Houston Texans: History, Players, Stadium, Schedule & More

The Houston Texans are Houston’s NFL team and one of the city’s biggest sports names. Based in Houston, Texas, the Texans joined the NFL as an expansion franchise in 2002 and have since built a strong connection with local fans. The team plays its home games in Houston and represents the city across the NFL season.

The Texans have developed their identity through standout players, strong defensive football, passionate fans and a close connection with the Houston community. From the early years of the franchise to the current team led by C.J. Stroud and head coach DeMeco Ryans, Houston has continued to build its own football culture.

The 2026 season marks the Texans’ 25th NFL season, making it an important year in the franchise’s history. This profile covers the team’s history, current leadership, key players, stadium, schedule, community connection, fan culture and what the Houston Texans look like today.

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Houston Texans History

Houston and the NFL have a long football connection, but the city went through a difficult period before the Houston Texans arrived. The story of the Texans begins with the departure of the Houston Oilers and the effort to bring NFL football back to the city.

Houston Without an NFL Team

The Houston Oilers were Houston’s NFL team for many years. But in the 1990s, the franchise moved away from the city. The Oilers announced their move to Tennessee in 1997 and played their first two seasons there as the Tennessee Oilers before later becoming the Tennessee Titans. For Houston football fans, losing the Oilers meant losing the city’s NFL team.

Houston did not have to wait forever for another NFL franchise. Businessman Bob McNair became determined to bring professional football back. He formed Houston NFL Holdings and worked for several years to convince the league that Houston was ready for another team.

That effort finally paid off in 1999. On October 6, 1999, NFL owners voted to award McNair the league’s 32nd franchise. The expansion team would begin playing in Houston in 2002. It was an important moment for the city because it meant NFL football was coming back to Houston after a five-year absence.

The Texans Arrive in 2002

The new franchise needed a name, colors and an identity. After research and fan discussions, the organization chose the name Houston Texans. The team also introduced its bullhead logo and the colors that would become familiar across Houston.

The Texans played their first regular-season game on September 8, 2002, against the Dallas Cowboys. It was supposed to be a difficult first test for an expansion team. Instead, Houston produced one of the biggest surprises of its early history.

The Texans defeated Dallas 19-10 at what was then Reliant Stadium. The victory was more than the first win in franchise history. It was a celebration of NFL football returning to Houston. Fans inside the stadium even chanted “Thank you, Bob!” toward McNair after the game.

The excitement around the opening win could not hide the challenge ahead. Expansion teams usually need time to build a strong roster, and the Texans were no different.

Early Struggles and the Gary Kubiak Era

From 2002 through the middle of the decade, Houston was still trying to find its identity. The Texans had talented players but struggled to produce consistent winning seasons.

Gary Kubiak became the team’s head coach in 2006. A Houston native who had grown up in the city, Kubiak brought an especially strong local connection to the organization. During his early seasons, the Texans slowly moved from an expansion team into a more competitive AFC club.

The biggest change came as Houston developed a stronger core on both sides of the ball. Players such as Andre Johnson, Mario Williams and later Arian Foster became major parts of the team’s growth.

Then came J.J. Watt.

J.J. Watt Changes the Texans

Houston selected defensive end J.J. Watt in the first round of the 2011 NFL Draft. He quickly became one of the most important players in franchise history.

Watt brought an aggressive style to the Texans’ defense and became a major face of the organization. His presence helped Houston build one of the league’s stronger defensive units during the early 2010s.

The 2011 season became a major turning point. The Texans finished 10-6 and won their first AFC South championship. They also reached the playoffs for the first time in franchise history. Houston then defeated the Cincinnati Bengals in the Wild Card round, giving the city its first Texans playoff victory.

The Texans followed that breakthrough with another strong season in 2012. Houston went 12-4 and won the AFC South again. The team had become a regular playoff contender, and players such as Watt, Johnson and Foster helped create a new generation of Texans stars.

