Carolina Panthers cornerback Chris Houston announces retirement

After seven seasons in the league, Carolina Panthers cornerback Chris Houston has decided to retire. He did not play last season due to a toe injury.

Carolina Panthers cornerback Chris Houston told the team on Tuesday that he will retire after seven seasons in the NFL.

The Atlanta Falcons selected Houston, 30, in the second round of the 2007 NFL draft. He most recently played for the Detroit Lions, but did not play last season after undergoing toe surgery. Houston signed a one-year contract with the Panthers in June. 

In 2013, Houston started 12 games for the Lions, recording 38 tackles and two interceptions. He will retire after playing 99 games in his career, starting 91 of them, and collecting 324 tackles and 13 interceptions. 

Houston was competing for a backup role behind Panthers starting cornerbacks Charles Tillman and Josh Norman. In wake of Houston's retirement, Carolina signed cornerback T.J. Heath on Wednesday.

Panthers offensive tackle Jonathan Martin also recently announced his retirement.

The Panthers will play their first preseason game on Aug. 14 against the Bills. 

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