Photos: Ex-Bulldog is highest-paid linebacker ever

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Photos: Ex-Bulldog is highest-paid linebacker ever

Photos of former Georgia standout Justin Houston, who agreed to a six-year, $101 million contract with the Chiefs.

Justin Houston and the Kansas City Chiefs have agreed to a six-year, $101 million contract that makes the All-Pro the highest-paid linebacker in NFL history. Brant Sanderlin / bsanderlin@ajc.com

The only defensive player to sign a larger deal than Houston (above) is defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh, who agreed to a six-year, $114 million pact with the Miami Dolphins earlier this year. Curtis Compton ccompton@ajc.com

"Once you get paid," Houston said, "it's not like you won the lottery. You still have work to do. You can still get better each and every day, so that's my goal." (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Houston had 7 ½ sacks as a sophomore at Georgia, 10 as a junior. He left Georgia for the NFL after his junior season. Brant Sanderlin, bsanderlin@ajc.com

Houston (right) was considered one of the top linebackers in the draft coming out of Georgia, but a failed test for marijuana at the scouting combine caused his stock to slide. The Chiefs wound up taking him in the third round. Jason Getz / AJC

Houston has been selected for three consecutive Pro Bowls and he earned first-team All-Pro honors for the first time in his four-year career last season. Johnny Crawford jcrawford@ajc.com

Houston broke Derrick Thomas's franchise record with 22 sacks last season. He had four alone in a dynamic season-ending game against San Diego, leaving him a half-sack short of the NFL's single-season record set by the Giants' Michael Strahan. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Houston has only made roughly $3 million over the course of his rookie contract. For that small price, Kansas City got 200 tackles, 48 1/2 sacks and five fumble recoveries. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Houston played at Statesboro High School. Brant Sanderlin, bsanderlin@ajc.com

Arizona State quarterback Danny Sullivan is sacked by Georgia's Justin Houston (left) on September 26, 2009. Brant Sanderlin, bsanderlin@ajc.com

Georgia Tech fans yell at Georgia's Justin Houston after the November 28, 2009 game. Brant Sanderlin bsanderlin@ajc.com

Georgia's Justin Houston sacks Vanderbilt quarterback Larry Smith on October 16, 2010 at Sanford Stadium. Brant Sanderlin bsanderlin@ajc.com

Houston waits for the snap during a drill at UGA's Pro Day on March 22, 2011. Brant Sanderlin bsanderlin@ajc.com

Colorado quarterback Tyler Hansen is wrapped up by Georgia linebacker Justin Houston (42). Karl Gehring/The Denver Post

Georgia linebacker Justin Houston pressures Idaho State quarterback Russel Hill on November 6, 2010. Brant Sanderlin bsanderlin@ajc.com

Houston (42) intercepts a pass in front of Georgia Tech's Correy Earls to seal the victory on November 27, 2010 at Sanford Stadium. Brant Sanderlin bsanderlin@ajc.com

Justin Houston is swarmed by teammates after returning a fumble for a touchdown against Georgia Tech on November 27, 2010 in Athens. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

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Justin Houston and the Kansas City Chiefs have agreed to a six-year, $101 million contract that makes the All-Pro the highest-paid linebacker in NFL history. Brant Sanderlin / bsanderlin@ajc.com

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