Justin Houston

Houston attended Class AAAA Statesboro High School in Statesboro, Georgia, where he was a two-time All-Region selection and All-State honorable mention. He also played in three State Championships in 2003, 2004, and 2005. Statesboro won the State Championship in 2005, defeating Northside High School. He was teammates with fellow Georgia recruit DeAngelo Tyson.

Regarded as a four-star recruit by Rivals.com, Houston was listed as the #11 weakside defensive end in the class of 2007.{{Cite web |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/recruiting/rankings/rank-1489 |title=Weakside defensive ends 2007 |work=Rivals.com |date=January 25, 2007 }}

As a sophomore at the University of Georgia in 2009, Houston was a second-team All-SEC selection after recording 7.5 sacks. As a junior, Houston recorded 10 sacks, leading all linebackers in the SEC, and only second to Auburn's Nick Fairley who had 11.5 sacks as part of the defensive line, and was a first-team All-SEC selection and an All-American.

On January 15, 2011, Houston announced his decision to forgo his senior season and enter the 2011 NFL draft.{{cite web |title=Georgia football: Justin Houston to forgo senior season, enters NFL draft on deadline day |url=https://www.ledger-enquirer.com/sports/college/sec/university-of-georgia/bulldogs-blog/article29171221.html |access-date=February 13, 2019 |website=ledger-enquirer.com |date=January 16, 2011}} He attended the NFL Combine and performed all of the combine and positional drills. On April 26, 2011, it was reported that Houston had failed a drug test for marijuana that was administered at the NFL Combine.{{cite web |title=Report: Justin Houston, Christian Ballard failed drug test at Combine |url=https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/04/26/report-justin-houston-christian-ballard-failed-drug-test-at-combine/ |access-date=February 13, 2019 |website=profootballtalk.nbcsports.com}} On March 22, 2011, Houston attended Georgia's pro day and opted to run the 40-yard dash (4.61s), 20-yard dash (2.66s), and 10-yard dash (1.61s). He improved his times in all three drills and also performed positional drills during his pro day.{{cite web |title=Georgia OLB Justin Houston Impressive At Pro Day |url=https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2011/3/22/2065620/justin-houston-pro-day-nfl-draft-stock |access-date=February 13, 2019 |website=buffalorumblings.com |date=March 22, 2011}}

{{external media

| video1 =

[http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-combine/09000d5d81ec57ba/2011-combine-workout-Justin-Houston Justin Houston’s NFL Combine Workout]

| video2 =

[http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-draft/09000d5d81f25de1/2011-Draft-Profile-LB-Justin-Houston-Georgia 2011 NFL Draft Profile: Justin Houston]

}}

Houston attended pre-draft visits with multiple teams, including the Baltimore Ravens, Kansas City Chiefs, New York Giants, New York Jets, San Francisco 49ers, Seattle Seahawks, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.{{cite web |title=2011 draft visits and workouts tracker |url=https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/04/15/2011-draft-visits-and-workouts-tracker/ |access-date=February 13, 2019 |website=profootballtalk.nbcsports.com |date=April 15, 2011}} At the conclusion of the pre-draft process, Houston was projected to be a second-round pick by NFL draft experts and scouts. He received a late first-round projection by NFL draft experts prior to his failed drug test. Houston was ranked as the fourth-best linebacker prospect in the draft by NFL analyst Gil Brandt and Sports Illustrated and was ranked as the fifth best linebacker by DraftScout.com.{{cite web |title=On ability alone, these are top prospects of 2011 NFL Draft |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/on-ability-alone-these-are-top-prospects-of-2011-nfl-draft-09000d5d81e75a7b |access-date=February 13, 2019 |website=NFL.com |last=Brandt |first=Gil |date=February 24, 2011}}{{cite web |title=2011 NFL Draft: Ranking top 50 prospects heading into combine |url=https://www.si.com/nfl/2011/02/16/2011-nfl-draft-prospects |access-date=February 13, 2019 |website=si.com |date=February 16, 2011}}

