Dallas Cowboys standout James Houston reacts to prestigious HBCU honor

Dallas Cowboys defensive end James Houston recently received a prestigious HBCU honor for his play on the field. Houston, a Jackson State alumnus, was awarded the NFLPA’s 2026 Black College Football Pro Player of the Year Award. With the honor, he is the 10th HBCU alumnus to receive the award.

“Being selected as this year’s NFLPA Black College Football Pro Player of the Year means a lot to me,” Houston said in a statement released by the Dallas Cowboys. “My time at Jackson State made me into the man and player I am today, and I’m proud to be a part of the legacy that HBCU players have built and will continue to build on and off the field. Thank you to the NFLPA for their support and investment into HBCU programs and players.”

After beginning his college career at the University of Florida, Houston transferred to Jackson State University ahead of the 2021 season, joining Deion Sanders during the early stages of his tenure. Houston immediately emerged as one of the most disruptive defenders in the SWAC, finishing the year with 70 tackles, 24.5 tackles for loss, 16.5 sacks, and seven forced fumbles. He also found the end zone twice, returning both an interception and a fumble for touchdowns.

His standout campaign earned First-Team All-SWAC recognition and helped power Jackson State to a conference championship and an appearance in the Cricket Celebration Bowl. Houston’s performance elevated his NFL stock, leading to his selection by the Detroit Lions in the sixth round of the 2022 NFL Draft with the 217th overall pick. After three seasons with the Lions and a short stint with the Cleveland Browns, Houston signed with the Dallas Cowboys.

Despite not making a single start and serving primarily in a rotational role across all 17 games, James Houston remained a productive contributor on defense. He recorded 35 total tackles, 5.5 sacks, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery, with his sack total ranking second on the team behind only Jadeveon Clowney.

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