Revisiting Deion Sanders, Jackson State Star's Smashing Thanksgiving Day NFL Debut

Last Thanksgiving, former Jackson State's star linebacker had a smashing debut against quarterback Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills.

Kyle T. Mosley | Nov 23, 2023

HOUSTON — Last Thanksgiving, former Jackson State's star linebacker had a smashing debut against quarterback Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills. After a few months on the Detroit Lions practice squad, Houston finally got his opportunity as head coach Dan Campbell elevated him to the 53-man roster because of injuries along the Lions' defensive line.

James Houston IV with the Detroit Lions — James Houston IV; Credit:© Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK

It was going to be a challenging task for the rookie edge rusher who joined a defensive line without their top draft pick, DE Adrian Hutchinson, to battle the Buffalo Bills. It was a significant day for the Houston family as they celebrated his mother Sonja's birthday. The Jackson State star and 2021 SWAC Newcomer of the Year went to work by delivering an outstanding performance with two sacks, two TFLs, two QB hits, and one fumble recovery before the day ended.

Houston has had a minor setback in his return from breaking his ankle in Week 2. He's currently on the Lions' injured reserve list.

James Houston's NFL Debut Was A 'Sacking' Success!

Houston, 24, is a Fort Lauderdale native from American Heritage high school. The Florida Gators recruited Houston in 2017. He later played in the 2018 and 2019 seasons before transferring to Jackson State.

Detroit selected Houston as the 217th overall pick in the sixth round of the 2022 NFL Draft.

The Deion Sanders disciple was named SWAC 2021 Newcomer of the Year and earned Associated Press FCS All-American team honors en route to the NFL.

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Published Nov 23, 2023

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: