road-grader. He excels at moving defenders off the ball in gap schemes and sealing the edge on outside runs. His combination of size and footwork allows him to reach blocks quickly, which is especially valuable in stretch or outside zone concepts. However, he does not possess the raw power of some elite run-blocking centers like Corey Linsley, and can be driven backward when matched against stronger interior rushers.

On the snap, Cushenberry is generally accurate and consistent, though not elite. He has improved significantly in this area since entering the league, reducing wild snaps or misfires that plagued him early in his career. His communication skills are another asset; he effectively identifies and adjusts protections pre- and post-snap, particularly in pro-style systems where the center is responsible for calling out linebacker blitzes.

Defensively, Cushenberry is not an aggressive penetrator but rather a patient technician who waits for contact before firing his hips. He struggles against quick, twitchy interior defenders like Aaron Donald or Quenton Nelson, who can beat him with suddenness and leverage. His lack of elite athleticism also shows up in space, where he struggles to recover when pulled out of his gap.

Despite these limitations, Cushenberry’s greatest strengths lie in his durability and dependability. Over his first five seasons, he has started 68 of a possible 80 games, demonstrating resilience and consistency that is highly valued on offensive lines. His ability to play through minor injuries and maintain technique under duress speaks to his professionalism and football IQ.

Personal Life

Lloyd Cushenberry III maintains a relatively private personal life, keeping much of his family and off-field activities out of the public eye. He is known to be deeply devout, referencing his Christian faith during interviews and on social media. Cushenberry has spoken in the past about using his platform to inspire youth, particularly children in rural communities like Carville, emphasizing the importance of education and hard work.

He is active in charitable endeavors, though specifics are limited. It was reported in 2021 that he participated in a youth football camp in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, alongside former NFL players from the area. He has also contributed to school supply drives and local food banks, aligning with his commitment to community service.

Cushenberry is unmarried and does not have any children publicly associated with him. He is a fan of Southern Louisiana cuisine, particularly gumbo and crawfish, and maintains close ties with his family in Carville. Social media presence is minimal, with no active verified accounts, reflecting a preference for staying focused on his craft rather than personal branding.

Legacy & Future Outlook

Lloyd Cushenberry III’s NFL journey has been a testament to durability, adaptability, and quiet professionalism. Though he was selected in the third round of the 2020 draft amid high expectations, his path has been one of steady, if not spectacular, progression. After five seasons in Denver—culminating in a move to Buffalo—he now carries the opportunity to redefine his career on one of the NFL’s most respected franchises.

His tenure with the Bills in 2025 has been marked by early success, as he has stabilized the center position in a line that had experienced positional flux. If he can maintain his current level of play—particularly in pass protection—he could solidify a long-term role in Buffalo. The Bills’ offensive system, under head coach Sean McDermott and offensive coordinator Joe Brady, emphasizes physicality and intelligent protections, which suit Cushenberry’s skill set.

Looking ahead, Cushenberry will turn 30 in 2026, an age where interior linemen typically experience a decline in athleticism but can remain effective with refined technique and football IQ. His future in Buffalo likely hinges on sustaining high-level play and staying healthy. If he can continue to grade in the top half of NFL centers, he could earn a multi-year extension. Alternatively, if performance regresses, he may find himself competing for the starting job in 2027 or becoming a veteran rotational piece.

Cushenberry does not possess the elite physical traits or highlight-reel performances of a perennial Pro Bowler, but his contributions are measured in consistency and reliability. In a league where interior line play is often undervalued until it collapses, Cushenberry’s ability to anchor an offensive line cannot be overstated.

Ultimately, Lloyd Cushenberry III’s legacy may be that of a dependable professional who maximized modest athletic tools through relentless work ethic. While not a household name, he has carved out a niche as a trusted starting center in the NFL—an achievement in itself in a physically demanding and unforgiving position. As he continues his career with the Buffalo Bills, he stands at a crossroads: one more opportunity to silence doubters and cement his place as a key contributor to a championship contender.