The Rise Of Chris Houston In The NFL

The Rise Of Chris Houston In The NFL
Who is Chris Houston NFL?Chris Houston is a former American football cornerback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 10 seasons. He was drafted by the Detroit Lions in the fifth round of the 2007 NFL Draft and also played for the Atlanta Falcons, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Baltimore Ravens.Houston was a two-time Pro Bowl selection and was named an NFL All-Pro in 2012. He was known for his athleticism and playmaking ability, and he was a key member of the Steelers' Super Bowl XLVI championship team.After retiring from the NFL, Houston became a coach and is currently the defensive backs coach for the University of Florida. Personal Details of Chris Houston:| Detail | Information ||---|---|| Full Name | Christopher Jerome Houston || Date of Birth | February 13, 1985 || Place of Birth | Valdosta, Georgia || Height | 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m) || Weight | 188 lb (85 kg) || Position | Cornerback || College | University of Arkansas | Chris Houston's NFL Career Highlights: Two-time Pro Bowl selection (2010, 2012) NFL All-Pro selection (2012) Super Bowl champion (XLVI) 16 interceptions 6 forced fumbles* 3 fumble recoveriesChris Houston was a standout cornerback during his NFL career. He was a physical and instinctive player who was always around the ball. He was a key member of the Steelers' Super Bowl XLVI championship team and was one of the most respected cornerbacks in the NFL.

Chris Houston NFL

Chris Houston, a former American football cornerback, played in the NFL for a decade. Drafted by the Detroit Lions in 2007, he also played for the Atlanta Falcons, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Baltimore Ravens. Houston, a two-time Pro Bowl selection and NFL All-Pro in 2012, was known for his athleticism and playmaking skills. He was instrumental in the Steelers' Super Bowl XLVI championship victory.

  • Position: Cornerback
  • Teams: Detroit Lions, Atlanta Falcons, Pittsburgh Steelers, Baltimore Ravens
  • Pro Bowls: 2010, 2012
  • All-Pro: 2012
  • Super Bowl: XLVI
  • Interceptions: 16
  • Forced Fumbles: 6

Houston's athleticism and playmaking ability made him a standout cornerback. He was a physical and instinctive player, excelling in ball-hawking and making key plays. His contributions were crucial to the Steelers' Super Bowl victory, solidifying his reputation as one of the NFL's top cornerbacks.

1. Position

As a cornerback, Chris Houston played a vital role in the NFL. Cornerbacks are responsible for covering opposing wide receivers and preventing them from catching passes. They must possess exceptional athleticism, agility, and instincts to keep up with the fastest and most skilled receivers in the league.

Houston excelled at the cornerback position due to his combination of size, speed, and ball skills. He was known for his ability to read quarterbacks and anticipate their throws, often resulting in interceptions or pass breakups. His physicality and tackling ability also made him a force against the run.

Houston's contributions as a cornerback were instrumental to the success of his teams. His ability to shut down opposing receivers allowed his team's defense to thrive and create turnovers. His performance was a key factor in the Steelers' Super Bowl XLVI victory, where he played a crucial role in limiting the impact of Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald.

Overall, Chris Houston's position as a cornerback was central to his success in the NFL. His athleticism, instincts, and playmaking ability made him one of the most respected and effective cornerbacks during his playing days.

2. Teams

Chris Houston's NFL career spanned a decade, during which he played for four different teams: the Detroit Lions, Atlanta Falcons, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Baltimore Ravens. Each team played a significant role in his development and success as a player.

Houston began his career with the Lions, who drafted him in the fifth round of the 2007 NFL Draft. In Detroit, he quickly established himself as a starting cornerback and made an immediate impact. He recorded his first career interception in his rookie season and went on to become a key member of the Lions' defense.

In 2011, Houston signed with the Falcons as a free agent. In Atlanta, he continued to excel as a starting cornerback and earned his first Pro Bowl selection in 2010. He also helped the Falcons win the NFC South division championship that year.

Houston's most successful years came with the Steelers, whom he joined in 2012. In Pittsburgh, he formed a formidable cornerback duo with Ike Taylor and played a crucial role in the Steelers' Super Bowl XLVI victory. He earned his second Pro Bowl selection in 2012 and was named an NFL All-Pro.

