Keeping Ohio State stars in-state was a signature Cleveland Browns strategy, and selecting Jim Houston eighth overall in the 1960 NFL Draft paid off instantly. Coming off an All-American career in Columbus, the rookie immediately locked down a starting job on the outside of Paul Brown’s defense, kicking off a decade-plus of reliable production.

While Cleveland’s 1960s identity was headlined by Jim Brown and an explosive offense, Houston provided the defensive backbone. Billed as "Mr. Dependable," he possessed the athletic versatility to set the edge against the run, blitz off the corner, or drop into deep coverage against running backs and tight ends. His steady play peaked in 1964, when he helped shut out the Baltimore Colts 27–0 in the NFL Championship Game to capture Cleveland's last league title.

His individual honors increased throughout the decade. Houston was selected for four Pro Bowls (1964, 1965, 1969, and 1970), maintaining his status as one of the top linebackers despite a coaching change to Blanton Collier. Known for his relentless play in space, he recorded 14 career interceptions—three of which he returned for touchdowns—and recovered 11 fumbles. Retroactive analysis also attributes 29.5 sacks to him, emphasizing his often overlooked pass-rushing contribution on third downs.

Houston retired after the 1972 campaign, ending a 13-year career spent entirely in Cleveland.  The Browns named him as one of its Legends in 2006.