Martin Houston was born in Centre, AL to Henry Houston & Nellie (Henderson) Barnett. He was raised with a great work ethic and encouraged to pursue his dreams. He was influenced by his hardworking mother and a belief in Jesus Christ. These two factors along with his marriage to Cassandra Dobbins, proved to be the driving forces and his greatest source of encouragement.

Football allowed Martin Houston to fulfill his childhood dream. Through the playing of football and a commitment to his education, Martin earned a scholarship to the University of Alabama, which he attended from 1988-1992. During his time as a student-athlete, he received a B.S. Degree in Marketing, as well as was a big contributor on the 1989 SEC Championship and the starting Fullback on 1992 SEC Championship and the 1992 National Championship. He followed that up by signing a contract to play for the Pittsburgh Steelers. After a career ending knee injury, Martin returned to Tuscaloosa, AL to resume his role as a husband and father. 

Martin has seen success in his post sports life. He has been recognized as a leader, as well a reproducer of leadership. He is also known to have an entrepreneurial spirit, which has led him to be a 2x Church Planter and the Founder and Host of The Martin Houston Show (sports talk radio). From the classroom to the boardroom, he has been recognized for his commitment to excellence. He was an Academic All-SEC Winner, The Sylvester Croom Commitment to Excellence Award, a 2x Pinnacle Recipient and led an Insurance Agency that has been recognized as Tuscaloosa’s Best Agency four consecutive years. He also ran a great Mayoral campaign to unset a 16 year incumbent, but came up a little short.

Today Martin serves as the Chief Growth Officer for Alabama One Credit Union and the Lead Pastor of Harvest Church. He also still host his sport talk show and serves as the Lead Speaker for Martin Houston Speaks, a speaking and training company.

Martin and Cassandra married during his redshirt-freshmen year at the University of Alabama. The two of them have seen many days of ups and downs and through it all they have remained faithful to each other and continued to grow and mature. Their union has produced 4 children (2-boys/2-girls) and 3 grandchildren (and growing). His wife and family have encouraged him to continue to thrive to leave a legacy of love that will propel (encourage) them to carry on the work God has started in him.