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| note = All values from NFL Combine/Pro Day{{Cite web |title=Justin Houston Draft and Combine Prospect Profile |url=https://www.nfl.com/prospects/justin-houston/3200484f-5547-6949-dd42-0d64d4c020ff |access-date=July 19, 2021 |website=NFL.com}}{{Cite web |title=2011 NFL Draft Scout Justin Houston College Football Profile |url=https://draftscout.com/dsprofile.php?PlayerId=69063&DraftYear=2011 |access-date=February 1, 2024 |website=DraftScout.com}}

}}

The Kansas City Chiefs selected Houston in the third round (70th overall) of the 2011 NFL draft.{{Cite web |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2011/draft.htm |title=2011 NFL Draft Listing |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |access-date=2019-02-26}} He dropped to the third round after initially being projected as a late first-round pick due to a failed drug test at the NFL Combine.{{Cite web|title=Georgia's Houston Taken by Chiefs|url=http://www.miamiherald.com/2011/04/29/2193442/georgias-houston-taken-by-chiefs.html|access-date=May 1, 2011|date=April 29, 2011| first= Seth| last=Emerson|publisher=McClatchy Newspapers}} Houston was the ninth linebacker drafted in 2011.

On April 4, 2011, the Kansas City Chiefs signed Houston to a four-year, $2.78 million contract that includes a signing bonus of $1.04 million.{{cite web |title=Spotrac.com: Justin Houston contract |url=https://www.spotrac.com/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/justin-houston-7789/ |access-date=February 13, 2019 |website=Spotrac.com}} During training camp, Houston competed against veterans Andy Studebaker and Mike Vrabel to be a starting outside linebacker.{{cite web |title=Rookie Depth Chart Battles: Justin Houston |url=https://www.sbnation.com/2011/7/2/2248155/rookie-depth-chart-battles-justin-houston/comment/71323753 |access-date=February 13, 2019 |website=SBNation.com |last=Dove |first=Jon |date=July 2, 2011}} Head coach Todd Haley named Houston a backup outside linebacker to begin the regular season, behind starting outside linebackers Andy Studebaker and Tamba Hali.{{cite web |title=Ourlads.com: Kansas City Chiefs Depth Chart: 09/04/2011 |url=https://www.ourlads.com/nfldepthcharts/archive/123/KC |access-date=February 13, 2019 |website=Ourlads.com}}

Houston made his NFL debut and first NFL start in the season-opener against the Buffalo Bills and made two solo tackles during their 41–7 loss. On September 13, 2011, Houston was promoted to starting outside linebacker after surpassing Andy Studebaker on the Chiefs’ depth chart.{{cite web |title=Chiefs Depth Chart: Justin Houston Moves Ahead Of Andy Studebaker |url=https://www.arrowheadpride.com/2011/9/13/2423242/chiefs-depth-chart-justin-houston-andy-studebaker/comment/77246825 |access-date=February 13, 2019 |website=arrowheadpride.com |last=Thorman |first=Joe |date=September 13, 2011}} On December 4, 2011, Houston collected a season-high seven solo tackles and made a season-high three sacks on Bears’ quarterback Caleb Hanie during a 10–3 victory at the Chicago Bears in Week 13. Houston sacked Caleb Hanie for a nine-yard loss during the second quarter to mark the first of his career.{{cite web |title=Kansas City Chiefs at Chicago Bears - December 4th, 2011 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201112040chi.htm |access-date=February 13, 2019 |website=Pro Football Reference}} On December 13, 2011, the Kansas City Chiefs fired head coach Todd Haley after they fell to a 5–8 record. Defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel was named the interim head coach for the remainder of the season.{{cite web |title=Chiefs fire coach Todd Haley |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/7344798/kansas-city-chiefs-fire-coach-todd-haley-struggling-team-5-8 |access-date=February 13, 2019 |website=ESPN.com |date=December 13, 2011}} He finished his rookie season with 56 combined tackles (46 solo), 5.5 sacks, four pass deflections, and a forced fumble in 16 games and ten starts.{{cite web |title=NFL Player stats: Justin Houston (career) |url=http://www.nfl.com/player/justinhouston/2495493/careerstats |access-date=February 13, 2019 |website=NFL.com}} Houston received the Mack Lee Hill Award after teammates and coaches determined he was the best rookie on the Kansas City Chiefs in 2011.{{Cite web |last=Allen |first=Patrick |date=2012-01-03 |title=Chiefs Name Justin Houston Rookie Of The Year |url=https://arrowheadaddict.com/2012/01/03/chiefs-name-justin-houston-rookie-of-the-year/ |access-date=2023-03-08 |website=Arrowhead Addict |language=en-US}}

