View source for T. J. Houshmandzadeh

{{Short description|American football player (born 1977)}}
{{Use American English|date=February 2023}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=February 2024}}
{{Infobox NFL biography
| name         = T. J. Houshmandzadeh
| image        = TJ_Houshmandzadeh.jpg
| caption      = Houshmandzadeh with the Cincinnati Bengals in 2006
| number       = 84
| position     = [[Wide receiver]]
| birth_date   = {{Birth date and age|1977|9|26}}
| birth_place  = [[Barstow, California]], U.S.
| height_ft    = 6
| height_in    = 2
| weight_lbs   = 203
| high_school  = [[Barstow High School|Barstow]]
| college      = {{ubl|[[Cerritos College|Cerritos]] (1998–1999)|[[Oregon State Beavers football|Oregon State]] (2000)}}
| draftyear    = 2001
| draftround   = 7
| draftpick    = 204
| pastteams    =
* [[Cincinnati Bengals]] ({{NFL Year|2001}}–{{NFL Year|2008}})
* [[Seattle Seahawks]] ({{NFL Year|2009}})
* [[Baltimore Ravens]] ({{NFL Year|2010}})
* [[Oakland Raiders]] ({{NFL Year|2011}})
| pastcoaching =
* [[Long Beach Polytechnic High School|Long Beach Polytechnic]] (2016–2017) <br> Wide receivers coach
* Long Beach Polytechnic (2018) <br> Offensive coordinator
| highlights   =
* [[Pro Bowl]] ([[2008 Pro Bowl|2007]])
* [[List of NFL annual receptions leaders|NFL receptions co-leader]] (2007)
* [[Cincinnati Bengals#40th Anniversary Team|Cincinnati Bengals 40th Anniversary Team]]
* Second-team [[List of All-Pac-12 Conference football teams|All-Pac-10]] ([[2000 All-Pacific-10 Conference football team|2000]])
| statlabel1   = [[Reception (gridiron football)|Receptions]]
| statvalue1   = 627
| statlabel2   = [[Receiving yards]]
| statvalue2   = 7,237
| statlabel3   = [[Touchdown|Receiving touchdowns]]
| statvalue3   = 44
| pfr          = H/HousTJ00
}}
'''Touraj Houshmandzadeh Jr.'''<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 17, 2009 |title=Highlights of T.J. Houshmandzadeh chat |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/seahawks/highlights-of-tj-houshmandzadeh-chat/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230701203935/https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/seahawks/highlights-of-tj-houshmandzadeh-chat/ |archive-date=July 1, 2023 |access-date=July 1, 2023 |website=The Seattle Times}}</ref> ({{IPAc-en|ˌ|h|ʊ|ʃ|m|ən|ˈ|z|ɑː|d|ə}} {{respell|HUUSH|mən|ZAH|də}};<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kropko |first=M. R. |date=December 22, 2006 |title=AP News Pronunciation Guide |url=http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-29023516_ITM |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090112022516/http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-29023516_ITM |archive-date=January 12, 2009 |access-date=March 27, 2008 |website=AP Worldstream}}</ref> born September 26, 1977) is an American former professional [[American football|football]] player who was a [[wide receiver]] in the [[National Football League]] (NFL). He played [[college football]] for the [[Oregon State Beavers football|Oregon State Beavers]] and was selected by the [[Cincinnati Bengals]] in the seventh round of the [[2001 NFL draft]]. Houshmandzadeh played for the [[Seattle Seahawks]] in 2009, the [[Baltimore Ravens]] in 2010 and the [[Oakland Raiders]] in 2011.<ref>{{Cite web |last=O'Neil |first=Danny |date=April 19, 2009 |title=Seahawks new wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh is out for recognition |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/seahawks/seahawks-new-wide-receiver-tj-houshmandzadeh-is-out-for-recognition/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230701204026/https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/seahawks/seahawks-new-wide-receiver-tj-houshmandzadeh-is-out-for-recognition/ |archive-date=July 1, 2023 |access-date=July 1, 2023 |website=The Seattle Times |language=en-US}}</ref> In 2016, he joined [[Long Beach Polytechnic High School|Long Beach Poly High School]] as a wide receivers coach and was elevated to varsity offensive coordinator in 2018. Houshmandzadeh also works as a football analyst for [[Fox Sports (United States)|FS1]].<ref name=foxsports/>

==College career==

===Cerritos College===
Houshmandzadeh  dropped out of [[Barstow High School]] in [[Barstow, California]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 30, 2006 |title=Houshmandzadeh still hustling |url=https://www.bengals.com/news/houshmandzadeh-still-hustling-723302 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230707161612/https://www.bengals.com/news/houshmandzadeh-still-hustling-723302 |archive-date=July 7, 2023 |access-date=July 6, 2023 |website=Bengals.com |language=en-US}}</ref> He later enrolled at [[Cerritos College]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Famous Falcons |url=https://cerritoscf.org/be-alumni/famous-falcons/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230707162627/https://cerritoscf.org/be-alumni/famous-falcons/ |archive-date=July 7, 2023 |access-date=July 6, 2023 |website=Cerritos College Foundation |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Boyle |first=John |date=August 17, 2009 |title=‘Housh’ makes off-field difference |url=https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2009/aug/17/housh-makes-off-field-difference/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230707162627/https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2009/aug/17/housh-makes-off-field-difference/ |archive-date=July 7, 2023 |access-date=July 6, 2023 |website=The Spokesman-Review}}</ref> In his two seasons with the Cerritos College Falcons in 1998 and 1999, he was a two-time First-Team Mission Conference selection at wide receiver and kickoff returner. He wanted to play as [[running back]] his freshman year, but believing he was too tall to play running back, he voluntarily moved to the wide receiver position. He finished his Cerritos College Falcons career with 1,152 receiving yards on 65 receptions. He also had two 103-yard [[kickoff return]]s and a 92-yard [[punt return]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 7, 2008 |title=T.J. HOUSHMANDZADEH NAMED TO PRO BOWL |url=http://www.cerritos.edu/hpea/athletics/athletic_news/2008/jan_08/jan_07a_08_A.asp |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080209134439/http://www.cerritos.edu/hpea/athletics/athletic_news/2008/jan_08/jan_07a_08_A.asp |archive-date=February 9, 2008 |access-date=January 11, 2008 |website=Cerritos.edu}}</ref>

