CSW to Host Football Hall of Fame Legend at Maddox Series
2/4/2005. The Spring 2005 Jack Maddox Distinguished Lecture Series, hosted by College of the Southwest, will present Kenny Houston, former Houston Oiler and Washington Redskin and Pro Football Hall of Fame legend, on Tuesday, March 1. Houston will take the stage at the Lea County Event Center in the Banquet Hall, 5101 Lovington Highway, at 7:30 p.m.
Considered by many as the greatest strong safety in the history of the NFL, for 14 years with both the Houston Oilers and the Washington Redskins, Houston provided a last line of defense with a special gift for being in the right place at the right time.
He was named to the All-Star squad in 1968 and made All-Pro for 12 of his 14 seasons. Houston, who was blessed with outstanding quickness and speed, intercepted nine passes for the Oilers and set a single-season record by returning four for touchdowns.
Throughout his career, Houston intercepted 49 passes and returned a record nine for touchdowns. He also played in 183 consecutive games, the most ever by a defensive back. Coaches and teammates often marveled at Houston's unwavering work ethic and the consistency with which he played.
He was declared a free agent in 1981 and returned to the Oilers as an assistant coach - a position he held until 1986 when he was elected into the Pro-Football Hall of Fame.
Houston brings the same dedication to his personal life that he displayed on the playing field, devoting countless hours to charity work in the Houston area. He is the recipient of numerous awards, including the Byron Whizzer Award for Humanitarian Service, which was bestowed upon him by the NFL Players Association; the Outstanding Civilian Service Award from the Department of the Army; the Vince Lombardi Memorial Award; the Bart Starr Meritorious Award; the Dodgers NFL Man of the Year Award; and the Texas All-Time Professional Football Team Award. In addition, he was named Man of the Year for 1980- 1981 by the Washington Redskins, is Honorary Chairman for the Special Olympics, and is a member of Fellowship of Christian Athletes, the Texas High School Coaches Association, and For Kids Sake.
A native of Texas, Houston received his bachelor's degree in health and physical education and elementary education from Prairie View A & M University. In addition, he holds a master's degree in guidance and counseling from Prairie View A & M. Since leaving the world of professional football, Houston has committed his life to education and athletics - serving as a coach, teacher, and counselor. He and his wife, Gustie, have two children.