On January 9, 2012, the Chiefs officially promoted Romeo Crennel to head coach.{{cite web |title=Chiefs hire Romeo Crennel as head coach |url=https://www.cbc.ca/sports/football/nfl/chiefs-hire-romeo-crennel-as-head-coach-1.1156744 |access-date=February 13, 2019 |website=CBC.ca |date=January 9, 2012}} Houston entered training camp slated as a starting weakside linebacker. Head coach Romeo Crennel named Houston and Tamba Hali the starting outside linebackers to begin the season. They started alongside inside linebackers Derrick Johnson and Jovan Belcher.{{cite web |title=Ourlads.com: Kansas City Chiefs Depth Chart: 09/01/2012 |url=https://www.ourlads.com/nfldepthcharts/archive/135/KC |access-date=February 3, 2019 |website=Ourlads.com}}

On September 23, 2012, Houston made four combined tackles, a season-high three sacks, deflected two passes, and earned the first safety of his career during a 27–24 comeback overtime victory at the New Orleans Saints in Week 3. Houston sacked Saints’ quarterback Drew Brees for a seven-yard loss in the end zone for a safety during the fourth quarter. The play was challenged by the Saints and was upheld as the Kansas City Chiefs came back from an 18-point deficit.{{cite web |title=Kansas City Chiefs at New Orleans Saints - September 23rd, 2012 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201209230nor.htm |access-date=February 13, 2019 |website=Pro Football Reference}} On October 14, 2012, Houston recorded three combined tackles, deflected a pass, and made his first career interception as the Chiefs lost 38–10 at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 6. Houston intercepted a pass by Buccaneers’ quarterback Josh Freeman, that was intended for tight end Dallas Clark, and returned it for a 45-yard gain during the first quarter.{{cite web |title=Kansas City Chiefs at Tampa Bay Buccaneers - October 14th, 2012 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201210140tam.htm |access-date=February 14, 2019 |website=Pro Football Reference}} In Week 17, he collected a season-high nine combined tackles in a 38–3 loss at the Denver Broncos. On December 31, 2012, the Kansas City Chiefs fired head coach Romeo Crennel after they finished the season with a 2–14 record.{{cite web |title=Chiefs Fire Romeo Crennel |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/8795543/kansas-city-chiefs-dump-coach-romeo-crennel-keep-gm-scott-pioli-now |access-date=February 14, 2019 |website=ESPN.com}} Houston started in all 16 games, recording 66 combined tackles (53 solo), ten sacks, six pass deflections, one forced fumble, one interception, and a safety. On January 22, 2013, it was announced that Houston was selected to play in the 2013 Pro Bowl as a late replacement for Von Miller who was unable to play due to an injury. This became Houston's first Pro Bowl selection of his career as he joined fellow linebackers Derrick Johnson and Tamba Hali.{{cite web |title=Justin Houston added to the Pro Bowl |url=https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2013/1/22/3905662/justin-houston-pro-bowl-2013-chiefs |access-date=February 14, 2019 |website=SBNation.com |date=January 22, 2013}} He was ranked 49th by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2013.{{Cite web |title=2013 NFL Top 100 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/2013-nfl-top-100.htm |access-date=2023-03-08 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

On January 4, 2013, the Chiefs hired former Philadelphia Eagles' head coach Andy Reid to take over as head coach.{{cite web |title=Andy Reid to Chiefs is (almost) done: Former Eagles coach lands in Kansas City |url=https://www.arrowheadpride.com/2013/1/4/3831698/andy-reid-hired-head-coach-kansas-city-chiefs-coach |access-date=February 14, 2019 |website=arrowheadpride.com}} On May 30, 2013, Houston was named the 49th best player in the NFL according to the NFL Top 100 Players of 2013 ranking, which is generated by the players.{{cite web |last1=Wesseling |first1=Chris |date=May 30, 2013 |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/justin-houston-a-surprise-on-top-100-players-of-2013-0ap1000000208193 |title=Justin Houston a surprise on 'Top 100 Players of 2013' |website=NFL.com |access-date=October 2, 2024}} Defensive coordinator Bob Sutton retained Houston and Tamba Hali as the starting outside linebackers. They started alongside inside linebackers Derrick Johnson and Akeem Jordan.{{cite web |title=Ourlads.com: Kansas City Chiefs Depth Chart: 09/05/2013 |url=https://www.ourlads.com/nfldepthcharts/archive/150/KC |access-date=February 14, 2019 |website=Ourlads.com}}