===Oregon State University===
Based on his [[junior college]] performance, Houshmandzadeh was offered an athletic [[scholarship]] at [[Oregon State Beavers football|Oregon State University]] by then head coach [[Dennis Erickson]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Oregon State Beavers Coaches |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/oregon-state/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180418032557/https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/oregon-state/ |archive-date=April 18, 2018 |access-date=July 1, 2023 |website=College Football at Sports-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref>

In his sole season as a starter for Oregon State in the [[2000 Oregon State Beavers football team|2000 season]], Houshmandzadeh caught 42 passes for 656 yards and six touchdowns.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Morgan |first=John |date=January 27, 2009 |title=Free Agent of Interest: TJ Houshmandzadeh |url=https://www.fieldgulls.com/2009/1/27/738227/free-agent-of-interest-tj |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230707162036/https://www.fieldgulls.com/2009/1/27/738227/free-agent-of-interest-tj |archive-date=July 7, 2023 |access-date=July 6, 2023 |website=Field Gulls |language=en}}</ref>  He helped his team defeat [[2000 Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team|Notre Dame]] in the [[2001 Fiesta Bowl]]. Houshmandzadeh contributed a receiving touchdown, assisting his team to a 41–9 victory.<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 2, 2001 |title=Fiesta Bowl – Ore. St. 41, Notre Dame 9 |url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/2001/01/02/Fiesta-Bowl-Ore-St-41-Notre-Dame-9/4226978411600/ |access-date=July 1, 2023 |website=UPI |language=en}}</ref>

At Oregon State, he played with [[Chad Johnson]], who would later be his teammate in the NFL with the [[Cincinnati Bengals]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Fleming |first=David |date=June 19, 2006 |title=Chad Johnson and T.J. Houshmandzadeh won't let the Bengals falter |url=https://www.espn.com/espnmag/story?id=3667057 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230701204302/https://www.espn.com/espnmag/story?id=3667057 |archive-date=July 1, 2023 |access-date=July 1, 2023 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}</ref>

==Professional career==
{{NFL predraft
|    height ft = 6
|    height in = 1 1/4
|       weight = 211
|         note = Values from Pro Day<ref>{{Cite web |title=2001 Draft Scout T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Oregon State NFL Draft Scout College Football Profile |url=https://draftscout.com/dsprofile.php?PlayerId=867&DraftYear=2001 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230113095607/https://draftscout.com/dsprofile.php?PlayerId=867&DraftYear=2001 |archive-date=January 13, 2023 |access-date=January 13, 2023 |website=draftscout.com}}</ref>
}}

===Cincinnati Bengals===
Houshmandzadeh was selected by the [[Cincinnati Bengals]] in the seventh round with the 204th overall pick in the [[2001 NFL draft]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=2001 NFL Draft Listing |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2001/draft.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181002220506/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2001/draft.htm |archive-date=October 2, 2018 |access-date=March 17, 2023 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

Houshmandzadeh made his NFL debut in Week 3 of the 2001 season against the [[2001 San Diego Chargers season|San Diego Chargers]]. As a rookie, Houshmandzadeh had recorded 21 receptions for 228 yards, while also being used to return punts and kickoffs.<ref>{{Cite web |title=T.J. Houshmandzadeh 2001 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/H/HousTJ00/gamelog/2001/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230701204428/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/H/HousTJ00/gamelog/2001/ |archive-date=July 1, 2023 |access-date=July 1, 2023 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref> His most notable achievement was in a game against the [[2001 Cleveland Browns season|Cleveland Browns]], in which he set a franchise record with 126 punt return yards.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kirkendall |first=Josh |date=July 16, 2011 |title=Poll: Best Bengals Player To Wear No. 84 In Franchise History |url=https://www.cincyjungle.com/2011/7/16/2278870/poll-best-bengals-player-to-wear-no-84-in-franchise-history |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230707162412/https://www.cincyjungle.com/2011/7/16/2278870/poll-best-bengals-player-to-wear-no-84-in-franchise-history |archive-date=July 7, 2023 |access-date=July 6, 2023 |website=Cincy Jungle |language=en}}</ref>
[[File:Carson Palmer under center.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Houshmandzadeh (84) with the Bengals in 2006.]]

In Week 13 of the 2002 season, against the [[2002 Baltimore Ravens season|Baltimore Ravens]], Housmandzadeh scored his first professional touchdown on a four-yard reception.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Baltimore Ravens at Cincinnati Bengals – December 1st, 2002 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200212010cin.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230707162034/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200212010cin.htm |archive-date=July 7, 2023 |access-date=July 6, 2023 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref> In the 2002 season, Houshmandzadeh had 41 receptions for 492 receiving yards and one receiving touchdown in 16 games and five starts.<ref>{{Cite web |title=T.J. Houshmandzadeh 2002 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/H/HousTJ00/gamelog/2002/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230707151830/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/H/HousTJ00/gamelog/2002/ |archive-date=July 7, 2023 |access-date=July 6, 2023 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref>

Houshmandzadeh missed the 2003 season with a severe [[hamstring]] injury.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Fentress |first=Aaron |date=October 14, 2009 |title=Fentress: T.J. Houshmandzadeh brings a brash approach the Seahawks need |url=https://www.oregonlive.com/nfl/2009/10/fentress_seahawks_wide_receive.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230706032933/https://www.oregonlive.com/nfl/2009/10/fentress_seahawks_wide_receive.html |archive-date=July 6, 2023 |access-date=July 6, 2023 |website=OregonLive |language=en}}</ref> In 2004, he was listed as the team's third receiver behind [[Peter Warrick]] and [[Chad Ocho Cinco|Chad Johnson]]. However, Warrick became injured and Houshmandzadeh was promoted to the starting lineup with Johnson.

