James Houston uses his “underdog” tale to motivate young people at a camp.
Defensive end James Houston might be a well-known name to Detroit Lions fans today, but that wasn’t always the case.
While hosting a youth football camp at his alma mater Jackson State this week, Houston shared his up-and-down journey in Detroit to kids aged anywhere from five to 10 years old in hopes it inspires them to persevere in their own pursuits.
“My story is an underdog story, right?” Houston said, reports J.T. Keith of the Mississippi Clarion Ledger. “I feel there are a lot of people in the world that have everything kind of going against them. But you must persevere and push through and get to the end goal of what you want.”
The Lions drafted Houston in the sixth round of the 2022 NFL Draft. When they moved him to middle linebacker during training camp, he figured his days were numbered.
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“I was the only player drafted to get cut,” Houston said, per Keith. “It was a roller coaster ride of emotions. To being cut, to spending 12 weeks on the practice squad, to playing on Thanksgiving (Day) and getting two sacks.”
From getting cut to injuring his ankle, Houston has been through it physically and mentally in his short time as a Lion, but has still seen notable success. In 2022, he registered eight sacks in seven games, trailing only Aidan Hutchinson, who ended up with 9.5 sacks in 17 games. He would heal from that ankle injury in time to play in the NFC Championship.
“Don’t give up and don’t let anybody else give up on you. And you can always do what you put your mind to,” Houston said.
- While we’re talking James Houston, check out this breakdown from Brian Baldinger who says just this one play from a few years ago should be enough to get Lions fans hyped.
- Keeping up with former Lions — our friends over at Big Blue View take an in-depth look at Matt Nelson and whether he’ll make it to the 53-man roster for the Giants.
- The Lions gave their players some heartfelt gifts, including pictures of some of their top plays or silliest moments. My favorite reaction was Monty’s. <3
- All it takes is a repost for a chance to win some autographed Lions cards.
- CBS Sports’ Bryan DeArdo makes the call on whether 12 current players should be in the Hall of Fame, including former Lion Matthew Stafford.
- Another from CBS Sports — a ranking of the top 20 tight ends in 2024. Sam LaPorta cracked the top five.