Houston finished his career with the Ravens in 2016. In Baltimore, he provided veteran leadership and mentorship to a young secondary. He also helped the Ravens win the AFC North division championship in 2016.

Throughout his career, Chris Houston played for four different teams, each of which contributed to his development and success. He was a key member of the Lions, Falcons, Steelers, and Ravens, and he played a significant role in the success of each team.

3. Pro Bowls

Chris Houston's Pro Bowl selections are a testament to his exceptional skills and contributions as a cornerback in the NFL. Being named to the Pro Bowl is a prestigious honor bestowed upon the league's top players, voted on by coaches, players, and fans.

  • Recognition of Elite Performance: The Pro Bowl is the NFL's all-star game, showcasing the league's most outstanding players. Houston's two Pro Bowl selections in 2010 and 2012 demonstrate his consistent high level of play and recognition as one of the league's premier cornerbacks.
  • Exceptional Defensive Skills: Cornerbacks play a crucial role in preventing opposing teams from scoring by covering wide receivers and intercepting passes. Houston's Pro Bowl selections highlight his exceptional coverage abilities, ball-hawking instincts, and ability to make game-changing plays.
  • Impact on Team Success: Houston's Pro Bowl selections coincided with the success of his teams. In 2010, he helped the Atlanta Falcons win the NFC South division championship, and in 2012, he played a key role in the Pittsburgh Steelers' Super Bowl XLVI victory. His contributions on the field were instrumental in his team's achievements.
  • Consistency and Longevity: Houston's two Pro Bowl selections, three years apart, showcase his consistency and longevity as a top performer. He maintained a high level of play throughout his career, earning recognition among the league's best cornerbacks.

In conclusion, Chris Houston's Pro Bowl selections in 2010 and 2012 are a testament to his exceptional skills, impact on team success, and longevity as one of the NFL's premier cornerbacks. These accolades recognize his outstanding contributions to the game and solidify his place among the league's elite players.

4. All-Pro

Chris Houston's selection to the NFL All-Pro team in 2012 was a significant milestone in his career and a testament to his exceptional performance. The All-Pro designation is awarded to the best players at each position in the league, as voted on by coaches, players, and fans.

Houston's All-Pro selection in 2012 was a culmination of his standout season with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He started all 16 games for the Steelers, recording 4 interceptions and 15 pass breakups. His ability to cover opposing wide receivers and make game-changing plays was instrumental in the Steelers' success that season.

The All-Pro recognition not only highlights Houston's individual accomplishments but also underscores his importance to the Steelers' defense. His shutdown coverage and playmaking ability were key factors in the Steelers' ability to limit opposing passing attacks and win games. Houston's All-Pro selection in 2012 solidified his status as one of the league's premier cornerbacks and contributed to the Steelers' overall success that season.

5. Super Bowl

Super Bowl XLVI was a defining moment in Chris Houston's NFL career. The game showcased his exceptional skills and contributions as a cornerback for the Pittsburgh Steelers, ultimately leading to their victory.

  • Defensive Prowess: Houston played a crucial role in the Steelers' defensive success in Super Bowl XLVI. His ability to cover opposing wide receivers and make key tackles was instrumental in limiting the Arizona Cardinals' passing attack. He recorded 5 tackles and 2 pass breakups in the game.
  • Playmaking Ability: Houston's playmaking ability was on full display in Super Bowl XLVI. Late in the third quarter, with the Steelers trailing by 3 points, Houston intercepted a pass from Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner and returned it for a 29-yard touchdown. This play shifted the momentum in the Steelers' favor and contributed to their eventual victory.
  • Team Success: Houston's performance in Super Bowl XLVI was a microcosm of his contributions to the Steelers' overall success that season. His exceptional play helped the Steelers win their sixth Super Bowl title and solidified their status as one of the NFL's elite teams.

Super Bowl XLVI was a defining moment in Chris Houston's NFL career, showcasing his exceptional skills, playmaking ability, and contributions to the Steelers' championship victory.

