Christopher Don Houston (born October 18, 1984) is an American former professional football player who was a cornerback in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Arkansas Razorbacks, and was selected by the Atlanta Falcons in the second round of the 2007 NFL draft. Houston was also a member of the Detroit Lions and Carolina Panthers.

Early life

Houston attended Mendez Middle School and LBJ High School in Austin, Texas, where he played running back and cornerback. During his senior year he rushed for 426 yards and six touchdowns, before moving exclusively to cornerback. He was also a shooting guard on the school's basketball team.

College career

Houston attended the University of Arkansas from 2003 to 2006. During his junior year in Fayetteville, he was a Pro Football Weekly All-American honorable mention and All-Southeastern Conference second-team selection by the league's coaches and Associated Press. He finished his college career with 89 tackles, three interceptions, three forced fumbles and a touchdown for the Razorbacks. After his junior year, Houston decided to forgo his senior season with the Hogs and enter the 2007 NFL draft. His 27 reps at the NFL combine is the most by a participant weighing under-200 pounds; Houston was 185 pounds.

Professional career

Atlanta Falcons

Houston was selected by the Atlanta Falcons in the second round of the 2007 NFL draft. During his second season in 2008, against the Kansas City Chiefs, he had his first career interception and returned it for a touchdown. In three years with the Falcons he started 37 of 44 games, recording 166 tackles and three interceptions.

Detroit Lions

On March 8, 2010, Houston was traded to the Detroit Lions for a sixth-round pick in the 2010 NFL draft and a conditional seventh round pick in the 2011 NFL draft. On June 13, 2014, the Lions released him due to injury concerns.

Carolina Panthers

Houston signed with the Carolina Panthers on June 15, 2015. He announced his retirement on August 4, 2015.

NFL statistics

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