Jim Houston obit

Cleveland Browns 'Mr. Dependable,' Jim Houston, passes away

 

 He was not alone.

Jim Houston, known as "Mr. Dependable," during his 12 seasons with the Browns, passed away earlier this week.

Houston, a Massillon native who starred as an All-American at Ohio State before beginning his Browns career in 1960, was 80 years old. Houston played for the Ohio State Buckeyes as an end. He was a three-year starter under head coach Woody Hayes and twice the team MVP. He was elected the team captain as a senior. He was elected to the College Football Hall of Fame in 2005.

The No. 8 pick in the 1960 draft, Houston began his career at defensive end but switched to linebacker entering the 1963 season. That seemed to bring the best out of Houston, who earned Pro Bowl recognition in 1964, 1965, 1969 and 1970. He appeared in every game during the team's 1964 championship season.

Houston's 14 career interceptions rank second among Browns linebackers. He was inducted into the Cleveland Browns Legends program in 2006.

Houston was one of the few players to achieve the "triple crown" of football - winning a state championship in high school (Massillon), a National Championship in college (Ohio State), and an NFL Championship in the professional ranks (Cleveland Browns), all within his home state.

Houston, who missed just three games during his Browns career, earned the nickname "Mr. Dependable" during the 1962 season. Houston was recalled for active duty service with the United States Army during the week and would fly in each weekend for the team's games to serve as a reserve player. Outside of his final year with the team, it was the only season in which he was not a regular starter.

Survived by his wife Donna, children and grandchildren, Houston was loved and known by many for his on-field play and dedication to the community, specifically youths at the Boys and Girls' Club, where he was philanthropically involved.