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Ken Houston excelled as the premier free
safety
of his era in a 14-year span that began with the 1967 Houston Oilers
who drafted him in the ninth round of the AFL-NFL draft. He earned a
starter’s role by the third game of his rookie season. Two weeks later, in a
game against the New York Jets, he scored two touchdowns, one on a 71-yard
blocked field goal attempt, and the other on a 43-yard interception return.
After excelling for six years with the Oilers, Ken was traded to the
Redskins for five veteran players
in 1973. The Redskins once referred to
Houston as "pro football's most underrated super-star," but his capabilities
were widely recognized. He won all-league acclaim with the Oilers in 1969
and 1971, and then was either All-Pro or All-NFC with the Redskins every
year from 1973 to 1979.
He was selected for either the AFL All-Star game or the AFC-NFC Pro Bowl 12
straight seasons from 1968 through 1979. With a long, fluid stride, he had
excellent speed and quickness. His 6-3, 197-pound frame made him an ideal
pass defender. Yet his lean, muscular body helped him to become a punishing
tackler.
Once he got his hands on the ball, he was a talented runner. Even before he
finished his tenure with the Oilers, Houston had assured himself of a spot
in the NFL record book by returning nine interceptions for touchdowns. He
also tied two other records with four TDs on steals in one season and two
interception touchdowns in a single game. Altogether, he stole 49 passes and
returned them 898 yards. He also recovered 21 fumbles and scored 12
touchdowns, nine on interceptions and one each on a punt return, a fumble
return, and a blocked field goal return.
College: Prairie State College
Position: DB
Houston [1967-1972}
Washington Redskins [1973-1980]
HOF Induction Position: SS [1986]
Selected to 70 Greatest Redskins
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