James Houston IV Bio
James Houston IV is an American professional football linebacker for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League. Born on November 16, 1998, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Houston played college football at both the University of Florida and Jackson State University before entering the NFL. The Detroit Lions selected him in the sixth round of the 2022 NFL Draft with the 217th overall pick. After spending portions of three seasons with the Lions and a brief tenure with the Cleveland Browns, Houston signed with the Dallas Cowboys in July 2025.
Early Life and Background
James Houston IV grew up in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and attended American Heritage School. As a high school prospect, he earned a three-star recruit rating and drew interest from multiple major college programs. Houston ultimately chose to continue his football career at the University of Florida over scholarship offers from Wisconsin, South Carolina, Michigan, and Miami.
At American Heritage School, Houston developed into a promising defensive player that attracted attention from collegiate programs across the country. His combination of athleticism and instincts made him a valuable addition to Florida’s roster as he began his college journey.
Path to the NFL
Houston began his collegiate career at the University of Florida in 2017. His true freshman season was redshirted after he and eight other players were suspended due to involvement in a credit card fraud scheme. This early setback did not deter his development, and he returned to contribute as a reserve linebacker.
Over his three seasons with the Florida Gators, Houston showed steady progression. As a redshirt freshman, he appeared in all 13 games and recorded 28 tackles with two tackles for loss, two forced fumbles, and one blocked punt. His redshirt sophomore campaign saw him accumulate 38 tackles with six tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks. In his redshirt junior season, he tallied 37 tackles, 3.5 tackles for a loss, one sack, and one forced fumble before entering the NCAA transfer portal.
Houston transferred to Jackson State University for his final collegiate season in 2021. This move proved transformative for his football career. With the Tigers, he recorded 70 tackles, 24.5 tackles for loss, 16.5 sacks, seven forced fumbles, and one interception. His dominant performance earned him SWAC Newcomer of the Year honors and First-team All-Southwestern Athletic Conference recognition, establishing him as one of the top defensive players in the conference.
James Houston IV Career
Detroit Lions (2022-2024)
The Detroit Lions selected James Houston IV in the sixth round of the 2022 NFL Draft with the 217th overall pick. He joined a Lions franchise that was early in its rebuilding process under head coach Dan Campbell. Houston’s transition to the professional level began with some turbulence, as the Lions waived him during final roster cuts on August 30, 2022, only to re-sign him to the practice squad the following day.
Houston’s persistence paid off when the Lions promoted him to the active roster on November 28, 2022. His NFL debut came against the Buffalo Bills on Thanksgiving Day, and he made an immediate impact. In just five defensive snaps, Houston recorded two sacks, two solo tackles, and a fumble recovery. He followed this remarkable performance with a sack in each of his next three games, becoming only the third player in NFL history to open his career with a four-game sack streak, joining the company of Terrell Suggs and Santana Dotson.
The 2023 season brought challenges for Houston. On September 19, 2023, he was placed on injured reserve after suffering a leg injury in Week 2. He was reinstated from injured reserve on January 18, 2024, but his time with the Lions ended when they released him on November 26, 2024. During his tenure in Detroit, Houston accumulated meaningful statistical contributions despite limited opportunities and the injury setback.
Cleveland Browns (2024)
Houston’s career continued when the Cleveland Browns claimed him off waivers on November 27, 2024. Joining the Browns provided him with a fresh opportunity to contribute to an NFL defense. While his time with the Browns was brief, the claim demonstrated that league evaluators valued his pass-rushing abilities and potential.
Dallas Cowboys (2025-Present)
On July 22, 2025, James Houston IV signed with the Dallas Cowboys, joining one of the NFL’s most storied franchises. This move represented a new chapter in his professional career as he looked to establish himself as a consistent contributor along the Cowboys’ defensive line. The Cowboys have historically invested in defensive talent, and Houston’s skill set as an edge rusher fit their approach to building a competitive roster.
Playing Style and Strengths
James Houston IV has established himself as an effective edge rusher with a nose for the quarterback. His collegiate production at Jackson State, where he recorded 16.5 sacks in a single season, demonstrated his ability to collapse the pocket and disrupt opposing passing attacks. His quick first step and motor allow him to pressure quarterbacks consistently. Houston has shown versatility in his ability to play multiple linebacker positions and contribute in various defensive schemes. His seven forced fumbles at Jackson State highlighted his disruptive nature and ability to create turnovers.
Notable Events and Milestones
The defining moment of Houston’s early NFL career came during his Thanksgiving Day debut against the Buffalo Bills. Recording two sacks in just five defensive snaps showcased his explosive potential at the professional level. This performance launched him into the record books as only the third player in NFL history to begin his career with a four-game sack streak. This accomplishment placed him alongside respected veterans Terrell Suggs and Santana Dotson, validating his selection in the 2022 NFL Draft.
James Houston IV Career Statistics
Across his first four seasons in the NFL with the Detroit Lions and Cleveland Browns, James Houston IV has compiled solid foundational statistics that reflect his role as a situational pass rusher and linebacker.
NFL Career Highlights
Houston’s rookie season showed significant promise despite limited playing time. His four-game sack streak to begin his career demonstrated elite-level explosiveness and technique. His ability to make an immediate impact in limited snaps suggested he could develop into a reliable starter at the NFL level. The leg injury in 2023 represented an obstacle in his development trajectory, but his return to action with the Browns and subsequent signing with the Cowboys indicated continued league interest in his abilities.
Career Statistics
| Season | Team | Total Tackles | Sacks | Forced Fumbles | Fumble Recoveries |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Detroit Lions | 18 | 4 | 1 | 1 |
| 2023 | Detroit Lions | 5 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| 2024 | Cleveland Browns | 33 | 9.5 | 1 | 1 |
| 2025 | Dallas Cowboys | Current Season | — | — | — |
James Houston IV Family
Family Background
Specific details about James Houston IV’s family background and lineage are not extensively documented in public sources. As he continues to establish himself in the NFL, additional information about his family may become available through media profiles and interviews.
Personal Life
Houston maintains a public profile on social media platforms, where he shares glimpses of his professional and personal life with fans. His journey from Florida to Jackson State to the NFL represents a path marked by resilience and determination. The challenges he faced early in his college career, including the suspension at Florida, did not prevent him from achieving his NFL dreams.
2025 Season Performance
James Houston IV enters the 2025 NFL season with the Dallas Cowboys following his July signing. This season marks his fourth year in the league and represents a fresh opportunity with a new franchise. The Cowboys’ defensive scheme under head coach Mike McCarthy provides Houston with a potentially advantageous environment to showcase his pass-rushing abilities. His signing came during the offseason, allowing him time to learn the playbook and build chemistry with his new teammates before the regular season began. The Cowboys’ defense has historically featured aggressive edge pressure, which aligns well with Houston’s skill set developed during his time in college and his early NFL production. As he adapts to his new team, Houston will look to build upon the 14.5 career sacks he accumulated with Detroit and Cleveland while contributing to a Cowboys linebacker corps that plays a crucial role in the team’s defensive identity.