Houston Antwine, American football player (Boston/New England Patriots, Philadelphia Eagles), AFL All-Star (1963–1968), died from heart failure he was 72.

Houston J. Antwine  was a college and professional American football player from Southern Illinois University died from heart failure he was 72.. He was drafted by the American Football League's Houston Oilers, then traded to the Boston Patriots in 1961. He is in the Southern Illinois University Athletic Hall of Fame. A former NAIA wrestling champion, as a defensive tackle, the stocky "Twine" was nearly impossible to move out of the middle.

(April 11, 1939 – December 26, 2011)

Antwine was cited by fellow Hall of Famer Billy Shaw as one of the American Football League's best pass rushers, athletic and very quick on his feet. He usually drew double-team blocking. He was an American Football League All-Star six straight years, from 1963 through 1968, was named to the All-Time All-AFL Team, and to the Patriots All-1960s (AFL) Team.
Houston recorded 39 sacks, recovered 4 fumbles and had 1 interception in 142 regular season games for the Patriots. He returned an interception 2 yards on 12-12-65. Houston led the team in sacks in 1967, 1968 & 1969.
He was the AFL Defensive Player of the Week as he sacked Dan Darragh three times in the Patriots 16-7 win over the Buffalo Bills @ War Memorial Stadium on 09-08-68.
Antwine was awarded the game ball for his performance in the Patriots 26-10 win over the New York Jets @ Boston College Alumni Stadium on 09-27-64. He had a career high 10 tackles in the Patriots 33-14 win over the Cincinnati Bengals @ Fenway Park on 12-01-68.
He had four games with at least 2 sacks and recorded sacks of George Blanda Joe Namath, Len Dawson, Bob Griese, Fran Tarkenton & Johnny Unitas. He recovered fumbles by Paul Lowe, Darrell Lester, Bert Coan & Dennis Shaw.
Houston was an AFL All Star Defensive Tackle in 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1967 & 1968.


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