[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 142 (Tuesday, September 20, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1298]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          KENNETH RAY HOUSTON

                                 ______
                                 

                              HON. TED POE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 20, 2016

  Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I 
recognize Pro Football Hall of Famer, Kenny Houston, and pay tribute to 
his contributions to his alma mater, Prairie View A&M University. Kenny 
is one of the best football players to ever play the game; he is an 
outstanding member of our community, on and off the field.
  Kenny was born and raised in Lufkin, Texas and attended Dunbar High 
School where he started his long career in one of Texas' favorite past 
times, football. After graduating from high school in 1962, he chose to 
play football for Prairie View A&M University. During his time at 
Prairie View, he was a standout All-American in the Southwestern 
Athletic Conference, and the Panthers won the 1963-1964 Black College 
National Championship Football title.
  The Houston Oilers made Kenny their 9th round pick in the 1967 draft, 
once again keeping him close to Texas. He played six seasons with the 
Houston Oilers, four under head coach Wally Lemm. Houston fans were 
upset when the Oilers traded Kenny in 1973 to the Washington Redskins. 
He then went on to play eight seasons in the prime of his career until 
he retired in 1980. He played a total of 14 seasons and 196 games in 
the National Football League. In recognition of his tremendous talent, 
he played in ten pro bowls and was named to the NFL's 1970s All-Decade 
Team, the NFL's All-Time 75th Anniversary Team and in 1999, Sporting 
News named him one of the 100 greatest players in NFL history. He was 
inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1986.
  Despite his big league career and national stardom, Kenny has never 
lost the small town values that helped shape him. After his 
professional football career, he followed his passion to teach and 
coach and remains a strong advocate for students. He is a dedicated 
family man, having been married to his wife Gustie for 49 years, and he 
is also the proud father of two grown children.
  On behalf of the Second Congressional District of Texas, I commend 
this remarkable leader for giving back to our community, being a role 
model for our youth, and helping the next generation of athletes 
achieve their dream of attending college and playing football at the 
collegiate level.
  And that's just the way it is.

                          ____________________