Justin Houston's journey in professional football began when he was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in the third round of the 2011 NFL Draft. As an outside linebacker, Houston quickly demonstrated his ability to disrupt opposing offenses with his pass-rushing skills. His rookie season set the stage for what would become a remarkable career in the NFL.
In his early years with the Chiefs, Houston developed into one of the league's most feared pass rushers. By the 2012 season, he had already established himself as a starter, recording 10 sacks and earning his first Pro Bowl selection. His performance continued to improve, and in 2013, he was named to the Pro Bowl once again, despite missing several games due to injury.
The 2014 season was a standout year for Houston. He led the NFL with 22 sacks, just half a sack shy of breaking the single-season record held by Michael Strahan. This incredible achievement earned him a first-team All-Pro selection and solidified his reputation as one of the top defensive players in the league. Houston's ability to pressure quarterbacks and his relentless pursuit of the ball made him a cornerstone of the Chiefs' defense.
In 2015, Houston signed a six-year, $101 million contract with the Chiefs, making him one of the highest-paid defensive players in NFL history at the time. However, injuries began to take a toll on his performance. Despite this, he continued to be a valuable asset to the team, contributing both on the field and as a leader in the locker room.
Houston's tenure with the Chiefs came to an end after the 2018 season when he was released by the team in a cost-cutting move. Shortly thereafter, he signed with the Indianapolis Colts, where he continued to demonstrate his pass-rushing prowess. In his first season with the Colts, Houston recorded 11 sacks, proving that he still had plenty to offer at the professional level.
During his time with the Colts, Houston remained a consistent performer, providing veteran leadership and experience to a young defensive unit. His ability to adapt and continue producing at a high level was evident, as he recorded 8 sacks in the 2020 season.
In 2021, Houston signed with the Baltimore Ravens, adding depth and experience to their defensive lineup. Although his sack numbers were not as high as in previous years, his presence on the field and in the locker room was invaluable to the Ravens' defense.
Throughout his career, Justin Houston was known for his relentless work ethic and ability to perform in crucial moments.
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