On September 19, 2013, Houston made seven combined tackles, deflected three passes, and made a season-high 4.5 sacks on Eagles’ quarterback Michael Vick during a 26–16 victory at the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 3.{{cite web |title=Kansas City Chiefs at Philadelphia Eagles - September 19th, 2013 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201309190phi.htm |access-date=February 14, 2019 |website=Pro Football Reference}} In Week 11, he collected a season-high ten combined tackles (nine solo) and deflected a pass as the Chiefs lost 27–17 at the Denver Broncos.{{cite web |title=NFL Player stats: Justin Houston (2013) |url=http://www.nfl.com/player/justinhouston/2495493/gamelogs?season=2013 |access-date=February 14, 2019 |website=NFL.com}} In Week 12, Houston sustained an elbow injury during a 41–38 loss against the San Diego Chargers and remained inactive for the last five games of the season (Weeks 13–17).{{cite web |title=Justin Houston injures elbow; Tamba Hali sprains ankle |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/justin-houston-injures-elbow-tamba-hali-sprains-ankle-0ap2000000287886 |access-date=February 14, 2019 |website=NFL.com |date=November 25, 2013}} On December 27, 2013, it was announced that Houston was selected to play in the 2014 Pro Bowl.{{cite web |title=2014 Pro Bowl rosters: Peyton Manning, Tom Brady headline AFC selections |url=https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2013/12/27/5248720/nfl-pro-bowl-2014-roster-afc |access-date=February 14, 2019 |website=sbnation.com |date=December 27, 2013}} He finished the 2013 NFL season with 44 combined tackles (40 solo), 11 sacks, four pass deflections, and a forced fumble in 11 games and 11 starts.

The Chiefs finished second in the AFC West with an 11–5 record and earned a playoff berth. On January 4, 2014, Houston started in his first career playoff game and recorded four combined tackles, deflected a pass, and made one sack during a 45–44 loss at the Indianapolis Colts in the AFC Wildcard Game. He was ranked 57th by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2014.{{Cite web |title=2014 NFL Top 100 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/2014-nfl-top-100.htm |access-date=2023-03-08 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

Houston and Tamba Hali returned as the starting outside linebackers in 2014 and started alongside inside linebackers Derrick Johnson and Josh Mauga.{{cite web |title=Kansas City Chiefs 2014 Virtual Program: Depth Chart Analysis, X-Factors & More |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2183086-kansas-city-chiefs-2014-virtual-program-depth-chart-analysis-x-factors-more |access-date=February 14, 2019 |website=bleacherreport.com |date=September 1, 2014}} On October 26, 2014, Houston recorded five solo tackles and made a season-high three sacks on Rams’ quarterback Austin Davis during a 34–7 win against the St. Louis Rams in Week 8. In Week 13, Houston collected a season-high eight combined tackles, deflected two passes, and made one sack in a 29–16 loss against the Denver Broncos.{{Cite web |title=Denver Broncos at Kansas City Chiefs - November 30th, 2014 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201411300kan.htm |access-date=2023-03-08 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} On December 23, 2014, Houston was voted to the 2015 Pro Bowl, which became his third consecutive Pro Bowl selection.{{cite web |title=2015 Pro Bowl: Complete roster |url=http://www.nfl.com/probowl/story/0ap3000000448746/article/2015-pro-bowl-complete-roster |access-date=February 15, 2019 |website=NFL.com |date=December 23, 2014}} Houston started in all 16 games in 2014 and recorded a career-high 69 combined tackles (60 solo), 22 sacks, five pass deflections, and four forced fumbles. Houston led the NFL with 22 sacks, which nearly broke Michael Strahan's single season sack record of 22.5.{{Cite web |title=Justin Houston 2014 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/H/HousJu00/gamelog/2014/ |access-date=2023-03-08 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} He was ranked 27th by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2015.{{Cite web |title=2015 NFL Top 100 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/2015-nfl-top-100.htm |access-date=2023-03-08 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