In Week 3 of the 2004 season, against the [[2004 Baltimore Ravens season|Baltimore Ravens]], Housmandzadeh had seven receptions for 116 receiving yards.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Baltimore Ravens at Cincinnati Bengals – September 26th, 2004 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200409260cin.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180106063533/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200409260cin.htm |archive-date=January 6, 2018 |access-date=July 6, 2023 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref> In Week 12, against the [[2004 Cleveland Browns season|Cleveland Browns]], he had two receiving touchdowns in the 58–48 victory.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Cleveland Browns at Cincinnati Bengals – November 28th, 2004 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200411280cin.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115055411/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200411280cin.htm |archive-date=November 15, 2020 |access-date=July 6, 2023 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref> In Week 13, in another game against Baltimore, he had ten receptions for 171 yards and one touchdown in the 27–26 victory.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Cincinnati Bengals at Baltimore Ravens – December 5th, 2004 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200412050rav.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180106063632/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200412050rav.htm |archive-date=January 6, 2018 |access-date=July 6, 2023 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref> In Week 14, against the [[2004 New England Patriots season|New England Patriots]], he had 12 receptions for 145 receiving yards.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Cincinnati Bengals at New England Patriots – December 12th, 2004 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200412120nwe.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230707162307/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200412120nwe.htm |archive-date=July 7, 2023 |access-date=July 6, 2023 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref> In the 2004 season, Houshmandzadeh had 73 receptions for 978 receiving yards and four receiving touchdowns in 16 games and 13 starts.<ref>{{Cite web |title=T.J. Houshmandzadeh 2004 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/H/HousTJ00/gamelog/2004/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230706032956/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/H/HousTJ00/gamelog/2004/ |archive-date=July 6, 2023 |access-date=July 6, 2023 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

"They're both unique", says former Bengals [[quarterback]] [[Carson Palmer]] of Johnson and Houshmandzadeh. "They do completely different things well and complement each other perfectly. T. J.'s a physical guy; a physical blocker, physical when he gets the ball. He's like (the [[Pittsburgh Steelers]]') [[Hines Ward]]."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kay |first=Joe |date=November 30, 2005 |title=T.J. More Than Chad's Sidekick on Bengals |url=http://www.townhall.com/news/ap/online/sports/football/news/D8E6MOE00.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051213143142/http://www.townhall.com/news/ap/online/sports/football/news/D8E6MOE00.html |archive-date=December 13, 2005 |website=Townhall.com |agency=Associated Press}}</ref>
[[File:TJH2.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Houshmandzadeh with the Bengals playing against the [[New York Giants]] on September 21, 2008.]]

With the release of Warrick during the 2005 training camp, Houshmandzadeh retained the starting position and he and Johnson soon earned recognition for being among the NFL's most exciting receiving tandems. In March 2005, the Bengals rewarded Houshmandzadeh with a four-year, $13 million contract and an undisclosed bonus.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pasquarelli |first=Len |author-link=Len Pasquarelli |date=March 3, 2005 |title=Houshmandzadeh staying with Bengals |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/columns/story?columnist=pasquarelli_len&id=2003501 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230707161831/https://www.espn.com/nfl/columns/story?columnist=pasquarelli_len&id=2003501 |archive-date=July 7, 2023 |access-date=July 6, 2023 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}</ref>

In Week 4 of the 2005 season, Houshmandzadeh had eight receptions for 105 yards in a 16–10 victory over the [[2005 Houston Texans season|Houston Texans]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Houston Texans at Cincinnati Bengals – October 2nd, 2005 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200510020cin.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180106063810/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200510020cin.htm |archive-date=January 6, 2018 |access-date=July 7, 2023 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref> In Week 12, against the [[2005 Baltimore Ravens season|Baltimore Ravens]], he had nine receptions for 147 yards and a touchdown in the 42–29 victory.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Baltimore Ravens at Cincinnati Bengals – November 27th, 2005 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200511270cin.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230707163054/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200511270cin.htm |archive-date=July 7, 2023 |access-date=July 7, 2023 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref> In Week 13 against the [[2005 Pittsburgh Steelers season|Pittsburgh Steelers]], he had two receiving touchdowns in the 38–31 victory.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Cincinnati Bengals at Pittsburgh Steelers – December 4th, 2005 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200512040pit.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230707162905/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200512040pit.htm |archive-date=July 7, 2023 |access-date=July 7, 2023 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref> In the 2005 season, Houshmandzadeh had 78 receptions for 956 receiving yards and seven receiving touchdowns.<ref>{{Cite web |title=T.J. Houshmandzadeh 2005 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/H/HousTJ00/gamelog/2005/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230707162103/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/H/HousTJ00/gamelog/2005/ |archive-date=July 7, 2023 |access-date=July 6, 2023 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> In the [[2005–06 NFL playoffs#AFC: Pittsburgh Steelers 31, Cincinnati Bengals 17|Wild Card Round]] against the Steelers, he had a receiving touchdown in the 31–17 loss.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Wild Card – Pittsburgh Steelers at Cincinnati Bengals – January 8th, 2006 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200601080cin.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170802220035/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200601080cin.htm |archive-date=August 2, 2017 |access-date=July 6, 2023 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref>

