KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Chiefs linebacker Justin Houston was named the AFC Defensive Player of the Month for September, Michael Signora, NFL vice president of football communications, announced on Twitter.
AFC Offensive, Defensive & Special Teams Players of Month for Sept…QB Manning, Den; LB Houston, KC; KR Holliday, Den
— Michael Signora (@NFLfootballinfo) October 3, 2013
Houston won AFC Defensive Player of the Week twice in September.
His first recognition came in Week One after he totaled five tackles and three sacks in the Chiefs’ 28-2 win against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Houston’s second award followed a 4 1/2 –sack performance during Week Three’s 26-16 win against the Philadelphia Eagles.
The third-year pro has 7 ½ sacks on the season and is currently tied with Indianapolis Colts defensive end Robert Mathis for the league lead. He also recorded 19 tackles two fumble recoveries and a forced fumble to contribute to the Chiefs’ 4-0 start.
“I thank my teammates for it,” Houston said during Thursday’s media session. “Without them, I couldn’t get it done.”
Houston is the first Chiefs linebacker to be recognized as the AFC Defensive Player of the Month since former Chiefs great and Pro Football Hall of Famer linebacker Derrick Thomas did it in December 1997.
Sep 19, 2013; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Justin Houston (50) during the fourth quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. The Chiefs defeated the Eagles 26-16. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports
