Is Justin Houston HOF-bound?

By: Jake Rajala

In 2011, the Kansas City Chiefs made one of their draft picks in Chiefs history, and they unequivocally landed one of the best third-round draft choices of all time in Justin Houston. The Chiefs fearless pass-rusher made four straight Pro Bowls from 2012-to 2015 while notching an All-Pro spot in 2014 (22 sacks in 2014).

Houston exited Chiefs territory after the 2018 season and fled to IND. He would play two seasons in Indianapolis and then fight for a new AFC contender in Baltimore last season. There is no secret that Houston is an aging defender (33 years old) and he may only have a few seasons left in the tank. With that said, I believe it’s worth reflecting on the previous magic and resume of Houston. Furthermore, I’m going to untwine if he is on a path to Canton.

Well, Houston has been a mythical Chiefs figure. Yet, it’s clear that the NFL HOF is a different animal than the Chiefs ring of honor. For example, the legend OLB Demarcus Ware wasn’t a first-ballot HOF, but he is surely a future HOF. He unleashed 138.5 career sacks, nine Pro Bowl selections, four All-Pro teams, and he has a Super Bowl ring.

It’s safe to say that Ware unveiled has noticeably more impressive accolades than Houston’s career output. Although, it should be noted that Houston has had four seasons of 8+ sacks that didn’t equate to Pro Bowl glory.

I believe another fascinating, younger comparison for Houston is the Saints 2011 draft pick Cameron Jordan. Jordan has very similar overall production as Houston. The Saints pass rusher has 107 career sacks, while Houston has 102 career sacks. They both also only have one All-Pro team. Although, Jordan has three more Pro Bowl honors than Houston and he was named to the 2010 decade team (while Houston was not given a spot).

I feel like Cam needs a couple of Pro Bowl seasons (or SB ring) to cement himself as a future HOF. With that said, I believe that Houston’s outlook for Canton doesn’t look promising. I feel like he has been close to garnering a DPOY award and numerous extra Pro Bowl awards, but he hasn’t quite ousted top-tier on enough occasions. If Houston wants to be cast in football paradise, I believe he will need to have two-three more Pro Bowl seasons including a Super Bowl ring on a squad like LA to finish his career as a football god.