On March 3, 2015, the Chiefs placed a non-exclusive franchise tag, worth $13.195 million, on Houston, meaning that he could negotiate with other teams, but the Chiefs had the right to match any offer, or receive two first-round picks as compensation.{{cite web|title=Kansas City Chiefs franchise tag Justin Houston|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/kansas-city-chiefs-franchise-tag-justin-houston-0ap3000000475736|website=National Football League|access-date=March 3, 2015}} On July 15, 2015, hours before the deadline for long-term deals on franchise players, the Chiefs signed Houston to a six-year contract worth $101 million. The deal included $52.5 million in guarantees.{{Cite web |last1=Schefter |first1=Adam |last2=Teicher |first2=Adam |date=2015-07-15 |title=Chiefs sign Houston to landmark $101M deal |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/13260695/kansas-city-chiefs-sign-justin-houston-landmark-deal |access-date=2023-03-08 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}} He started 11 games in 2015 before suffering a knee injury in Week 12 and missed the final five games of the regular season. The injury was believed to just be a hyperextension; unfortunately, it required surgery on the ACL.{{cite web|title=Chiefs' Justin Houston could miss upcoming season after ACL surgery|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/15040673/kansas-city-chiefs-lb-justin-houston-miss-upcoming-season-acl-surgery|author=Teicher, Adam|website=ESPN.com|date=March 22, 2016|access-date=February 5, 2017}} Despite the injury, Houston was named to his fourth straight Pro Bowl and was ranked 26th by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2016.{{Cite web |title=2016 NFL Top 100 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/2016-nfl-top-100.htm |access-date=2023-03-08 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

Houston began the season on the physically unable to perform list after having ACL surgery in February. One month after the regular season started, he was activated for a three-week practice period. At the end of the period, the Chiefs had to activate him or place him on injured reserve.{{cite web|url=http://www.chiefs.com/news/article-2/Justin-Houston-Returns-to-Practice-for-the-Chiefs/7be2de1e-c9ba-4942-b28b-2fb135a8fee5|title=Justin Houston Returns to Practice for the Chiefs|access-date=November 6, 2016|archive-date=November 6, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161106185006/http://www.chiefs.com/news/article-2/Justin-Houston-Returns-to-Practice-for-the-Chiefs/7be2de1e-c9ba-4942-b28b-2fb135a8fee5|url-status=dead}} At the end of the period, the Chiefs chose to activate him.{{Cite web |last=Teicher |first=Adam |date=2016-11-10 |title=Chiefs' Houston expects to 'dominate' in return |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/18015981/justin-houston-kansas-city-chiefs-expects-dominate-return |access-date=2023-11-25 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}} The first game after he was activated to the active roster, the Chiefs placed him on their inactive list for the game.{{Cite web |last=Teicher |first=Adam |date=2016-11-11 |title=Chiefs LB Houston won't return Sunday after all |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/18025002/justin-houston-kansas-city-chiefs-return-sunday-all |access-date=2023-11-25 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}} Houston finally saw his first game action against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 11, easing into things with just two tackles. He then turned in a dominant performance against the Denver Broncos in Week 12, finishing the game with 10 tackles and three sacks, one of which forced a fumble and resulted in a safety.{{Cite web |last=Thomas |first=Jeanna |date=November 30, 2016 |title=Justin Houston has returned to form and the Chiefs couldn't be happier |url=https://www.sbnation.com/2016/11/30/13798212/justin-houston-return-to-form-chiefs-andy-reid-eric-berry |access-date=2023-03-08 |website=SBNation.com}} He finished the 2016 season only playing five games, recording 21 tackles and four sacks. Despite missing most of the season, Houston was still ranked 76th by his peers on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2017.{{Cite web |title=2017 NFL Top 100 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/2017-nfl-top-100.htm |access-date=2023-03-08 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

Houston finished the 2018 regular season with 37 tackles, nine sacks, five forced fumbles, and one interception, playing 12 games.{{Cite web |title=Justin Houston 2018 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/H/HousJu00/gamelog/2018/ |access-date=2023-03-08 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