DeAndre Hopkins and the Bill O’Brien Years

After Kubiak’s time in Houston ended, Bill O’Brien took over as head coach in 2014. The Texans continued to build around a talented roster, and wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins became one of the most important offensive players in team history.

Houston won the AFC South in both 2015 and 2016. The 2016 team also reached the AFC Divisional Round and finished the regular season with the NFL’s top-ranked defense. It was another sign that the Texans were becoming a regular contender rather than an expansion club still searching for its place.

The next major chapter began with quarterback Deshaun Watson. Houston selected Watson in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft, and his arrival gave the offense a new direction.

Watson’s best early season came in 2018. Houston started the year 0-3, but the team responded with nine straight wins. The Texans eventually finished 11-5 and won the AFC South. That turnaround became one of the most memorable regular-season runs in franchise history.

The 2019 season brought another division title and a dramatic playoff run. Houston defeated Buffalo in the Wild Card round before traveling to Kansas City for the AFC Divisional Round. The Texans jumped out to a 24-0 lead but eventually lost 51-31 as the Chiefs completed a major comeback.

A Difficult Reset

The Texans entered the 2020s facing major changes. Bill O’Brien’s time as head coach and general manager ended during the 2020 season, and the organization moved into another period of rebuilding.

The following two seasons were especially difficult. David Culley coached the team in 2021, followed by Lovie Smith in 2022. Houston was no longer the playoff team it had been earlier in the decade and needed to rebuild its roster.

One of the biggest moves came in March 2022, when the Texans traded Deshaun Watson to the Cleveland Browns. Houston received multiple draft picks, including first-round selections in 2022, 2023 and 2024, along with additional picks. Those assets became an important part of the organization’s rebuilding plan.

DeMeco Ryans and a New Beginning

Houston’s next major step came in January 2023, when the team hired former Texans linebacker DeMeco Ryans as head coach. Ryans already had a special connection with Houston because he had played for the Texans from 2006 through 2011.

The Texans then made one of the most important draft moves in franchise history.

In the 2023 NFL Draft, Houston selected Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud with the second overall pick. The team then traded up to No. 3 and selected Alabama defensive star Will Anderson Jr. The two players arrived in Houston on the same night and quickly became the center of the franchise’s new direction.

The change was almost immediate.

Houston finished the 2023 regular season 10-7 and won the AFC South. The Texans also became the first team in NFL history to win a division with both a rookie quarterback and a first-year head coach. Stroud and Ryans then led Houston to a playoff victory over the Cleveland Browns before the season ended in the Divisional Round.

Back-to-Back Division Titles

The Texans continued their progress in 2024. Houston finished 10-7 and won the AFC South for the second straight season.

That year also showed that the team was developing beyond a single successful season. Stroud continued to lead the offense, while Anderson became a major part of the defense. Players such as Nico Collins and Derek Stingley Jr. also became important pieces of the team’s young core.

Houston reached the playoffs again and advanced to the Divisional Round for the second consecutive season. The back-to-back division titles gave the franchise a new level of stability under Ryans.

The 2025 Season and a Franchise First

The Texans took another step in 2025.

Houston finished the regular season with a 12-5 record and went on a franchise-record 10-game winning streak late in the season, including the postseason. The defense also produced some of the strongest numbers in team history.

The biggest moment came in the playoffs.

Houston traveled to Pittsburgh for the Wild Card Round and defeated the Steelers 30-6. It was the first road playoff victory in Texans franchise history. The result gave the organization another important milestone as it moved toward its 25th season.

The Texans eventually finished the 2025 season with a 12-5 record and advanced to the Divisional Round. For a franchise that had spent its early years trying to establish itself, the road win in Pittsburgh was another clear sign of how far the organization had come.

A New Chapter in 2026

The 2026 season marks the Houston Texans’ 25th season as an NFL franchise. The team enters this milestone year with DeMeco Ryans still leading the organization and with C.J. Stroud, Will Anderson Jr. and other young stars forming the foundation of the current roster.

