James Houston IV born November 16, 1998 is an American professional football linebacker currently a free agent. He played college football at the University of Florida before transferring to Jackson State. Houston began his college career at the University of Florida but redshirted his true freshman season after being suspended, along with eight other players, for his involvement in a credit card fraud scheme. In his redshirt freshman year, he played in all 13 games as a reserve linebacker, recording 28 tackles, two tackles for loss, two forced fumbles, and one blocked punt.
James Houston Biography 2025
During his redshirt sophomore season, he tallied 38 tackles, six tackles for loss, and 3.5 sacks. As a redshirt junior, he registered 37 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, one sack, and one forced fumble. After the season, he entered the NCAA transfer portal. Houston transferred to Jackson State, where he played for one season. In his lone year with the Tigers, he accumulated 70 tackles, 24.5 tackles for loss, 16.5 sacks, seven forced fumbles, and an interception. His standout performance earned him first-team All-Southwestern Athletic Conference honors.
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James Houston Biography Details
Born
November 16, 1998 (age 26)
Fort Lauderdale, Florida, U.S.
Height
6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)
Weight
248 lb (112 kg)
High school
American Heritage
(Plantation, Florida)
College
Florida (2017–2020)
Jackson State (2021)
Position
Linebacker
NFL draft
2022 / round: 6 / pick: 217
James Houston Early Life
Houston was raised in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and attended the American Heritage School. As a highly regarded three-star recruit, he chose to play college football at the University of Florida, despite receiving offers from schools like Wisconsin, South Carolina, Michigan, and Miami.
Houston previously signed a two-year contract worth $1.575 million.
James Houston Summary
James Houston IV is an American professional football linebacker who is currently a free agent. He began his college career at Florida before transferring to Jackson State, where he earned first-team All-SWAC honors in 2021. Houston was drafted by the Detroit Lions in the sixth round of the 2022 NFL Draft and made an immediate impact, recording a four-game sack streak. He was placed on injured reserve in 2023 but was reinstated in 2025. Houston was released by the Lions in November 2025 and is now a free agent.
