Position: End
Years: 1957-1959
Place of Birth: Massillon, OH
Date of Birth: Nov 03, 1937
Place of Death: Massillon, OH
Date of Death: Sept. 11, 2018
Jersey Number: 84
Height: 6-2
Weight: 216
High School: Massillon, OH (Washington HS)
Jim Houston was born Nov. 3, 1937, in Massillon, Ohio. He played football at Massillon Washington High School, and he led the team to two state titles before graduating and attending Ohio State.
A two-time Ohio State team MVP and two-time consensus First Team All-American, Houston was a true 60-minute man, starring at both offensive and defensive end under Hall of Fame coach Woody Hayes from 1957-59. A two-time All-Big Ten selection, he participated in both the East-West Shrine Game and the Hula Bowl.
As a sophomore in 1957, Houston helped the Buckeyes to a 9-1 record, a Big Ten title and the National Championship. The 1957 season was capped off by a win over Oregon in the Rose Bowl. He contributed on both sides of the ball all three years, and though primarily a blocker on offense, was the team's leading receiver in 1959. He was named to the Ohio State Football All-Century Team as a defensive end in 2000.
The No. 8 pick in the 1960 draft by the Cleveland Browns, Houston began his career at defensive end but switched to linebacker entering the 1963 season. He went on to earn Pro Bowl recognition in 1964, 1965, 1969 and 1970, and he appeared in every game during the team's 1964 championship season. He was inducted into the Cleveland Browns Legends program in 2006.
Houston earned the nickname "Mr. Dependable" during the Brown's 1962 season, when he was recalled for active duty service with the United States Army during the week and would fly in each weekend for the team's games to serve as a reserve player. Outside of his final year with the team, it was the only season in which he was not a regular starter.
Houston was also known for his dedication to the community, specifically youths at the Boys and Girls' Club, where he was philanthropically involved.
Houston passed away Sept. 11, 2018, at the age of 80.
