Houston Texans: Building a Legacy in the Lone Star State

Houston Texans: Building a Legacy in the Lone Star State

The Houston Texans are the NFL’s youngest franchise, established in 2002 as the league’s 32nd team. Their creation marked the return of professional football to Houston after the Oilers relocated to Tennessee and became the Titans in 1997. While the Texans may not have the deep century-old traditions of franchises like the Packers or Bears, their story is one of resilience, steady growth, and a city eager to embrace football once again.

The team’s name and branding were chosen to celebrate Texas pride, with the bull logo symbolizing strength, toughness, and a deep connection to the Lone Star State. The colors—deep steel blue, battle red, and liberty white—were selected to reflect determination, courage, and patriotism. The Texans entered the league under head coach Dom Capers and general manager Charley Casserly, making their regular season debut on September 8, 2002, with a memorable upset victory against the Dallas Cowboys in their first game. That shocking win immediately put the Texans on the map and gave fans a glimpse of the franchise’s potential.

Through the years, the Texans have had defining players who became faces of the franchise. Wide receiver Andre Johnson, drafted in 2003, set franchise receiving records and became one of the NFL’s elite. Defensive end J.J. Watt, drafted in 2011, brought a new era of dominance on defense, winning three NFL Defensive Player of the Year awards and embodying Houston’s hard-working spirit both on and off the field. More recently, quarterback Deshaun Watson electrified the team during his tenure before his controversial departure. Today, a new chapter is being written around quarterback C.J. Stroud, who already looks poised to define the next decade of Houston football.

Trivia: The Texans are the only NFL franchise never to have played in a Super Bowl—yet. Despite this, they’ve captured several AFC South division titles, and their rise under young stars has renewed optimism that the drought may end soon.

Rivalries

As a younger franchise, the Texans’ rivalries have developed mainly within the AFC South division. Their most consistent rival is the Tennessee Titans, whose history traces back to Houston’s original team, the Oilers. This rivalry carries extra emotional weight since many long-time Houston fans still remember the Oilers’ departure. Games between the Texans and Titans are often charged with symbolic meaning—Houston’s fight to establish its own football identity against the franchise that once called it home.

The Texans also share heated divisional matchups with the Indianapolis Colts and Jacksonville Jaguars. The Colts, led for years by Peyton Manning and later Andrew Luck, were often the Texans’ biggest obstacle to winning the AFC South in the 2000s and 2010s. The Jaguars, another young franchise, have grown into an evenly matched opponent, creating a budding rivalry between two teams building for the future.

Outside of the division, the Texans have also fostered competition with the Dallas Cowboys. While not in the same conference, the “Battle of Texas” between the Texans and Cowboys is always highly anticipated, pitting Houston against the state’s older and globally recognized NFL team. Though the Cowboys dominate in history and accolades, the Texans’ victories in these matchups are celebrated as defining moments for the franchise.

Trivia: The Texans’ first-ever regular-season game was against the Dallas Cowboys in 2002—a stunning 19-10 victory that remains one of the biggest upsets in opening-day NFL history.

Houston Texans: Ownership

The Texans were founded by Houston businessman Robert C. “Bob” McNair, who was instrumental in bringing the NFL back to the city. McNair’s leadership helped establish the team’s culture and community presence. He served as principal owner until his death in 2018, after which his wife Janice and son Cal McNair took over leadership roles.

Cal McNair currently serves as chairman and CEO, guiding the Texans through a period of transition and rebuilding. Under the McNair family, the Texans have emphasized stability, community involvement, and investment in both the city of Houston and the team’s facilities. Ownership has faced criticism in recent years during turbulent stretches—including front office controversies and high-profile player departures—but recent moves suggest a renewed commitment to competitiveness and long-term vision.

Trivia: Bob McNair paid $700 million for the expansion franchise rights in 1999. The Texans are now valued at over $5.5 billion, making them one of the NFL’s most valuable teams despite being its youngest.

