Kansas City, MO – April 27, 2025
A Kansas City Chiefs icon, whose ferocious pass rushing defined an era, announced his retirement from the NFL at age 37 on Sunday, sources told ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The four-time Pro Bowl star, a cornerstone of the franchise’s defense for nearly a decade, shared a heartfelt farewell via social media, closing a 14-year career that left an indelible mark on Chiefs Kingdom.
In his prime, Justin Houston amassed 117.5 career sacks, including a franchise-record 78.5 with Kansas City from 2011 to 2018. His 2014 season, leading the NFL with 22 sacks, earned First-Team All-Pro honors and a Defensive Player of the Year nomination (NFL.com). “He was a force,” Chiefs GM Brett Veach told reporters, reflecting on Houston’s pivotal role in five playoff runs.
Houston’s journey included a Super Bowl LV appearance, though the Chiefs fell 31-9 to Tampa Bay. After leaving Kansas City in 2019, he added 39 sacks with the Colts, Ravens, Panthers, and Dolphins, never capturing a ring (Spotrac). His final snap came in a 2024 playoff loss to the Chiefs with Miami, recording two tackles (PFF grade 66.8).
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Head coach Andy Reid hailed Houston’s legacy: “He’s forever a Chief.” Slowed by a 2023 hamstring injury, the unrestricted free agent chose to retire rather than pursue another contract. Houston thanked fans in his farewell: “Arrowhead was my home.” With 524 tackles, 34 forced fumbles, and a Chiefs Hall of Fame nod looming, his impact endures.
As Kansas City, bolstered by rookie Josh Simmons, eyes a 2025 Super Bowl, Houston’s retirement marks the end of a golden chapter. “His spirit drives us,” Veach said, underscoring the void left by a legend who reshaped the Chiefs’ defensive identity.
