Houston won a National Championship at Ohio State in 1957

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, following his brother Lin to Columbus. Like Jim, Lin was an All-America who played on a National Championship Ohio State team and NFL title squad.

Playing in the one platoon era, Houston averaged 44 minutes a game as a sophomore end in 1957. In just his first season, Houston caught four passes for one score and terrorized opposing offenses from his defensive end position. That year the Buckeyes won the Big Ten title and beat Oregon in the Rose Bowl. Houston’s 18-yard reception in the Rose Bowl set up the winning touchdown and Ohio State won their second National Championship under legendary head coach Woody Hayes.

In 1958, Houston averaged 56 minutes a game, caught four passes for 127 yards and was named first-team All-America. As a senior, he averaged 56 minutes a contest and repeated as a first team All-America and all-conference performer. Houston was Ohio State’s featured receiving option in 1959, as he led the team with 11 catches for 214 yards and three touchdown receptions. While Ohio Sate was primarily a running team, when the team looked to throw Houston delivered in a big way, averaging 24.6 yards per catch on 19 career receptions.

The consummate iron man, Houston averaged over 51 minutes of playing time per game throughout his college career.

Selected by the Cleveland Browns in the first round of the 1960 NFL Draft, Houston played his entire 13-year pro career with the Browns. A standout pro linebacker and defensive end, Houston appeared in four Pro Bowls, was a captain for seven seasons and was a key contributor on the Browns’ 1964 NFL Championship Team.

Houston will receive college football’s ultimate honor when he is permanently enshrined into the College Football Hall of Fame on August 12, 2006.

For more information on the 2006 Enshrinement Festival, please click here.