In the 2006 season, Houshmandzadeh battled a recurring minor foot injury that kept him out of the first two games of the regular season.<ref name="2006gl" /> In Week 3 of the 2006 season, Houshmandzadeh had nine receptions for 94 receiving yards and two receiving touchdowns against the [[2006 Pittsburgh Steelers season|Pittsburgh Steelers]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Cincinnati Bengals at Pittsburgh Steelers – September 24th, 2006 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200609240pit.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180115001514/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200609240pit.htm |archive-date=January 15, 2018 |access-date=July 6, 2023 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref> He won AFC Offensive Player of the Week for his game against Pittsburgh.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2006 NFL Week 3 Leaders & Scores |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2006/week_3.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230707162034/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2006/week_3.htm |archive-date=July 7, 2023 |access-date=July 6, 2023 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref> In Week 6, he had ten receptions for 102 yards and a touchdown against the [[2006 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season|Tampa Bay Buccaneers]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Cincinnati Bengals at Tampa Bay Buccaneers – October 15th, 2006 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200610150tam.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230707162942/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200610150tam.htm |archive-date=July 7, 2023 |access-date=July 7, 2023 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref> In Week 10, he suffered a mild concussion during the Bengals 49–41 loss to the [[2006 San Diego Chargers season|San Diego Chargers]] from an early hit by Chargers free safety [[Marlon McCree]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pasquarelli |first=Len |date=November 18, 2006 |title=Chargers' safety McCree escapes fine, others don't |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=2667061 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230707163054/https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=2667061 |archive-date=July 7, 2023 |access-date=July 7, 2023 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}</ref> In Week 13 against the [[2006 Baltimore Ravens season|Baltimore Ravens]], he had ten receptions for 106 yards and a touchdown in the 13–7 victory.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Baltimore Ravens at Cincinnati Bengals – November 30th, 2006 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200611300cin.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230707161929/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200611300cin.htm |archive-date=July 7, 2023 |access-date=July 7, 2023 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref> In the following game, he had eight receptions for 118 yards and a touchdown against the [[2006 Oakland Raiders season|Oakland Raiders]] in the 27–10 victory.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Oakland Raiders at Cincinnati Bengals – December 10th, 2006 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200612100cin.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230707162838/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200612100cin.htm |archive-date=July 7, 2023 |access-date=July 7, 2023 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref> He finished the 2006 season with 90 receptions for 1,081 yards and nine touchdowns, all career highs. His 90 receptions and nine touchdown catches led his team.<ref name="2006gl">{{Cite web |title=T.J. Houshmandzadeh 2006 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/H/HousTJ00/gamelog/2006/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230706033032/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/H/HousTJ00/gamelog/2006/ |archive-date=July 6, 2023 |access-date=July 6, 2023 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=2006 Cincinnati Bengals Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/cin/2006.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180106063744/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/cin/2006.htm |archive-date=January 6, 2018 |access-date=July 6, 2023 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> He and Chad Johnson also became the first Bengals teammates ever to each record over 1,000 receiving yards in the same season.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Cincinnati Bengals Single-Season Receiving Leaders |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/cin/single-season-receiving.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210109131530/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/cin/single-season-receiving.htm |archive-date=January 9, 2021 |access-date=July 6, 2023 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

[[File:TJ Houshmandzadeh 2007.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Houshmandzadeh before a home game in 2007]]

Houshmandzadeh opened the 2007 season by scoring a touchdown against the [[2007 Baltimore Ravens season|Baltimore Ravens]] in a 27–20 victory and two touchdowns in the 51–45 loss to the [[2007 Cleveland Browns season|Cleveland Browns]] in Week 2.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Baltimore Ravens at Cincinnati Bengals – September 10th, 2007 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200709100cin.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180106063700/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200709100cin.htm |archive-date=January 6, 2018 |access-date=July 6, 2023 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Cincinnati Bengals at Cleveland Browns – September 16th, 2007 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200709160cle.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171006212412/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200709160cle.htm |archive-date=October 6, 2017 |access-date=July 6, 2023 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> Against the [[2007 Seattle Seahawks season|Seattle Seahawks]] in Week 3, Houshmandzadeh totaled 141 yards on 12 receptions for one touchdown in the 24–21 loss.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Cincinnati Bengals at Seattle Seahawks – September 23rd, 2007 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200709230sea.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180106063630/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200709230sea.htm |archive-date=January 6, 2018 |access-date=July 6, 2023 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> In Week 4, against the [[2007 New England Patriots season|New England Patriots]], he had 12 receptions for 100 yards and a touchdown.<ref>{{Cite web |title=New England Patriots at Cincinnati Bengals – October 1st, 2007 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200710010cin.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230314192145/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200710010cin.htm |archive-date=March 14, 2023 |access-date=July 7, 2023 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref> In the following week, he had eight receptions for 145 yards and two touchdowns against the [[2007 Kansas City Chiefs season|Kansas City Chiefs]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Cincinnati Bengals at Kansas City Chiefs – October 14th, 2007 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200710140kan.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230707163004/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200710140kan.htm |archive-date=July 7, 2023 |access-date=July 7, 2023 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref> He ended up having a streak of eight games with at least one touchdown to start the season. By the end of the year, he finished with a franchise record 112 receptions for 1,143 yards and 12 touchdowns.<ref>{{Cite web |title=T.J. Houshmandzadeh 2007 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/H/HousTJ00/gamelog/2007/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230706033231/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/H/HousTJ00/gamelog/2007/ |archive-date=July 6, 2023 |access-date=July 6, 2023 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> His 112 catches tied him with [[Wes Welker]] of the Patriots for the most in the [[National Football League|NFL]].<ref name="2007pfr">{{Cite web |title=2007 NFL Receiving |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2007/receiving.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201030432/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2007/receiving.htm |archive-date=December 1, 2017 |access-date=July 6, 2023 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> He was also selected to the [[Pro Bowl]] for the first time in his career.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2007 NFL Pro Bowlers |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2007/probowl.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180316023313/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2007/probowl.htm |archive-date=March 16, 2018 |access-date=July 6, 2023 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

In Week 3 of the 2008 season, Houshmandzadeh recorded 12 receptions for 142 receiving yards and one touchdown in the 26–23 loss to the [[2008 New York Giants season|New York Giants]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Cincinnati Bengals at New York Giants – September 21st, 2008 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200809210nyg.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180106063558/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200809210nyg.htm |archive-date=January 6, 2018 |access-date=July 7, 2023 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>  In Week 5, against the [[2008 Dallas Cowboys season|Dallas Cowboys]], he had two receiving touchdowns.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Cincinnati Bengals at Dallas Cowboys – October 5th, 2008 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200810050dal.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180106063740/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200810050dal.htm |archive-date=January 6, 2018 |access-date=July 7, 2023 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> In Week 11, in a 13–13 tie to the [[2008 Philadelphia Eagles season|Philadelphia Eagles]], he had 12 receptions for 149 yards and one touchdown.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Philadelphia Eagles at Cincinnati Bengals – November 16th, 2008 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200811160cin.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230110061048/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200811160cin.htm |archive-date=January 10, 2023 |access-date=July 7, 2023 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> In [[2008 NFL season|2008]], Houshmandzadeh had 92 catches for 904 yards and four touchdowns.<ref>{{Cite web |title=T.J. Houshmandzadeh 2008 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/H/HousTJ00/gamelog/2008/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230706033340/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/H/HousTJ00/gamelog/2008/ |archive-date=July 6, 2023 |access-date=July 6, 2023 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> He did this while [[Carson Palmer]] was out with injury for most of the year.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mass |first=AJ |date=July 6, 2009 |title=Bengals camp preview: Can revamped offense click? |url=https://www.espn.com/fantasy/football/ffl/story?page=nfldk2k9bengalscamppreview |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230701210123/https://www.espn.com/fantasy/football/ffl/story?page=nfldk2k9bengalscamppreview |archive-date=July 1, 2023 |access-date=July 1, 2023 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}</ref>

===Seattle Seahawks===
Houshmandzadeh was signed by the [[Seattle Seahawks]] on March 2, 2009, to a five-year $40 million contract with $15 million guaranteed.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Morgan |first=John |date=March 2, 2009 |title=Seattle Signs TJ Houshmandzadeh to 5 Years, $40 Million |url=https://www.fieldgulls.com/2009/3/2/778261/seattle-signs-tj-houshmand |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230707163050/https://www.fieldgulls.com/2009/3/2/778261/seattle-signs-tj-houshmand |archive-date=July 7, 2023 |access-date=July 7, 2023 |website=Field Gulls |language=en}}</ref> He had also been courted by the [[Minnesota Vikings]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Clayton |first=John |date=March 2, 2009 |title=Houshmandzadeh heads West |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=3947108 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090304160602/http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3947108 |archive-date=March 4, 2009 |access-date=March 2, 2009 |website=ESPN.com}}</ref> The Cincinnati Bengals reportedly gave him an offer, but he countered the statement saying "Cincinnati's offer wasn't enough for me to continue to play there, I think I should be able to start fresh." He jokingly went on to say "I want to win some games for once", which is a reference to the Bengals' history of losing. The Bengals swept the [[AFC North]] on their way to a 10–6 record, while Seattle finished 5–11.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2009 Seattle Seahawks Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/sea/2009.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230706033418/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/sea/2009.htm |archive-date=July 6, 2023 |access-date=July 6, 2023 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=2009 NFL Standings & Team Stats |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2009/index.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190321050728/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2009/index.htm |archive-date=March 21, 2019 |access-date=July 6, 2023 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> Houshmandzadeh, however, had a decent year statistically, with 79 catches for 911 yards for an 11.5 yard receiving average, but only scored three touchdowns.<ref>{{Cite web |title=T.J. Houshmandzadeh 2009 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/H/HousTJ00/gamelog/2009/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230706033410/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/H/HousTJ00/gamelog/2009/ |archive-date=July 6, 2023 |access-date=July 6, 2023 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> On September 4, 2010, the Seahawks released Houshmandzadeh.<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 4, 2010 |title=Seahawks drop veteran WR Houshmandzadeh |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=5531522 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230701204910/https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=5531522 |archive-date=July 1, 2023 |access-date=July 1, 2023 |website=ESPN.com |language=en |agency=Associated Press}}</ref>

