HBCU Legends

Lions HC Campbell Praises James Houston IV, Expect Interest From NFL Teams

James Houston IV had a remarkable first game in the NFL - expect teams to be interested in his services.

Kyle T. Mosley

Lions HC Campbell Praises James Houston IV, Expect Interest From NFL Teams
Lions HC Campbell Praises James Houston IV, Expect Interest From NFL Teams /

James Houston IV had a tremendous first game in the NFL. One could expect his former collegiate coach and Pro Football Hall of Famer Deion Sanders would have been ecstatic watching Houston on Thanksgiving Day.  

Houston's first game was electrifying as Coach Prime's NFL debut with the Atlanta Falcons, where he scored a touchdown on a punt return.

Nonetheless, should Detroit return Houston to their practice squad? If so, expect NFL teams to be interested in his pass-rushing talent skills. Many could use a James "The Problem" Houston IV at this point of the season.

James Houston sacks Josh Allen
Detroit Lions linebacker James Houston (59) celebrates a sack of Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) during the second half at Ford Field in Detroit on Thursday, Nov. 24, 2022. Credit: © Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK

However, before we venture into his future, how special was James Houston IV's debut with the Detroit Lions? 

Here are five things about his debut:

  1. Houston became the first Detroit player to record a multi-sack game in their first NFL game.
  2. Houston had two tackles on the day. Both were sacks against a strong, fast, and one of the best quarterbacks in the National Football League.
  3. His sacks are recorded as 2 TFLs (tackles for loss).
  4. Also, the league considers them as QB Hits.
  5. Last, Houston had a fumble recovery on special teams.
James Houston Sacks Josh Allen, 2nd Sack
Nov 24, 2022; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) gets sacked by Detroit Lions linebacker James Houston (59) in the third quarter at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-USA TODAY Sports

DAN CAMPBELL ON HOUSTON'S PERFORMANCE

It was quite a special day for the former Jackson State Tiger. HBCU fans across the conferences applauded his performance. Especially his head coach Dan Campbell.

"Yeah, Houston did a good job," Campbell said of his first start. "We've been excited about getting him up. We've been looking to try to work it out over for a while now, and it just hadn't worked out maneuvering through the roster and injuries. But we knew we needed a little rush, and we felt like he [Houston] could provide that. You don't think the first game he's going to get straight off. There'll be two sacks. But, I mean, some of the things he's able to do doesn't surprise us. It was it was encouraging. It's good to get him up."

Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell
Nov 24, 2022; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell watches his team warm up before their game against the Buffalo Bills at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-USA TODAY Sports

The Detroit Lions (4-7) are in second place in the NFC North division and remain in contention for a wild-card playoffs berth.

Would Detroit risk returning Houston to the practice squad after showcasing his talent in front of a national audience? That could be a pricey decision for Dan Campbell. Teams still competing for the postseason and needing a pass rusher could see value in signing Houston to an active roster with a 6th-round draft choice contract.

One team I cover, the New Orleans Saints, is in dire need of an edge rusher after multiple injuries to the top-three defensive ends. Expect captivating decisions regarding James Houston IV NFL career to occur this week.

What happens next in HBCU Sports? Don't miss out on any HBCU news and analysis! Please take a second and sign up for our FREE newsletter and get breaking HBCU Sports news delivered to your inbox!

HBCU Legends' Recent Articles

Published
Kyle T. Mosley
KYLE T. MOSLEY

I am Kyle T. Mosley, the Founder, Managing Editor, and Chief Reporter for the HBCU Legends, Saints News Network, and Pelicans Scoop on FanNation a Sports Illustrated team channel since October 2019.  Morehouse Alum, McDonogh #35 Roneagles (NOLA), Drum Major of the Tenacious Four.  My Father, Mother, Grandmother, Aunts and Uncles were HBCU graduates! Host of "Blow the Whistle" HBCU Legends, "The Quad" with Coach Steward, and "Bayou Blitz" Podcasts. Radio/Media Appearances:  WWL AM/FM Radio in New Orleans (Mike Detillier/Bobby Hebert),  KCOH AM 1230 in Houston (Ralph Cooper), WBOK AM in New Orleans (Reggie Flood/Ro Brown), and 103.7FM "The Game" (Jordy Hultberg/Clint Domingue), College Kickoff Unlimited (Emory Hunt), Jeff Lightsly Show, and Offscript TV on YouTube. Television Appearance: Fox26 in Houston on The Isiah Carey Factor, College Kickoff Unlimited (Emory Hunt). My Notable Interviews:  Byron Allen (Media Mogul), Deion Sanders (Jackson State University, Head Coach), Tomekia Reed (Jackson State Lady Tigers Basketball Coach), Taylor Rooks (NBA Reporter), Swin Cash (VP of Basketball - New Orlean Pelicans), Demario and Tamala Davis (NFL Player), Jerry Rice (Hall of Famer), Doug Williams (HBCU & NFL Legend), Emmitt Smith (Hall of Famer), James "Shack" Harris (HBCU & NFL Legend), Cris Carter (Hall of Famer), Solomon Wilcots (SiriusXM NFL Host), Steve Wyche (NFL Network), Jim Trotter (NFL Network), Travis Williams (Founder of HBCU All-Stars, LLC), Malcolm Jenkins (NFL Player), Cam Jordan (NFL), Demario Davis (NFL), Allan Houston (NBA All-Star), Drew Brees (Former NFL QB), Deuce McAllister (Former NFL RB), Willie Roaf (NFL Hall of Fame), Jim Everett (Former NFL Player), Quinn Early (Former NFL Player), Dr. Reef (NFL Players' Trainer Specialist), Nataria Holloway (VP of the NFL). I am building a new team of journalists, podcasters, videographers, and interns.  For media requests, interviews, or interest in joining HBCU Legends, please contact me at kmosley@hbcusi.com. Follow me:

Home/Football