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The Raiders drafted DE Lamarr Houston out of the University of Texas in the second round of the 2010 NFL Draft. The fiery player immediately became a starter for the Silver and Black and has played in every game in his three years, starting 44 of them. Houston has recorded 156 total tackles (114 solo) and 10.0 sacks, one interception, two forced fumbles and five fumble recoveries.

The 6’3”, 300-pound, defensive end had a breakout year in terms of his leadership, hustle and determination. Houston started all 16 games and registered 77 tackles (58 solo), two passes defensed, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery and a team-leading 4.5 sacks. He also blocked a field goal, which he returned 34 yards against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

DE Lamarr Houston (99) returns his own blocked field goal against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Photo by Tony Gonzales.

Breakout Performances

In Week 4 against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High, Houston demonstrated the importance of never giving up on a play. Broncos WR Demaryius Thomas caught a pass from QB Peyton Manning and raced down the sidelines for 40 yards before S Tyvon Branch knocked the ball loose. Houston had been trailing the play the entire time and was there to recover the fumble and prevent a scoring opportunity for the Broncos. Houston also recorded seven tackles, as well as a tackle for loss.

Against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 7 action, Houston recorded his first sack of the season. His game-changing moment came in overtime when he forced a fumble that was recovered by CB Joselio Hanson, setting up the game-winning field goal.

In Week 9 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at O.co Coliseum, Houston blocked a 35-yard field-goal attempt in the first quarter and returned the block 34 yards to Tampa Bay’s 44-yard line. It was the first career block for Houston. The ensuing Raiders drive culminated in a field goal by K Sebastian Janikowski.

In the Raiders final game of the season, Houston recorded 12 tackles (nine solo) and had a career high 1.5 sacks, increasing his season total to a team-high 4.5.