Terry Cousin embarked on his professional football journey as a cornerback, entering the NFL with the Chicago Bears. After playing college football at the University of South Carolina, where he honed his skills and caught the attention of scouts, Cousin was signed by the Bears as an undrafted free agent in 1997. His early years in the league were marked by his efforts to establish himself in a competitive environment.
Cousin's tenure with the Bears lasted until 1999, after which he joined the Atlanta Falcons. During his time with the Falcons, he continued to develop his abilities on the field, contributing to the team's defensive strategies. His career then took him to the Miami Dolphins in 2000, where he played for two seasons. With the Dolphins, Cousin was part of a strong defensive unit and participated in several playoff games, gaining valuable experience in high-pressure situations.
In 2002, Cousin signed with the Carolina Panthers, where he spent three seasons. His time with the Panthers was marked by consistent performances, and he played a role in the team's journey to Super Bowl XXXVIII in the 2003 season. Although the Panthers were defeated by the New England Patriots, Cousin's participation in the Super Bowl was a highlight of his career.
Following his stint with the Panthers, Cousin joined the New York Giants in 2005. His experience and knowledge of the game were assets to the Giants' secondary. After a year with the Giants, he moved to the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2006. Cousin played two seasons with the Jaguars, contributing to their defense and helping the team reach the playoffs in the 2007 season.
Cousin's final stop in the NFL was with the Cleveland Browns in 2008. Although his time with the Browns was brief, it marked the conclusion of an 11-year career in professional football. Throughout his career, Cousin was known for his work ethic and ability to adapt to different defensive schemes across multiple teams.
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