===Baltimore Ravens===
Houshmandzadeh signed a one-year deal with the [[Baltimore Ravens]] on September 6, 2010, for the veteran league minimum of $855,000.<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 8, 2010 |title=T.J. Houshmandzadeh: Joining Ravens ‘refreshing’ |url=https://www.times-news.com/sports/local_sports/t-j-houshmandzadeh-joining-ravens-refreshing/article_677b9f1b-30cc-5c3f-837e-6b8ca27d6247.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230707162813/https://www.times-news.com/sports/local_sports/t-j-houshmandzadeh-joining-ravens-refreshing/article_677b9f1b-30cc-5c3f-837e-6b8ca27d6247.html |archive-date=July 7, 2023 |access-date=July 7, 2023 |website=The Cumberland Times-News |language=en}}</ref> However, since his $7 million salary with the Seahawks was guaranteed in his previous contract, Seattle paid him the remaining $6.15 million for 2010.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Schefter |first=Adam |author-link=Adam Schefter |date=September 6, 2010 |title=WR Houshmandzadeh signs deal with Ravens |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=5539093 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230707163748/https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=5539093 |archive-date=July 7, 2023 |access-date=July 7, 2023 |website=ESPN.com |language=en |agency=Associated Press}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Fentress |first=Aaron |date=September 6, 2010 |title=T.J. Houshmandzadeh signs with Baltimore Ravens |url=https://www.oregonlive.com/nfl/2010/09/tj_houshmandzadeh_signs_with_b.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230707162831/https://www.oregonlive.com/nfl/2010/09/tj_houshmandzadeh_signs_with_b.html |archive-date=July 7, 2023 |access-date=July 7, 2023 |website=OregonLive |language=en}}</ref> During his short tenure in Baltimore, Houshmandzadeh recorded only 30 receptions for 398 yards.<ref>{{Cite web |title=T.J. Houshmandzadeh 2010 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/H/HousTJ00/gamelog/2010/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230701204741/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/H/HousTJ00/gamelog/2010/ |archive-date=July 1, 2023 |access-date=July 1, 2023 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref> He managed to score only three touchdowns, although one of them won the Week 4 divisional matchup against the [[2010 Pittsburgh Steelers season|Pittsburgh Steelers]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Baltimore Ravens at Pittsburgh Steelers – October 3rd, 2010 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201010030pit.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171110061618/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201010030pit.htm |archive-date=November 10, 2017 |access-date=July 7, 2023 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> In the 2010 [[2010–11 NFL playoffs#AFC: Pittsburgh Steelers 31, Baltimore Ravens 24|Divisional Round]] loss against the [[2010 Pittsburgh Steelers season|Pittsburgh Steelers]], Houshmandzadeh dropped a critical pass which would've converted a fourth down and potentially changed the outcome of the 31–24 loss.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Divisional Round – Baltimore Ravens at Pittsburgh Steelers – January 15th, 2011 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201101150pit.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171110080414/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201101150pit.htm |archive-date=November 10, 2017 |access-date=July 7, 2023 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Lee |first=Edward |date=July 26, 2011 |title=Last play of 2010 season haunts Houshmandzadeh |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/bs-mtblog-2011-07-last_play_of_2010_season_haunts_houshmandzadeh-story.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230707163114/https://www.baltimoresun.com/bs-mtblog-2011-07-last_play_of_2010_season_haunts_houshmandzadeh-story.html |archive-date=July 7, 2023 |access-date=July 7, 2023 |website=Baltimore Sun}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=June 30, 2011 |title=Houshmandzadeh hopeful for new start after dropped pass |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/houshmandzadeh-hopeful-for-new-start-after-dropped-pass-09000d5d8208da61 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230707162847/https://www.nfl.com/news/houshmandzadeh-hopeful-for-new-start-after-dropped-pass-09000d5d8208da61 |archive-date=July 7, 2023 |access-date=July 7, 2023 |website=NFL.com |language=en-US}}</ref> That, combined with his frequent complaining and general poor play, led to him not being re-signed. "If I go to the right team I'll shock a lot of people", he said while he was a free agent.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Schefter |first=Adam |author-link=Adam Schefter |date=September 6, 2010 |title=T.J. Houshmandzadeh to join Ravens |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=5539093 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100907205713/http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=5539093 |archive-date=September 7, 2010 |access-date=September 6, 2010 |website=[[ESPN.com]]}}</ref>

===Oakland Raiders===
The [[Oakland Raiders]] signed Houshmandzadeh on November 1, 2011.<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 1, 2011 |title=Raiders sign WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh |url=https://www.deseret.com/2011/11/1/20227686/raiders-sign-wr-t-j-houshmandzadeh |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230701204635/https://www.deseret.com/2011/11/1/20227686/raiders-sign-wr-t-j-houshmandzadeh |archive-date=July 1, 2023 |access-date=July 1, 2023 |website=Deseret News |language=en |agency=Associated Press}}</ref> The signing reunited Houshmandzadeh with former Bengals quarterback [[Carson Palmer]], as well as head coach [[Hue Jackson]], who was a former assistant with the Bengals.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dubow |first=Josh |date=November 2, 2011 |title=Raiders reunite Palmer with Houshmandzadeh |url=https://www.montereyherald.com/general-news/20111102/raiders-reunite-palmer-with-houshmandzadeh/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230715022105/https://www.montereyherald.com/2011/11/02/raiders-reunite-palmer-with-houshmandzadeh/ |archive-date=July 15, 2023 |access-date=July 7, 2023 |website=Monterey Herald |language=en-US |agency=Associated Press}}</ref>

On December 4, 2011, against the [[2011 Miami Dolphins season|Miami Dolphins]], he caught his first touchdown as a member of the Oakland Raiders, a 40-yard pass from quarterback Carson Palmer, which was his only catch in the 34–14 rout by Miami.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Oakland Raiders at Miami Dolphins – December 4th, 2011 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201112040mia.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180111165120/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201112040mia.htm |archive-date=January 11, 2018 |access-date=July 7, 2023 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> He finished 2011 with 11 catches for 146 yards for a 13.3 yard receiving average and one touchdown.<ref>{{Cite web |title=T.J. Houshmandzadeh 2011 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/H/HousTJ00/gamelog/2011/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230701204438/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/H/HousTJ00/gamelog/2011/ |archive-date=July 1, 2023 |access-date=July 1, 2023 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref> This would end up being his final season in the NFL, as he later retired.

