Matthew Jay Cushing (born July 2, 1975) is a former professional American football player who played tight end for six seasons for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Cushing was a 1998 undrafted free agent of the Steelers who was released during camp that year. After injuries to Mark Bruener and Mitch Lyons in 1999, he obtained a roster spot. Cushing went on to increase his value to the team by serving as an emergency fullback. In college, at Illinois, he was a three-year starter who received the Bruce Capel award as most courageous player and was an Academic All Big Ten selection.