Justin Houston says he’s ready to prove doubters wrong with Colts

The Indianapolis Colts have signed a motivated pass rusher in Justin Houston who says he knows what he’s capable of and wants to prove it.

The Kansas City Chiefs made their decision. Justin Houston wants to make prove them wrong.

The decision to release Houston this offseason, along with other cost-cutting measures like releasing Eric Berry, wasn’t made on binary terms—as if Houston was outright rejected just because the team no longer wanted him. Finances, fit, age, roster options, the market, and other factors all played a part. But Houston is ready to show the league that he’s got plenty left, despite being know as an aging, recently released veteran

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Houston might not have another 22 sack season in him, but he has put up 18.5 sacks over the last two years combined for the Chiefs. Despite being let go this offseason, Houston still commanded a $24 million deal from the Indianapolis Colts over the next two years (albeit a far cry from the $20-ish million cap hit he was going to cost K.C.). The reason is that Houston still “has plenty in the tank.”

In a conversation with Andrew Walker, a reporter for Colts.com, Houston sounds confident in his own abilities. It’s now about changing the perspective for everyone else who looks at simple sacks or a transaction report and judges Houston accordingly.

"Most of all, however, Houston is just looking forward to the opportunity to reward the Colts for putting their faith in him. Cut by the Chiefs on March 10 in what was viewed as a cost-saving measure, Houston says he still has “plenty in the tank.”“And I think some people don’t believe that,” Houston continued when asked if there was anything he wanted to prove to himself with the Colts. “So it’s more so what I’m about to show the world than myself, because I know what I’m capable of.”"

Houston is a four-time Pro Bowler who should not only bring a still talented pass rusher and all-around strong defender to the Colts, but he will also be a nice veteran leader for one of the league’s youngest defensive units. Darius Leonard was one of the league’s rookie defenders last year as a second round pick given immediate playing time. Tyquan Lewis and Kemoko Turay were rookie pass rushers who weren’t quite as ready but the core, along with whoever Chris Ballard drafts this year, will appreciate having a vet like Houston to follow.

As for the Chiefs, any fan who has been paying attention is likely already complaining about the loss of Houston. While his financial impact needed to be addressed, it’s hard to see someone who has been so great (and is still so effective) leave without any compensation. He’s remained a very efficient pass rusher when healthy and helped the Chiefs lead the league in sacks just last season.

The Chiefs, however, have turned the page and it’s time for new leaders to emerge. But Houston’s book is not yet closed and the Colts are glad to have a motivated signee, ready to show the NFL what he can still bring to the table.