CHRIS HOUSTON SIGNS WITH FALCONS

Flowery Branch, Ga. – August 4, 2007 – The Atlanta Falcons announced the signing of second-round draft choice cornerback Chris Houston to a four-year deal that includes a multi-million dollar signing bonus. As per team policy, terms of the signing were not disclosed.

As a junior in 2006, Houston was a Pro Football Weekly All-America honorable mention selection and an All-Southeastern Conference second-team pick for the Arkansas Razorbacks after starting all 14 games and totaling 45 tackles (38 solo) and 3 interceptions.

“I’m comfortable with the contract,” said Houston. “It’s a lot more than what I had growing up, so I can’t complain.”

Houston’s business manager and father, Larry Houston, is also pleased with the contract. “I’m happy to see Chris accomplish his lifelong dream. It fills your heart with joy to see your kids achieve their dreams and aspirations,” said Houston.

Now that the signing is complete, Chris can focus on training and developing the skills needed to successfully compete in the NFL. “Training camp is definitely a learning experience,” the rookie said.

Houston has been training with the first and second defensive units and is expected to compete with Lewis Sanders for the starting right cornerback position.

During his career at Lyndon B. Johnson High School in Austin, Texas, Houston competed as a running back and cornerback. Rivals.com ranked him as the nation's No. 32 cornerback, the No. 89 player overall in the Midlands Top 100 and the No. 66 player in the Texas Top 100. As a senior, Houston rushed for 426 yards and 6 touchdowns before moving exclusively to cornerback.

The Falcons also announced the signings of first-round draft pick Jamaal Anderson, a defensive end taken eighth overall, and second-round selection offensive lineman Justin Blalock, in addition to third-round pick Laurent Robinson, fourth-round pick Martrez Milner and sixth-round selections Trey Lewis, David Irons, Doug Datish and Daren Stone. The team’s remaining draft choices, fourth-rounder Stephen Nicholas and seventh-rounder Jason Snelling, signed in June.