The Texans’ history has not followed a straight line. It began with Houston losing the Oilers, continued with Bob McNair’s long effort to bring the NFL back, and moved through expansion struggles, playoff breakthroughs, star players, difficult rebuilding years and a new young core.

Now, 25 seasons after the franchise was awarded to Houston, the Texans have a history that belongs to the city itself. The early goal was simply to bring NFL football back to Houston. Today, the story is about building on everything that came before and creating the next chapter of Texans football.

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Houston Texans Key Players & Club Legends

Every successful NFL team has players who become closely connected with its identity. For the Houston Texans, that list includes the young stars leading the team today and the former players who helped build the franchise’s history.

In 2026, the Texans have a mix of young talent and experienced players. Quarterback C.J. Stroud remains the central figure on offense, while Will Anderson Jr., Derek Stingley Jr. and Danielle Hunter are major names on defense. Nico Collins has become an important part of the passing game, and veteran kicker Ka’imi Fairbairn continues to give Houston a reliable option in the kicking game.

C.J. Stroud — Quarterback

C.J. Stroud is at the center of the Texans’ current era.

Houston selected Stroud with the second overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. His arrival changed the direction of the franchise almost immediately. Along with head coach DeMeco Ryans, Stroud helped Houston move from a rebuilding team to an AFC South champion in his first season.

His importance goes beyond his position. Quarterback is the most visible role on an NFL team, and Stroud has become one of the main faces of Texans football for a new generation of Houston fans.

The Texans built much of their current offensive identity around his ability to read defenses, make accurate throws and stay calm in important moments.

Will Anderson Jr. — Defensive Leader

Will Anderson Jr. has become one of the most important young players on the Texans defense.

Houston selected Anderson third overall in the 2023 NFL Draft after trading up to get him. He joined the team on the same night as Stroud, giving the Texans two major building blocks from the same draft.

Anderson has quickly developed into a leader on the defensive line. His speed, pressure on quarterbacks and ability to make plays behind the line of scrimmage have made him a key part of DeMeco Ryans’ defensive system.

His 2025 season was especially strong. Anderson earned First Team All-Pro honors, becoming only the third defensive player in Texans history to receive that recognition.

Nico Collins — Offensive Weapon

Nico Collins has grown into one of Houston’s biggest offensive weapons.

The Texans selected Collins in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft. At 6-foot-4, his size gives Stroud a large target down the field, while his ability to make contested catches adds another dimension to the offense.

Collins was selected to the 2026 Pro Bowl and was named a Pro Bowl starter. That recognition reflected his rise from a developing young receiver into one of the key pieces of the Texans offense.

For Houston, keeping Collins involved is important because he gives the passing game a strong combination of size, speed and big-play ability.

Derek Stingley Jr. — Defensive Back

Derek Stingley Jr. is another major part of Houston’s young defensive core.

The Texans selected the LSU cornerback with the third overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. Since then, he has developed into one of the team’s most important players in the secondary.

Stingley had a major 2025 season. He earned First Team All-Pro honors and became the first cornerback in Texans history to receive that honor. He was also selected as a starter for the 2026 Pro Bowl.

His ability to cover receivers gives Houston an important advantage against passing attacks across the NFL.

Danielle Hunter — Veteran Defensive Presence

Danielle Hunter brings experience to a Texans defense that also features several younger stars.

Hunter joined Houston in 2024 and quickly became an important pass rusher. Playing opposite Anderson gives the Texans two experienced edge threats who can put pressure on quarterbacks from different sides of the defensive front.

Hunter earned Second Team All-Pro honors for the 2025 season. He and Anderson became the first Texans edge-rushing pair to both receive AP All-Pro honors in the same season.

For a young defense, having a veteran such as Hunter can also bring leadership during difficult games.

Ka’imi Fairbairn — Reliable Kicker

Ka’imi Fairbairn may not receive the same attention as a quarterback or star defensive player, but his role is important.

