35 Facts About James Houston

Early Life and Education

James Houston's journey began in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where he was born on November 16, 1998.

1. Birth and Family: James Houston IV was born in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
2. High School: He attended the American Heritage School, where he excelled as a three-star recruit in football.
3. College: Initially committed to the University of Florida, he later transferred to Jackson State University.

College Football Career

Houston's college football career was marked by significant achievements and challenges.

4. Florida Gators: At Florida, Houston redshirted his true freshman season due to a credit card fraud scheme.
5. Redshirt Freshman: Played in all 13 games, making 28 tackles with two tackles for loss, two forced fumbles, and one blocked punt.
6. Redshirt Sophomore: Recorded 38 tackles, six tackles for loss, and 3.5 sacks.
7. Redshirt Junior: Made 37 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, one sack, and one forced fumble.
8. Jackson State Tigers: After transferring, he had a standout season with 70 tackles, 24.5 tackles for loss, 16.5 sacks, seven forced fumbles, and an interception.
9. All-SWAC Honors: Named first-team All-Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC).
10. STATS FCS All-American: Recognized as a STATS FCS All-American for his exceptional performance.

Professional Football Career

Houston's transition to professional football saw him making an immediate impact.

11. NFL Draft: Selected in the sixth round (217th overall) of the 2022 NFL draft by the Detroit Lions.
12. Detroit Lions: Waived on August 30, 2022, but signed to the practice squad and later promoted to the active roster on November 28, 2022.
13. 4-Game Sack Streak: Achieved a 4-game sack streak at the beginning of his career, a rare feat in NFL history.
14. Injury: Placed on injured reserve on September 19, 2023, due to a leg injury.
15. Reinstatement: Reinstated by the Lions on January 18, 2024.

Athletic Statistics

Houston's physical attributes and performance metrics are impressive.

16. Height and Weight: Stands at 6 feet 1 inch and weighs 245 pounds.
17. Arm Length and Hand Span: Arm length is 34.25 inches, and hand span is 9 inches.
18. 40-Yard Dash: Recorded a 40-yard dash time of 4.74 seconds at his Pro Day.

Author James D. Houston

James D. Houston made significant contributions to literature, particularly through his novels and non-fiction works.

19. Birth and Family: Born in San Francisco, California, to parents who migrated from Texas during the Great Depression.
20. Education: Studied drama at San Jose State College, where he met his future wife, Jeanne Wakatsuki Houston.
21. Writing Career: Authored eight novels, including "Bird of Another Heaven" and "Snow Mountain Passage."
22. Non-fiction Works: Co-authored "Farewell to Manzanar" with his wife, detailing their family's World War II internment experience.
23. Personal Life: Married Jeanne Wakatsuki Houston in Honolulu in 1957 and raised three children in Santa Cruz, California.
24. Health Issues: Passed away in April 2009 due to complications from lymphoma.

Spiritual Theology Expert

James M. Houston is renowned for his expertise in spiritual theology and the Psalms.

25. James M. Houston: Served as Principal of Regent College from 1970 to 1978 and later as Chancellor until 1980.
26. Publications: Authored numerous books and articles, including "The Mentored Life" and "Joyful Exiles."
27. Research Focus: Recent research centers on the role of the penitential psalms in church history.

Educational Contributions

Houston's impact extends to his teaching and educational roles.

28. Teaching Experience: Taught writing part-time at the University of California's Santa Cruz campus for over twenty years.
29. Lurie Chair: Held the prestigious Lurie Chair as Distinguished Visiting Professor in Creative Writing at San Jose State University in 2006.

Travel and Lectures

Houston's travels and lectures have enriched his understanding and contributions.

30. Pacific Basin Travel: Traveled extensively in the Pacific Basin, including Okinawa and the Marquesas Islands.
31. Smithsonian Lecturer: Served as a Smithsonian Lecturer for the Cunard Lines' South Pacific Cruise in 1998.
32. Lectures: Lectured at various institutions, including the University of the Ryukyus in Okinawa.

Personal Life

Houston's personal life was marked by his family and health challenges.

33. Family: Married Jeanne Wakatsuki Houston in 1957 and had three children: Corinne, Joshua, and Gabrielle.
34. Health Issues: Passed away in April 2009 due to complications from lymphoma.

Legacy

Houston's legacy spans sports, literature, and education.

35. Impact on Literature: "Farewell to Manzanar" remains widely read and studied, with significant influence on literature and education.

James Houston: A Multifaceted Talent

James Houston stands out as a remarkable individual with achievements spanning professional football, literature, and spiritual theology. From his early days as a promising football player at American Heritage School to his impressive college career at Florida and Jackson State, Houston's dedication and talent have been evident. His transition to the NFL with the Detroit Lions further showcased his resilience, especially with his notable 4-game sack streak.

Beyond the gridiron, Houston's contributions to literature, particularly through "Farewell to Manzanar," co-authored with his wife Jeanne Wakatsuki Houston, have left a lasting impact. His works continue to be widely read and studied, enriching the literary world.

In spiritual theology, Dr. James M. Houston's expertise and publications have influenced many, emphasizing the importance of the penitential psalms in church history.

James Houston's diverse accomplishments highlight his versatility and dedication, making him a notable figure in multiple fields.