Evangel Christian Academy quarterback Peyton "Pop" Houston, a highly-touted recruit for Louisiana State University, attributes his success both on and off the football field to his faith and family. Houston, a four-star prospect in the 2027 class and a top-10 quarterback nationally according to 247Sports, maintains a perfect 4.0 GPA while starring for his high school team.
Houston, a native of Shreveport, Louisiana, is featured in the third season of the Fox Nation series "God. Family. Football.," which chronicles the Evangel Eagles' season. He emphasized the importance of his upbringing in balancing his demanding schedule. "My parents teach me to be a student athlete and not an athlete student," Houston told "America's Newsroom" hosts Shannon Bream and Bill Hemmer. "So staying focused in the classroom is big."
He also described his faith as a central tenet driving his accomplishments. "Every chance I get out there to go display the talent that God has blessed me with, we use it," Houston said. "I use it as my form of worship, giving it back to him."
Discipline is another key element Houston highlighted, noting that he organizes early morning workouts for half his team. He believes this rigorous routine builds mental fortitude. "Your body will give up faster than your mind, and your mind controls the whole body," he explained. "So being able to have a strong mind helps in football tremendously."
When asked about the potential impact of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals on his motivation, Houston stated that his passion for the game remains the primary driver. "I play the game because I love the game," he said. "So I really try not to worry about the money. I tell myself if I'm able to go out there and perform on the football field, that NIL, the attributes outside of football, they'll come your way."
In 2024, Houston gained national attention for breaking the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) record for most passing yards in a single game, with 817 yards in a 77-76 loss. His performance led Evangel head coach Denny Duron to call it "impossible."
Earlier, Houston became one of 11 high school athletes to sign a NIL deal with Nike before his senior season. Fans can follow Houston's high school career on all three seasons of "God. Family. Football.," streaming on Fox Nation.