Fairbairn has been the Texans’ kicker since 2016 and has become one of the longest-tenured players on the roster. In close NFL games, field goals and extra points can change the result, making a dependable kicker an important part of a team’s success.

In 2026, Fairbairn remains part of the Texans’ core group of experienced players. The current roster also includes veterans and contributors such as Azeez Al-Shaair, Jadeveon Clowney, Jalen Pitre, Dalton Schultz and others who add experience across the team.

Houston Texans Club Legends

The Texans are still a young franchise, but the team already has several players who made a lasting mark on Houston football.

J.J. Watt

J.J. Watt is one of the biggest names in Texans history.

Houston selected Watt in the first round of the 2011 NFL Draft. He quickly became the face of the defense and one of the most dominant defensive players in the league.

Watt won the NFL Defensive Player of the Year award three times and became a five-time First Team All-Pro. He was also known for his intensity, leadership and strong connection with Houston fans.

His time with the Texans helped define the franchise’s most successful period of the early 2010s. Watt was inducted into the Texans Ring of Honor in 2023.

Andre Johnson

Andre Johnson was the first true offensive superstar in Texans history.

Houston selected Johnson third overall in the 2003 NFL Draft. He spent most of his career with the Texans and became the franchise’s leading receiver during his time in Houston.

Johnson finished his career with 1,062 receptions, 14,185 receiving yards and 70 touchdowns. He made seven Pro Bowls and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2024.

He was also the first player inducted into the Texans Ring of Honor in 2017.

For Houston fans, Johnson represents the early years when the Texans were developing their own identity.

Arian Foster

Arian Foster became one of the most productive running backs in Texans history.

Although he entered the NFL as an undrafted player, Foster developed into a major offensive star in Houston. He became a key part of the Texans teams that reached the playoffs in 2011 and 2012.

His running style, vision and ability to contribute in the passing game made him a major part of Houston’s offense. Foster also became a fan favorite during one of the most important periods in franchise history.

DeAndre Hopkins

DeAndre Hopkins was another major offensive star of the Texans’ middle era.

Houston selected Hopkins in the first round of the 2013 NFL Draft. He developed into a high-level receiver known for difficult catches, strong hands and the ability to make big plays against top defensive backs.

Hopkins earned multiple Pro Bowl selections and First Team All-Pro recognition with Houston. He became one of the team’s most trusted offensive weapons during the later part of the 2010s.

Matt Schaub

Matt Schaub was the Texans’ starting quarterback during an important stage of the franchise’s development.

Schaub helped Houston move toward consistent playoff contention and played a major role in the team’s offensive success before the arrival of later stars.

He earned Pro Bowl recognition during his Texans career and was the quarterback for Houston’s first playoff appearance in 2011.

Mario Williams

Mario Williams was the first overall pick in the 2006 NFL Draft and became one of the first major defensive stars in Texans history.

His pass-rushing ability gave Houston a strong defensive presence during the franchise’s early years. Williams earned multiple Pro Bowl selections and helped establish the defensive foundation that later included players such as J.J. Watt.

Brian Cushing

Brian Cushing was another important defensive player from the Texans’ early competitive years.

The linebacker was selected by Houston in the first round of the 2009 NFL Draft. His aggressive style and physical play made him a recognizable part of the Texans defense.

Cushing earned Pro Bowl and All-Pro recognition during his Texans career and was one of the defensive leaders during the team’s rise toward the playoffs.

Duane Brown

Duane Brown gave the Texans stability on the offensive line for many seasons.

The left tackle was selected by Houston in the first round of the 2008 NFL Draft and became one of the team’s most dependable offensive linemen. His job was less visible than that of a quarterback or receiver, but protecting the quarterback and creating running lanes were critical parts of Houston’s offense.

Brown earned Pro Bowl and All-Pro recognition during his Texans career.