===Records===
* Team record most punt return yards in a game (126) vs. Cleveland, November 25, 2001  
* Tied NFL lead most receptions in a season (112) in 2007.<ref name="2007pfr" />

==Personal life==
===Andy Furman incident===
Andy Furman, a sports commentator on Cincinnati's [[700 WLW]] was fired on November 1, 2006, for referring to Houshmandzadeh as a [[racist]] on the air. On October 5, 2006, Houshmandzadeh failed to appear for a paid appearance on the show. The next evening, Furman, a [[New York City]] native, alleged that he heard from another source that Houshmandzadeh called him a "punk-ass white boy" for criticizing the no-show. Houshmandzadeh denied making the comment.<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 2, 2006 |title=Housh your mouth: Radio host fired after spat with WR |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=2646828 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230701204602/https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=2646828 |archive-date=July 1, 2023 |access-date=July 1, 2023 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}</ref>

===Restraining order===
On December 4, 2023, Houshmandzadeh filed for a restraining order against a woman who had allegedly been so obsessed with him that she changed her last name to Houshmandzadeh. It was also claimed that the woman had posed as the mother of his kids online and had sent harassing mail and personal items to his home.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Nivison |first=Austin |date=December 5, 2023 |title=Former NFL WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh files for restraining order against woman who took his last name |url=https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/former-nfl-wr-t-j-houshmandzadeh-files-for-restraining-order-against-woman-who-took-his-last-name/amp/ |access-date=December 19, 2023 |website=CBSSports.com |language=en}}</ref>

== NFL career statistics ==

=== Regular season ===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
! rowspan="2" |Year
! rowspan="2" |Team
! colspan="2" |Games
! colspan="5" |Receiving
! colspan="5" |Rushing
! colspan="5" |Kick returns
! colspan="5" |Punt returns
! colspan="2" |Fumbles
|-
!GP
!GS
!Rec
!Yds
!Avg
!Lng
!TD
!Att
!Yds
!Avg
!Lng
!TD
!Att
!Yds
!Avg
!Lng
!TD
!Att
!Yds
!Avg
!Lng
!TD
!Fum
!Lost
|-
![[2001 NFL season|2001]]
![[2001 Cincinnati Bengals season|CIN]]
|12
|1
|21
|228
|10.9
|23
|0
|–
|–
|–
|–
|–
|10
|185
|18.5
|23
|0
|12
|163
|'''13.6'''
|'''86'''
|0
|'''3'''
|'''3'''
|-
![[2002 NFL season|2002]]
![[2002 Cincinnati Bengals season|CIN]]
|16
|5
|41
|492
|12.0
|31
|1
|–
|–
|–
|–
|–
|'''13'''
|'''288'''
|22.2
|'''44'''
|0
|'''24'''
|117
|4.9
|34
|0
|3
|2
|-
![[2003 NFL season|2003]]
![[2003 Cincinnati Bengals season|CIN]]
| colspan="24" |{{Tooltip|DNP|Did not play}}
|-
![[2004 NFL season|2004]]
![[2004 Cincinnati Bengals season|CIN]]
|16
|13
|73
|978
|'''13.4'''
|'''62'''
|4
|6
|51
|'''8.5'''
|16
|0
|10
|227
|'''22.7'''
|32
|0
|11
|88
|8.0
|28
|0
|0
|0
|-
![[2005 NFL season|2005]]
![[2005 Cincinnati Bengals season|CIN]]
|14
|12
|78
|856
|12.3
|43
|7
|'''8'''
|'''62'''
|7.8
|'''17'''
|0
|–
|–
|–
|–
|–
|–
|–
|–
|–
|–
|1
|1
|-
![[2006 NFL season|2006]]
![[2006 Cincinnati Bengals season|CIN]]
|14
|13
|90
|1,081
|12.0
|40
|9
|3
|6
|2.0
|13
|0
|–
|–
|–
|–
|–
|–
|–
|–
|–
|–
|0
|0
|-
![[2007 NFL season|2007]]
![[2007 Cincinnati Bengals season|CIN]]
|16
|15
|'''112'''
|'''1,143'''
|10.2
|42
|'''12'''
|5
|14
|2.8
|8
|0
|–
|–
|–
|–
|–
|–
|–
|–
|–
|–
|2
|2
|-
![[2008 NFL season|2008]]
![[2008 Cincinnati Bengals season|CIN]]
|15
|15
|92
|904
|9.8
|46
|4
|1
|9
|9.0
|9
|0
|–
|–
|–
|–
|–
|8
|79
|9.9
|15
|0
|0
|0
|-
![[2009 NFL season|2009]]
![[2009 Seattle Seahawks season|SEA]]
|16
|16
|79
|911
|11.5
|53
|3
|–
|–
|–
|–
|–
|–
|–
|–
|–
|–
|–
|–
|–
|–
|–
|2
|2
|-
![[2010 NFL season|2010]]
![[2010 Baltimore Ravens season|BAL]]
|16
|2
|30
|398
|13.3
|56
|3
|–
|–
|–
|–
|–
|–
|–
|–
|–
|–
|–
|–
|–
|–
|–
|1
|1
|-
![[2011 NFL season|2011]]
![[2011 Oakland Raiders season|OAK]]
|9
|0
|11
|146
|13.3
|40
|1
|–
|–
|–
|–
|–
|–
|–
|–
|–
|–
|1
|0
|0.0
|0
|0
|0
|0
|-
! colspan="2" |[https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/H/HousTJ00.htm Total]
!146
!92
!627
!7,237
!11.5
!62
!44
!23
!142
!6.2
!17
!8
!33
!700
!21.2
!44
!0
!56
!447
!8.0
!86
!0
!12
!11
|}