On March 10, 2019, Houston was released by the Chiefs after eight seasons. The Chiefs attempted to trade Houston, but were unable to find someone willing to make the trade.{{cite web|work=NFL.com|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/end-of-an-era-chiefs-cut-veteran-lb-justin-houston-0ap3000001021058|title=End of an era: Chiefs cut veteran LB Justin Houston|first=Kevin|last=Patra|date=March 10, 2019|access-date=March 10, 2019}}

On March 21, 2019, Houston signed a two-year, $24 million contract with the Indianapolis Colts.{{cite web|title=Colts sign All-Pro pass rusher Justin Houston|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/colts-sign-all-pro-pass-rusher-justin-houston-0ap3000001023797|author=Teope, Herbie|website=NFL.com|date=March 21, 2019}}

Houston made his Colts debut in the season-opener against the Los Angeles Chargers. In the game, Houston made 4 tackles and sacked Philip Rivers once in the 24–30 overtime loss.{{Cite web |date=8 September 2019 |title=Ekeler scores 3 TDs in Chargers 30-24 OT win over Colts |agency=Associated Press|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=401127972 |access-date=8 September 2019 |website=ESPN.com}} In Week 5, against his former team, Kansas City Chiefs, Houston recorded 4 tackles, two tackles for losses, and one sack, earning him AFC Defensive Player of the Week.{{Cite web |title=2019 NFL Week 5 Leaders & Scores |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2019/week_5.htm |access-date=2023-03-08 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

In week 7 against the Houston Texans, Houston recorded 2 sacks on Deshaun Watson in the 30–23 win.{{Cite web |date=20 October 2019 |title=Colts take AFC South lead with 30-23 victory over Texans |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=401127951 |agency=Associated Press|access-date=20 October 2019 |website=ESPN.com}}

In week 9 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Houston recorded a sack on Mason Rudolph in the end zone, resulting in a safety, and recovered a fumble forced by Marvell Tell on running back Jaylen Samuels in the 26–24 loss.{{Cite web |date=3 November 2019 |title=Vinatieri misses late, Steelers edge Colts 26-24 |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=401128083|agency=Associated Press |access-date=3 November 2019 |website=ESPN.com}}

After the Colts acquired DeForest Buckner in a trade with the San Francisco 49ers, Houston reverted to #50, his number with the Kansas City Chiefs.

In Week 1 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Houston recorded his first sack of the season on Gardner Minshew during the 27–20 loss.{{Cite web |title=Indianapolis Colts at Jacksonville Jaguars - September 13th, 2020 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202009130jax.htm |access-date=2020-09-17 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

In Week 13 against the Houston Texans, Houston sacked Deshaun Watson three times during the 26–20 win.{{Cite web |title= Indianapolis Colts at Houston Texans - December 6th, 2020 |url= https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202012060htx.htm |access-date=2020-12-08 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

File:Ravens vs Bengals OCT2021 (cropped).jpg in 2021]]

On July 31, 2021, Houston signed a one-year deal with the Baltimore Ravens.{{cite web|work=BaltimoreRavens.com |url=https://www.baltimoreravens.com/news/ravens-add-pass-rusher-justin-houston-on-one-year-deal|title=Ravens Add Pass Rusher Justin Houston on One-Year Deal|date=July 31, 2021|accessdate=August 1, 2021|first=Ryan|last=Mink}} On November 11, 2021, in a game against the Miami Dolphins, Houston recorded his 100th career sack, sacking quarterback Jacoby Brissett, becoming the 37th player in NFL history to do so.{{cite web|work=BaltimoreRavens.com |url=https://www.baltimoreravens.com/news/justin-houston-logs-100th-career-sack-in-miami|title=Justin Houston Logs 100th Career Sack in Miami|date=November 11, 2021|accessdate=November 11, 2021|first=Ryan|last=Mink}}

