James Houston IV reflects on his role at the vet in the SWAC football championship

HOUSTON – Before hosting his annual James Houston IV youth football camp in Jackson, Mississippi, on June 23, he reflected on one of his most memorable games at Jackson State: the 2021 SWAC football championship game.

"The vet was excited, man, all the way," Houston told WAPT News about playing at Veterans Memorial Stadium in the game. “And it was just a special feeling. I don’t think I’ve ever been in a game like that or felt a game like that. I probably played in one of the best environments in college football at The Swamp (Florida). And honestly, the vet is right, he’s right there when he’s packed, and he’s right there next to The Swamp.

The contest was an exciting display of competitive spirit, with the Jackson State Tigers (11-1) and Prairie View Panthers (7-5) engaging in a fierce “Cat-On-Cat” battle at The Vet . For many, it was one of the most memorable championship games in HBCU football history.

The Tigers held a slim 13-10 lead coming out of halftime. Little did they know that Prairie View had “the problem” hiding and waiting to strike. The Panthers were pinned at their 12-yard line after Darius Campbell fielded a 36-yard punt from Lane McGregor. One play and six seconds later, James Houston IV changed the game.

I remember watching from the press box as Jackson State put pressure on, forcing Jawon Pass out of the pocket. The senior quarterback stepped into the end zone, threw an errant pass and James Houston IV intercepted it, running five yards to score a touchdown in six.

Ol’ Mo worked for the home team as the cheers of Jackson State fans reverberated out of the vet, across campus and into downtown Jackson as the Sonic Boom of the South played “JSU. Rock You !” It was a scene from a movie.

The heroes were 2021 SWAC Newcomer of the Year, fellow defensive star Aubrey Miller, and the Tigers defense, which dominated the second half. They shut down Prairie View A&M’s offense in the second half to decisively win the 2021 SWAC Football Championship, 27-10.

Houston has proven that he is not only a “playmaker” but also a “game changer.” A few months later, James was drafted by the Detroit Lions in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL Draft. He missed the final roster, but spent time on the practice squad, gaining knowledge of the game. On Thanksgiving Day, Houston immediately changed the dynamic of the Lions’ defensive line. In his professional debut, he sacked Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen twice and forced a fumble on special teams that Turkey Day.

Houston set several NFL records as a rookie and appeared in the playoffs and the NFC Championship Game against the San Francisco 49ers. This is one of the reasons why James Houston is considered an HBCU legend. Let’s hope he lifts the Lombardi Trophy in the NFL one day.

Youth football camp check-in will be held at 8:00 a.m. at 34 Walter Payton Drive in Jackson, Mississippi.