A four-time Pro Bowler and one of the game’s most prolific pass rushers, Justin Houston probably had a few destinations available to him this summer. But there’s a big reason why he ultimately landed with the Carolina Panthers.
The 34-year-old reported to Spartanburg, S.C. on Tuesday to make his new one-year deal an official one. When talking to reporters after taking care of business, he was asked why he decided on the Panthers.
“Coach Frank,” Houston replied. “It was simple. Coach Frank called. I knew right then—as soon as he called, I hung up the phone and told my wife we goin’ to Carolina. It was an easy decision.”
Houston played a pair of seasons under head coach Frank Reich back in Indianapolis. There, between 2019 and 2020, he recorded 60 total tackles and 19.0 sacks over 32 outings.
The highly-regarded veteran was then asked why he holds Reich in such high regard himself.
“I trust him,” he added. “He’s a stand-up guy. What you see is what you get, and he’s gonna be straight up, forward with you. He’s a guy that you can count on. And like I said, the biggest thing is trust. I wanted somebody I can trust.”
Now, the Panthers will trust Houston and his $7 million deal to pay dividends for a budding defense this season.
