Former Falcons cornerback Chris Houston, who was trying to catch on with the Carolina Panthers, has elected to retire the team announced on Tuesday.

Houston, 30, played seven seasons in the NFL after being selected in the second-round of the 2007 draft out of Arkansas. He played three seasons (2007-09) with the Falcons before being traded to Detroit.

Houston played in 44 games for the Falcons with 37 starts, mostly at right cornerback. Overall, he played in 99 games and made 91 starts.

Houston, who was out of football last season, played four seasons with the Lions (2010-13). He was trying to make a comeback from a toe injury.

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Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (9) leaves the field after the game where the Carolina Panthers defeated the Atlanta Falcons in overtime 30-27, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025.  (Miguel Martinez/ AJC)

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