Former Alabama Fullback Announces Tuscaloosa Mayoral Bid

Tuscaloosa AL

14 January, 2021

3:16 PM

Description

TUSCALOOSA, AL — A former fullback for the University of Alabama football team who has crafted a career as a pastor and businessman announced his intentions on Thursday to run for mayor of Tuscaloosa during the municipal elections in March. Click here to subscribe to our daily email newsletters and breaking news alerts delivered to your inbox and mobile devices for free. You can also support local journalism by donating as little as $5 a month to become a supporting member or by downloading our free Patch mobile app. Martin Houston — a member of two SEC championship football squads and the 1992 national championship team — posted on the Facebook page of Harvest Church to inform the community of his decision. "As you know, my goal has always been to obey God to the best of my ability," he said. "With that as the backdrop, I'm going to run to be the next Mayor of Tuscaloosa." Houston is the first candidate to formally throw their hat into the ring to challenge Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox, who also officially announced plans to seek a fifth term on Thursday. During his time on the gridiron playing for coach Gene Stallings, Houston rushed for over 1,000 career yards in four seasons with the Crimson Tide, where he became known for his punishing running style as a short-yardage back. A knee injury prematurely ended his career after signing with the Pittsburgh Steelers as a free agent. Houston would go on to work at BellSouth before eventually becoming senior director of membership growth for Alabama ONE. He also hosts "The Martin Houston Show" on Tide 100.9. Houston and his wife Cassandra have four children and three grandchildren. Qualifying for candidates running in municipal elections opened on Tuesday and will run through Jan. 26, with the election set for March 2. Follow Patch here for updates or on Facebook and Twitter.