On May 2, 2022, the Ravens placed an unrestricted free agent tender on Houston worth $2.075 million.{{Cite web |last=Alper |first=Josh |date=May 2, 2022 |title=Ravens place UFA tender on Justin Houston |url=https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2022/05/02/ravens-placed-ufa-tender-on-justin-houston/ |access-date=2023-03-08 |website=Pro Football Talk |publisher=NBC Sports}} He re-signed with the team on July 12, 2022.{{Cite web |last=Brown |first=Clifton |date=July 12, 2022 |title=Ravens Officially Sign Justin Houston |url=https://www.baltimoreravens.com/news/ravens-agree-to-terms-with-justin-houston |access-date=2023-03-08 |website=BaltimoreRavens.com}} In a Week 9 matchup against the New Orleans Saints, Houston recorded 2.5 sacks and an interception as the Ravens won 27–13. With those sacks, Houston became the first player in Ravens' history to register multiple sacks in three consecutive games.{{Cite web |last=Hanzus |first=Dan |date=November 8, 2022 |title=NFL Power Rankings, Week 10: Philadelphia Eagles reclaim No. 1 spot; New York Jets soar into top |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/nfl-power-rankings-week-10-2022-nfl-season |access-date=11 November 2022 |website=NFL.com |publisher=National Football League}} For his performance, Houston was named the AFC Defensive Player of the Week.{{Cite web |last=Brown |first=Clifton |date=November 9, 2022 |title=Justin Houston Named AFC Defensive Player of the Week |url=https://www.baltimoreravens.com/news/justin-houston-named-afc-defensive-player-week-9 |access-date=11 November 2022 |website=BaltimoreRavens.com |publisher=Baltimore Ravens}}

On August 6, 2023, Houston signed with the Carolina Panthers.{{Cite web |last=Gantt |first=Darin |date=August 6, 2023 |title=Panthers agree to terms with Justin Houston |url=https://www.panthers.com/news/panthers-agree-to-terms-with-justin-houston |access-date=8 August 2023 |website=Panthers.com |publisher=Carolina Panthers}} He suffered a hamstring injury in Week 8 and was placed on injured reserve on November 4, 2023.{{Cite web |date=November 4, 2023 |title=Justin Houston placed on injured reserve |url=https://www.panthers.com/news/justin-houston-placed-on-injured-reserve |access-date=2025-02-27 |website=Panthers.com}} He was released upon request on December 19, 2023.{{Cite news |date=December 19, 2023 |title=Panthers releasing LB Justin Houston |work=Charlotte Sports Network |url=https://cltsn.com/panthers-releasing-lb-justin-houston/ |access-date=December 19, 2023 |archive-date=December 19, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231219194307/https://cltsn.com/panthers-releasing-lb-justin-houston/ |url-status=dead }}

On January 9, 2024, Houston signed with the Miami Dolphins.{{cite web|url=https://www.miamidolphins.com/news/miami-dolphins-make-roster-moves-1-9-24|work=MiamiDolphins.com|title=Miami Dolphins Make Roster Moves|date=January 9, 2024|accessdate=January 10, 2024}}

{{update section|date=November 2023}}

Houston is a Christian.{{Cite web |last=Mercer |first=Kevin |date=November 9, 2022 |title=33-year-old Ravens LB Justin Houston having career year: 'I just want to glorify God' |url=https://sportsspectrum.com/sport/football/2022/11/09/ravens-justin-houston-career-year-glorify-god/ |access-date=10 November 2022 |website=Sports Spectrum}} He is married with four children.{{Cite web |last=Keefer |first=Zak |date=September 11, 2020 |title=A house lost and a passion found: The day that changed Justin Houston |url=https://theathletic.com/2036878/2020/09/11/a-house-lost-and-a-passion-found-the-day-that-changed-justin-houston/?amp=1 |access-date=10 November 2022 |website=The Athletic}}

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{{Commons category}}

• {{Football stats |nfl=justin-houston|espn=14048 |pfr=H/HousJu00|yahoo=24857}}
• [http://www.nmnathletics.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=8800&ATCLID=787280 Georgia Bulldogs bio] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121107041210/http://www.nmnathletics.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=8800&ATCLID=787280 |date=November 7, 2012 }}

{{Chiefs2011DraftPicks}}

{{NFL sack leaders}}

{{100 sacks club}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Houston, Justin}}

Category:1989 births

Category:Living people

Category:Players of American football from Statesboro, Georgia

Category:American football linebackers

Category:American football defensive ends

Category:Georgia Bulldogs football players

Category:Kansas City Chiefs players

Category:Indianapolis Colts players

Category:Baltimore Ravens players

Category:Carolina Panthers players

Category:Miami Dolphins players

Category:American Conference Pro Bowl players

Category:Unconferenced Pro Bowl players