Watch Houston Texans

The Texans play their home games at NRG Stadium (formerly Reliant Stadium), one of the NFL’s most innovative and fan-friendly venues. Opened in 2002, the stadium was the first NFL venue to feature a retractable roof, allowing Houston to host games in both open-air and climate-controlled environments. With a capacity of over 72,000, NRG Stadium has become one of the league’s premier venues, hosting not only Texans games but also the Super Bowl (2004, 2017), college football championships, international soccer matches, and major concerts.

The stadium is part of the larger NRG Park complex, which includes the Astrodome, once known as the “Eighth Wonder of the World.” Texans game days at NRG Stadium are marked by passionate fans clad in battle red, deep steel blue, and liberty white. The team’s mascot, Toro the bull, is a staple of home games, energizing the crowd with acrobatics and antics.

Trivia: NRG Stadium hosted Super Bowl LI in 2017, the game that saw the New England Patriots mount a historic comeback against the Atlanta Falcons, rallying from a 28-3 deficit to win in overtime.

Houston Texans: This Season

The Houston Texans enter their 24th NFL season in 2025 as defending AFC South champions, aiming to build on a 10-7 record in 2024 that included a wild-card win over the Cleveland Browns and a divisional-round victory against the Los Angeles Chargers before falling to the Baltimore Ravens. Under third-year head coach DeMeco Ryans and general manager Nick Caserio, the Texans boast a dynamic young core and key veteran additions. With a favorable schedule, Houston seeks a second straight division title and their first AFC Championship appearance since 2019.

Quarterback C.J. Stroud, the 2023 No. 2 overall pick, anchors the offense, coming off a 2024 season with 4,108 yards, 23 touchdowns, and 5 interceptions, earning a Pro Bowl nod. His 67.2% completion rate and 8.2 yards per attempt thrive in offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik’s timing-based, spread scheme. Backup Davis Mills, re-signed for depth, threw for 729 yards in limited action last season.

The running game is led by Joe Mixon, who rushed for 1,034 yards and 9 touchdowns in 2024, though his 4.3 yards per carry suggests a need for efficiency. Dameon Pierce and rookie Cam Akers, a fifth-round pick, add depth, with Akers’ 5.2 yards per carry in college showing promise. The offensive line, a 2024 strength (9th in PFF pass-blocking grade), is anchored by left tackle Laremy Tunsil and guard Kenyon Green, with rookie Blake Fisher vying for right tackle over Tytus Howard.

The receiving corps is a strength, led by Nico Collins (1,297 yards, 8 touchdowns in 2024) and Tank Dell (709 yards despite missing 6 games). Stefon Diggs, acquired from Buffalo, adds veteran savvy (745 yards in 2024), while rookie Xavier Hutchinson provides depth. Tight end Dalton Schultz, re-signed for $12M annually, had 59 catches and 4 touchdowns. The offense, which ranked 12th in points per game (24.1) in 2024, aims to crack the top 5 with improved red-zone efficiency (53.8% touchdown rate, 16th).

The Texans’ defense, coordinated by Matt Burke, ranked 6th in yards allowed (323.4 per game) in 2024 and is poised for another strong season. Edge rusher Will Anderson Jr., the 2023 No. 3 overall pick, led with 10.5 sacks and earned a Pro Bowl nod, while Danielle Hunter, signed from Minnesota, added 11.5 sacks. Defensive tackle Foley Fatukasi and rookie Eddie Kelly bolster the interior, filling the void left by Sheldon Rankins’ departure.

Linebackers Christian Harris (101 tackles) and Azeez Al-Shaair anchor the second level, with Al-Shaair’s 9 tackles for loss showcasing physicality. The secondary, a 2024 standout (3rd in passing yards allowed), is led by cornerback Derek Stingley Jr., who had 5 interceptions and an 88.1 PFF coverage grade. Rookie Kamari Lassiter and safety Jalen Pitre, who transitioned to a hybrid role, add versatility, while free-agent signee Kendall Fuller strengthens the nickel. The defense’s 45 sacks and 18 takeaways in 2024 position it for a top-5 finish if it maintains its pass-rush dominance.

