Jim Houston

Bio

During his football career, Ohio State end Jim Houston captured a rare triple crown in championships by winning a state title, national collegiate championship and NFL crown all within his home state of Ohio. It was a natural choice for Houston to become a Buckeye as he followed his brother Lin to Columbus. Like Jim, Lin was All-America lineman who played on a National Championship Buckeye team and NFL title squad. Playing in the one platoon era, Houston averaged 44 minutes a game as a sophomore catching four passes for one score. That year the Bucks won the Big Ten and beat Oregon in the Rose Bowl. A Houston 18-yard pass reception set up the winning OSU touchdown as the Bucks won Woody Hayes’ second national title. In 1958, Houston earned first-team All-America notices. Through his entire career Houston was one of Hayes most called-on players as he averaged over 51 minutes of playing time a game. As a senior he averaged 56 minutes a contest and repeated as a first-team All-America and all-conference performer. While Ohio State was primarily a running team, when the team looked to throw, Houston delivered in a big way, averaging 24.6 yards per catch. Houston stayed in Ohio during his 13 season pro career playing for the Cleveland Browns. He appeared in four Pro Bowls, was a captain for seven seasons and was part of an NFL championship team in 1964.

Career Highlights

• 1959 All-Conference
• 1959 First Team All-America
• 1958 All-Conference
• 1958 First Team All-America