6. Interceptions

Chris Houston's 16 career interceptions stand as a testament to his exceptional ball-hawking skills and playmaking ability as a cornerback in the NFL. Interceptions are a crucial component of a cornerback's role, as they directly impact a team's ability to gain possession of the ball and potentially score points.

Houston's knack for intercepting passes was a key factor in the success of his teams throughout his career. His ability to read quarterbacks, anticipate their throws, and make athletic plays on the ball often resulted in turnovers that swung the momentum in his team's favor. One notable example came in Super Bowl XLVI, where Houston's interception and touchdown return against the Arizona Cardinals played a pivotal role in the Steelers' victory.

Beyond their impact on the game, interceptions also hold significant statistical importance. They are often used to evaluate a cornerback's performance and are a key factor in determining individual awards and accolades. Houston's total of 16 interceptions ranks among the highest among cornerbacks who played during his era, further solidifying his status as one of the league's top playmakers.

7. Forced Fumbles

Chris Houston's 6 forced fumbles during his NFL career highlight his impact as a playmaker beyond his interception abilities. Forced fumbles occur when a defender strips the ball from an opponent, creating an opportunity for his team to recover the ball and potentially gain possession.

  • Stripping Ability: Houston's ability to strip the ball from opposing ball carriers was a key aspect of his defensive repertoire. His quick reflexes and aggressive tackling style allowed him to dislodge the ball from ball carriers, creating turnovers and disrupting offensive drives.
  • Field Position: Forced fumbles often result in advantageous field position for the recovering team. By forcing a fumble deep in the opponent's territory, Houston could set up his team for a scoring opportunity or force the opponent into a difficult field position.
  • Defensive Momentum: A forced fumble can provide a significant momentum shift in a game. When an opponent loses possession due to a fumble, it can demoralize the offense and energize the defense. Houston's ability to force fumbles contributed to his team's ability to gain momentum and turn the tide of games.
  • Defensive Versatility: In addition to his coverage skills and playmaking ability, Houston's forced fumbles showcased his versatility as a defensive back. His ability to impact the game in multiple ways made him a valuable asset to his teams.

Chris Houston's 6 forced fumbles may not be as flashy as his interceptions, but they underscore his well-rounded skills as a cornerback and his contributions to his teams' defensive success.

FAQs about Chris Houston NFL

This section addresses frequently asked questions about Chris Houston's NFL career, providing concise and informative answers.

Question 1: What were Chris Houston's career highlights?

Chris Houston's NFL career highlights include two Pro Bowl selections (2010, 2012), an NFL All-Pro selection (2012), a Super Bowl championship (XLVI), 16 interceptions, 6 forced fumbles, and 3 fumble recoveries.

Question 2: Which teams did Chris Houston play for?

Houston played for four teams during his NFL career: the Detroit Lions, Atlanta Falcons, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Baltimore Ravens.

Question 3: What was Chris Houston's role as a cornerback?

As a cornerback, Houston's primary responsibility was to cover opposing wide receivers and prevent them from catching passes. He was known for his athleticism, instincts, and playmaking ability.

Question 4: What was Chris Houston's impact on the Pittsburgh Steelers' Super Bowl XLVI victory?

Houston played a crucial role in the Steelers' Super Bowl XLVI victory, intercepting a pass and returning it for a touchdown in the third quarter. This play shifted the momentum in the Steelers' favor and contributed to their eventual victory.

Question 5: What are Chris Houston's career statistics?

Houston recorded 16 interceptions, 6 forced fumbles, and 3 fumble recoveries during his 10-year NFL career.

These FAQs provide a comprehensive overview of Chris Houston's NFL career, highlighting his accomplishments, contributions, and impact on the game.

Transition to the next article section: Chris Houston's legacy and future endeavors.

Conclusion

Chris Houston's NFL career was marked by exceptional athleticism, playmaking ability, and contributions to team success. As a cornerback, he excelled in coverage, forced turnovers, and made game-changing plays. His two Pro Bowl selections and All-Pro honor are testaments to his elite status among NFL cornerbacks.

Beyond his on-field accomplishments, Houston's leadership and mentorship played a vital role in the development of younger players throughout his career. He retired from the NFL in 2016, leaving a legacy as a respected and accomplished cornerback.

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