=== Playoffs ===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
! rowspan="2" |Year
! rowspan="2" |Team
! colspan="2" |Games
! colspan="5" |Receiving
! colspan="2" |Fumbles
|-
!GP
!GS
!Rec
!Yds
!Avg
!Lng
!TD
!Fum
!Lost
|-
![[2005 NFL season|2005]]
![[2005 Cincinnati Bengals season|CIN]]
|1
|1
|'''4'''
|25
|6.3
|8
|'''1'''
|0
|0
|-
![[2010 NFL season|2010]]
![[2010 Baltimore Ravens season|BAL]]
|2
|0
|'''4'''
|'''66'''
|'''16.5'''
|'''28'''
|0
|0
|0
|-
! colspan="2" |[https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/H/HousTJ00/gamelog/post/ Total]
!3
!1
!8
!91
!11.4
!28
!1
!0
!0
|}

==Background and surname==
Houshmandzadeh was born to an [[Iranian American]] father and an [[African American]] mother.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Keeler |first=Sean |date=September 15, 2001 |title=Bengals wide receiver not worried about any anti-Arab sentiments |url=https://www.sfgate.com/sports/article/Bengals-wide-receiver-not-worried-about-any-2879064.php |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230707162900/https://www.sfgate.com/sports/article/Bengals-wide-receiver-not-worried-about-any-2879064.php |archive-date=July 7, 2023 |access-date=July 7, 2023 |website=SFGATE |language=en-US}}</ref>

His surname was often shortened to "Housh" or "Hoosh"<ref>{{Cite web |last=McGrath |first=John |date=August 23, 2009 |title=McGrath: Absence of Jones' big body leaves bigger hole on line |url=http://www.thenewstribune.com/512/story/854089.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130203235645/http://www.thenewstribune.com/512/story/854089.html |archive-date=February 3, 2013 |access-date=September 27, 2009 |website=The News Tribune}}</ref> by fans.

In [[Electronic Arts]]' ''[[Madden NFL]]'' series of games, Houshmandzadeh's surname was shortened to "Houshmandz". The game limited last names to 12 characters. The limit was increased to allow his and other players' names to be displayed in full beginning with ''[[Madden NFL 2010]]''.

Houshmandzadeh appeared in a popular [[Fantasy football (American)|fantasy football]] television commercial from 2006 where a fantasy player struggled to pronounce his surname, stumbling with words like "Houshamazilla", "Houshmazode", "Houshvadilla" and "Houshyomama". That season, former teammate [[Chad Ochocinco]] introduced him as "T. J. Who's-your-momma" on television during an [[ESPN]] ''[[Monday Night Football|Monday Night]]'' preseason game on August 28.<ref name="CincyPost Goheen">{{Cite news |last=Goheen |first=Kevin |date=August 23, 2006 |title=Chad has TD celebration up sleeve |url=http://docs.newsbank.com/openurl?ctx_ver=z39.88-2004&rft_id=info:sid/iw.newsbank.com:NewsBank:CNPB&rft_val_format=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:ctx&rft_dat=113B701D7B9A2208&svc_dat=InfoWeb:aggregated5&req_dat=0D0CB579A3BDA420 |access-date=September 1, 2006 |work=[[The Cincinnati Post]] |page=C3 |quote=Players have gotten a kick out of an NFL.com fantasy football commercial centered on wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh. In the commercial, a fantasy team owner attempts to select Houshmandzadeh in his league's draft but repeatedly mispronounces Houshmandzadeh's name, calling him "Who's-your-momma" at one point. Johnson has taken to calling his long-time friend by the mispronunciation.}}</ref> Houshmandzadeh would have a career season that year. [[ESPN]] later referenced Houshmandzadeh's 2006 season in 2011 in a similar fantasy football commercial with the "Karaoke Draft of '06", with a fantasy football fan singing Houshmandzadeh's name to the tune of the 1977 hit song ''[[Barracuda (song)|Barracuda]]'' by [[Heart (band)|Heart]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=July 20, 2011 |title=ESPN Fantasy Football commercial – Houshmandzadeh! |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BOJjoEX5cKk |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230205041759/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BOJjoEX5cKk&feature=youtube_gdata_player |archive-date=February 5, 2023 |access-date=July 7, 2023 |website=YouTube.com |language=en}}</ref>

==Post-playing career==
After retiring from playing football, Houshmandzadeh became a football analyst for [[Fox Sports (United States)|Fox Sports 1]].<ref name=foxsports>https://foxsportsradio.iheart.com/content/2024-03-23-t-j-houshmandzadeh/</ref>

==References==
{{reflist|30em}}

==External links==
{{footballstats|pfr=H/HousTJ00|yahoo=5652|espn=2753}}

{{Cincinnati Bengals 2001 draft navbox}}
{{NFL receptions leaders}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Houshmandzadeh, T. J.}}
[[Category:1977 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:People from Barstow, California]]
[[Category:Players of American football from San Bernardino County, California]]
[[Category:American Conference Pro Bowl players]]
[[Category:American football wide receivers]]
[[Category:American people of Iranian descent]]
[[Category:Cerritos Falcons football players]]
[[Category:Oregon State Beavers football players]]
[[Category:Cincinnati Bengals players]]
[[Category:Seattle Seahawks players]]
[[Category:Barstow High School alumni]]
[[Category:Baltimore Ravens players]]
[[Category:Oakland Raiders players]]
[[Category:Sportspeople of Iranian descent]]
[[Category:21st-century African-American sportsmen]]
[[Category:20th-century African-American sportsmen]]
[[Category:20th-century American sportsmen]]