Cunningham gets the job done
Inside linebacker continues upward trend in third season
Although he’s a deep thinker who loves to relax by busting out some light acoustics on his guitar, Texans inside linebacker Zach Cunningham doesn’t get so introspective that he forgets to focus on the moment.
Whether it’s picking off Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield and returning the interception for a touchdown last season or stuffing the Tennessee Titans on a fourth-and-inches play inside the red zone to prevent a touchdown, Cunningham prides himself on his ability to focus and perform.
Overshadowed by his running partner at inside linebacker — Pro Bowler and $51 million man Benardrick McKinney — Cunningham doesn’t spend a lot of time thinking about individual recognition.
If it comes, that would be nice. His primary thoughts are on simply doing his job: chasing down running backs, operating in pass coverage and making the most of his occasional blitzing opportunities.
“Each year, my mindset is to improve and do the things I’ve
lacked on in past years,” Cunningham said. “It doesn’t concern me, if I’m underrated or not. I just like to go out there and have fun.”
What Cunningham has accomplished in his first two NFL seasons is impressive. Since being drafted in the second round out of Vanderbilt, the Pinson, Ala., native has 197 tackles, 1½ sacks, three forced fumbles and 11 passes deflected.
Although he missed two games last season with a sprained knee, Cunningham still recorded 107 tackles.
Signed to a four-year, $4.47 million rookie contract that included $2.06 million guaranteed with a $1.39 million signing bonus, Cunningham definitely looks like he’ll be a strong candidate for a big second contract. He won’t be eligible for a new deal until after this season, but the Texans have longterm plans for Cunningham.
The Texans regard Cunningham as a rare four-down contributor.
“He's a good player,” coach Bill O’Brien said. “Very athletic guy, he can cover, he plays the run well, really smart. Always have high expectations for Zach, always do. He’s a really good player.”
Tall and mobile at 6-3 and 235 pounds, Cunningham has run the 40-yard dash in 4.67 seconds with a 35-inch vertical leap and a 10-4 broad jump.
He’s as fast as most running backs.
“I pride myself on my speed and agility,” Cunningham said. “I’ve gotten bigger, faster, strong and quicker.”
At every level of football, Cunningham has excelled.
In college, Cunningham was a consensus All-American and AllSoutheastern Conference selection for the Commodores. He racked up 295 tackles and 39½ tackles for losses in three seasons before declaring early for the NFL draft following his junior season.
Although he isn’t campaigning for it, Cunningham would like to ascend to Pro Bowl status.
“I definitely have aspirations for the Pro Bowl as one of the best to play the game,” Cunningham said. “I have high aspirations as a player and about being able to improve every day. I’m always watching film and learning new things, talking with the other guys, seeing things from their perspective.” Busy tackling running backs and shedding blocks, Cunningham hasn’t put aside as much time as usual for music.
Whether it’s doing cover songs of Grammy award-winning musician John Legend or other artists, playing the guitar and the occasional video game are pastimes Cunningham thoroughly enjoys.
“I haven’t played the guitar a lot recently,” Cunningham said. “I definitely got to get back to it. I love music.”