The Texans face the NFL’s 10th-easiest schedule (.482 opponent win percentage). They open at home against the Indianapolis Colts (Week 1, September 7) and face the Chicago Bears in Week 2 (Sunday Night Football). Divisional games against the Colts (Weeks 4 and 16), Jacksonville Jaguars (Weeks 3 and 11), and Tennessee Titans (Weeks 10 and 17) are critical, as Houston went 4-2 in the AFC South in 2024. A Week 13 clash with the Kansas City Chiefs and a Week 17 rematch with the Chargers carry playoff implications.

Challenges include Stroud’s performance in high-pressure games (3-4 in one-score contests) and Mixon’s consistency against stout run defenses like Baltimore’s. The offensive line must protect Stroud against elite pass rushes (41 sacks allowed in 2024). Defensively, stopping mobile quarterbacks like Anthony Richardson and Trevor Lawrence, who combined for 6.3 yards per carry against Houston, is a priority. Ryans’ ability to balance aggression and discipline will be key.

Oddsmakers project the Texans to win 9.5-10 games, with +1400 Super Bowl LX odds, trailing only Kansas City in the AFC. The AFC South is competitive, with Indianapolis and Jacksonville posing threats, but Houston’s 6-3 home record in 2024 and favorable schedule boost their chances. Fans on X predict 11-12 wins, citing Stroud’s growth and defensive dominance, though some worry about Diggs’ age (32) and secondary depth. A bold prediction would see Stroud throwing for 4,500 yards and 30 touchdowns, earning MVP consideration.

A division title is likely if Houston goes 4-2 in the AFC South again, with a wild-card berth as a fallback. A deep playoff run, potentially to the AFC Championship, is possible if Stroud elevates in clutch moments and the defense forces 20+ turnovers. The Texans’ young talent and Ryans’ leadership make them a formidable AFC contender.

Houston Texans: Key Players to Watch

• C.J. Stroud (QB): His precision and poise drive the offense’s high ceiling.

• Nico Collins (WR): The Pro Bowl receiver’s big plays fuel the passing attack.

• Joe Mixon (RB): His veteran rushing anchors the ground game.

• Will Anderson Jr. (DE): His pass-rushing dominance leads the defensive front.

• Derek Stingley Jr. (CB): His lockdown coverage shuts down top receivers.

• Danielle Hunter (DE): His sack production bolsters the edge rush.

• Tank Dell (WR): His speed and elusiveness create explosive plays.

Trivia: C.J. Stroud’s debut season in 2023 set multiple rookie records, including the most passing yards in a game by a rookie (470) and the highest passer rating in a game by a rookie (147.8).

Houston Texans: What to Follow

As the Texans continue their upward trajectory, fans and analysts are watching several key storylines unfold. First is the development of C.J. Stroud into one of the league’s elite quarterbacks. If Stroud continues to progress, he could bring Houston its first real chance at a Super Bowl run. Another storyline is the Texans’ ability to establish consistency—something the franchise has struggled with historically. Under DeMeco Ryans, the focus on culture, discipline, and player development could finally create the foundation needed for sustained success.

Off the field, the Texans remain deeply connected to Houston’s identity, often playing a vital role in community support, especially during times of crisis such as hurricanes or natural disasters. This civic connection has made the Texans more than just a football team—they’re a symbol of Houston’s resilience.

Looking forward, Texans fans have plenty to be excited about: a young, talented roster, a head coach who understands the city, and ownership that seems committed to long-term success. The question now is whether this new generation of Texans can finally deliver what the franchise and its fans have long dreamed of: a trip to the Super Bowl.