More Names in Texans History

Several other players also helped shape the franchise, including DeMeco Ryans, Owen Daniels, Johnathan Joseph, Chris Myers, Antonio Smith and Jonathan Weeks.

Ryans has a particularly interesting connection to the organization because he went from being a Texans defensive leader as a player to becoming the team’s head coach years later. That connection gives the current Texans era a link to the franchise’s early history.

The list of Texans legends will continue to grow as the franchise moves through its 25th season. For now, names such as Watt, Johnson, Foster, Hopkins and Schaub represent different stages of Houston football, while Stroud, Anderson, Collins and Stingley are helping write the next chapter.

Together, these players show how the Texans have developed from a new expansion franchise into an established part of Houston’s sports culture.

2026 Houston Texans

The Houston Texans are now in their 25th NFL season, and 2026 is a special year for the franchise and its fans. From a new-look season at Reliant Stadium to a schedule that includes a London trip and four primetime games, there is plenty happening around the Texans in Houston.

2026 Houston Texans Season

The 2026 season marks the 25th season of the Houston Texans. The franchise officially began in 2002, and the anniversary season is bringing back some familiar Houston football traditions, including the return of the Reliant Stadium name.

Head coach DeMeco Ryans remains at the center of the Texans’ football program. Ryans is entering another season leading a team that has built its identity around a strong defense and a young offensive core.

The 2026 coaching staff includes Matt Burke as defensive coordinator, Nick Caley as offensive coordinator and Frank Ross as special teams coordinator. The team also has coaches working with the quarterbacks, offensive line, wide receivers, defensive backs, linebackers and defensive line.

On offense, C.J. Stroud remains the key name at quarterback. Stroud is joined by an offense that includes wide receiver Nico Collins, tight end Dalton Schultz and a group of running backs and offensive linemen that will be important throughout the season. The Texans’ current roster also includes players such as David Montgomery and Wyatt Teller.

The defense continues to feature several major names. Will Anderson Jr., Derek Stingley Jr. and Azeez Al-Shaair are among the important pieces, while veteran pass rusher Danielle Hunter adds experience to the defensive front. Anderson, Stingley and Hunter were all named AP All-Pro in the previous season, with Anderson and Stingley earning first-team honors.

For Houston, the main story around the 2026 Texans is the mix of young stars and experienced players. C.J. Stroud leads the offense, while players such as Will Anderson Jr. and Derek Stingley Jr. help give the defense its identity.

2026 Houston Texans Schedule

The Texans’ 2026 regular-season schedule includes 18 games, with a Week 8 bye. The season began at home against the Buffalo Bills on September 13. Houston then faced the Cincinnati Bengals before traveling to Indianapolis for a matchup with the Colts.

Some of the key games on the 2026 schedule include:

• Buffalo Bills — Week 1, home
• Cincinnati Bengals — Week 2, home
• Indianapolis Colts — Week 3, away
• Dallas Cowboys — Week 4, home
• Tennessee Titans — Week 5, away
• Jacksonville Jaguars — Week 6, Wembley Stadium in London
• New York Giants — Week 7, home
• Los Angeles Chargers — Week 9, away
• Cleveland Browns — Week 10, away
• Indianapolis Colts — Week 11, home
• Baltimore Ravens — Week 12, home
• Pittsburgh Steelers — Week 13, away
• Washington Commanders — Week 14, away
• Jacksonville Jaguars — Week 15, home
• Philadelphia Eagles — Week 16, away
• Green Bay Packers — Week 17, away
• Tennessee Titans — Week 18, home

The schedule has four primetime games. Houston plays the Colts on Thursday Night Football in Week 11, visits Pittsburgh for Sunday Night Football in Week 13, travels to Philadelphia for a Christmas Eve Thursday night game in Week 16, and finishes the regular-season primetime portion with Monday Night Football at Green Bay in Week 17.

The international game is also a major part of the schedule. Houston faces the Jacksonville Jaguars at Wembley Stadium in London on October 18, giving Texans fans another international chapter in the team’s history.

