By Darin 
Did you know that future Pro Football Hall of Famer Ken Houston once scored two touchdowns in a single game—one on a blocked field goal and one on an interception—just weeks into his rookie season? That electrifying performance against the New York Jets in 1967 announced the arrival of Ken Houston, a hard-hitting strong safety born on November 12, 1944, who would spend the next 14 years redefining the defensive back position and setting a benchmark for playmaking excellence.
Ken Houston’s path to stardom was anything but guaranteed. Coming out of Prairie View A&M, he was merely a 9th-round pick (fittingly, by the Houston Oilers) in the 1967 AFL-NFL Draft. However, his talent quickly became undeniable. By the third game of his rookie season, he had earned a starting spot, and shortly thereafter, he produced one of the most remarkable defensive performances in league history. According to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, in a game against the Jets, Houston demonstrated his extraordinary versatility by scoring two touchdowns: a 71-yard return after blocking a field goal attempt and a 43-yard interception return. This dual-threat ability to change a game in an instant became his trademark.
After five dominant seasons with the Oilers, where he earned all-league recognition in 1969 and 1971, Houston’s exceptional value was quantified in one of the biggest trades of the era. He was shipped to the Washington Redskins in exchange for a staggering five players, a clear testament to his status as a premier defensive playmaker.
His tenure in Washington only solidified his legacy. From 1973 to 1979, Houston was a perennial award winner, earning All-Pro or All-NFC honors every single year. He retired as one of the most respected and decorated defensive backs in the sport. His career was fittingly capped off in 1986 when the Selection Committee chose Ken Houston to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. His career, marked by 12 Pro Bowl selections and his unforgettable scoring prowess, is a crucial chapter in football history.
Verified Football Accolades and Accomplishments:
- Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee (1986).
- All-League/All-Pro Selection (1969, 1971 with Oilers; 1973-1979 with Redskins).
- 9th-round pick of the Houston Oilers (1967 AFL-NFL Draft).
- Traded from Oilers to Redskins for five players.
- Set an unofficial record for two defensive touchdowns in a single game as a rookie.
- Strong Safety for the Houston Oilers and Washington Redskins.