Reliant Stadium and the Texans

For the 2026 season, the Texans are playing their home games at Reliant Stadium in Houston.

The stadium had been known as NRG Stadium since 2014, but the name returned to Reliant Stadium in August 2026 as part of the Texans’ 25th-season celebration. The venue is located at NRG Park and has a retractable roof, making it an important part of the Houston sports scene.

On Texans game days, the stadium becomes more than just a place to watch football. Fans arrive early for tailgating, team activities and events around the stadium before heading inside for kickoff. The Texans also organize special game-day activities for families and young fans, including areas around the BULLevard and TORO’s Kids Club.

Houston Texans Fan Culture

Houston’s football culture has its own style, and the Texans have built many traditions around it.

One of the most recognizable phrases is “Bulls on Parade.” It has become closely connected with the Texans’ defensive identity and is often heard around games and team events.

Then there is TORO, the Texans’ official mascot. TORO has been part of the team since the beginning and is a familiar face for fans, especially children. The mascot appears at games, community events and youth programs across Houston.

Texans game day also brings together different parts of Houston. Tailgating, team jerseys, music, food and large groups of fans create a strong local atmosphere before kickoff. The team also has fan communities such as The Stampede, Battle Red Ladies and Somos Texans, giving different parts of the Houston community ways to connect with the team.

The H-Town identity is another important part of the Texans experience. Houston has its own culture, language, music and sports traditions, and those elements often appear around Texans events.

For many local fans, a Texans game is not simply about the four quarters on the field. It is a Houston event — from the parking lot and tailgate to the stadium stands and the final whistle. In the 25th season, that connection between the Texans and the city remains one of the biggest parts of the team’s identity.

Houston Texans Today

Radio, TV and Digital Coverage

Texans fans have many ways to follow the team during the season.

Radio remains an important part of football coverage in Houston. Texans games are carried on SportsRadio 610, 100.3 FM and the Texans Radio Network, while broadcasts are also available through the Texans App and Audacy App.

Spanish-language coverage is also available for Houston fans. Mega 101.1 FM carries the Texans’ Spanish broadcasts in Houston, giving Spanish-speaking fans another way to follow games and team coverage.

Television remains another major part of the Texans’ weekly coverage. Depending on the game, fans can follow the team through local and national networks. The 2026 schedule also includes games shown across networks such as CBS, FOX, ESPN and NFL Network.

The team’s digital presence has also grown significantly. The official Texans website, social channels, mobile apps, podcasts and video programming give fans access to news, interviews, game information and behind-the-scenes content.

In 2026, the Texans also introduced new content focused on the franchise’s 25th season, including stories about former players, coaches, important games and moments from the team’s history.

The Future of the Houston Texans

The Texans enter their 25th season with a new generation of players leading the franchise. C.J. Stroud, Will Anderson Jr. and other young core players represent an important part of the team’s current direction, while head coach DeMeco Ryans connects the team’s present with its history as a former Texans player.

The franchise is also using the 25th season to celebrate the people who helped build the organization. The Texans began NFL play in 2002, and the 2026 season marks 25 seasons of football in Houston.

That history includes the early years, the rise of players such as Andre Johnson and J.J. Watt, the development of the Bulls on Parade identity, and the arrival of the current generation led by Ryans and young stars such as Stroud and Anderson.

Houston Texans Today

Today, the Houston Texans are closely connected to the city they represent. The team has built its identity through football, community work, local fan traditions and a growing digital presence.

The 25th season is an important milestone because it brings together the past and the future. Houston can look back at the players, coaches and moments that shaped the franchise while watching a new group of Texans create its own story.

From Reliant Stadium and game-day traditions to Houston’s local radio, Spanish-language coverage, community programs and passionate fans, the Houston Texans remain an important part of the city’s sports landscape.

For Houston, Texans football is not only about what happens on the field. It is also about the people, the city and the football culture that has grown around the team over 25 seasons.

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