The Houston Texans: A Journey Through the Franchise’s History, Key Players, and Memorable Games
The Houston Texans are one of the NFL’s newer franchises, but they’ve made a significant impact since their inception in 2002. As the youngest team in the league, the Texans have had their share of struggles and triumphs. This article will take an in-depth look at the team’s origins, its rise to prominence, notable players who have donned the Houston Texans uniform, key games that shaped the franchise’s identity, and the team’s place in the NFL landscape today.
1. The Birth of the Houston Texans (2002)
The Houston Texans were founded in 2002, making them the most recent expansion team in the NFL. The team was introduced to replace the Houston Oilers, who relocated to Tennessee in 1997 and became the Tennessee Titans. Houston, a city with a rich football history, was eager to reclaim its place in the NFL.
The Texans’ creation was a long-awaited return for football fans in the city. After the Oilers’ departure, the city had been without an NFL team for five years. In 1999, the NFL announced that Houston would receive an expansion franchise, and in 2002, that dream became a reality with the establishment of the Texans. The team’s ownership group, led by Robert McNair, broke ground on the construction of NRG Stadium (originally Reliant Stadium), which would become the home for the Texans.
2. The Texans’ Early Struggles (2002–2005)
The Houston Texans entered the NFL in 2002, and like many new teams, they faced a series of growing pains. In their inaugural season, the Texans finished with a 4-12 record, a familiar plight for expansion teams. The team’s early years were defined by inconsistency and struggles to find a quarterback and identity.
One of the most notable early decisions in franchise history came in the 2002 NFL Draft, when the Texans selected quarterback David Carr with the first overall pick. Carr was expected to be the franchise’s cornerstone, but his tenure with the team was tumultuous. Despite his potential, Carr struggled with an offensive line that was often overmatched, and he faced significant pressure from opposing defenses throughout his career.
During the early years, the Texans made several coaching changes as they tried to find the right formula for success. The first head coach, Dom Capers, had some initial success but was eventually replaced by Gary Kubiak in 2006. Kubiak, a former offensive coordinator for the Denver Broncos, was tasked with turning around the franchise’s fortunes.
3. The Rise of the Texans (2006–2010)
Under head coach Gary Kubiak, the Houston Texans began to show signs of improvement. Kubiak, who had a successful tenure with the Denver Broncos as their offensive coordinator, brought a more structured and balanced offense to the team. The Texans saw incremental growth, but they were still far from becoming a perennial playoff contender.
One of the most significant moments in the team’s early rise came in 2006, when the Texans made another key decision in the NFL Draft. With the first overall pick, the Texans selected defensive end Mario Williams from North Carolina State. The decision was somewhat controversial, as many experts believed the Texans should have selected Reggie Bush or Vince Young, both of whom were highly regarded during that draft. However, Williams proved to be a game-changer on defense, earning multiple Pro Bowl selections and becoming the centerpiece of the Texans’ defense for many years.
In 2010, the Texans’ defense began to take shape under defensive coordinator Wade Phillips. The team’s defense, led by Williams, linebacker Brian Cushing, and cornerback Jonathan Joseph, helped the Texans become more competitive in a tough AFC South division. Despite their efforts, the Texans failed to secure a playoff spot in the 2010 season, finishing with a 6-10 record.
4. The Texans’ First Playoff Appearance (2011)
The 2011 season marked a turning point in the history of the Houston Texans. After years of mediocrity, the team finally broke through and made its first-ever appearance in the NFL playoffs. The 2011 Texans were a well-rounded team, with a potent offense, a stingy defense, and a balanced special teams unit.
One of the key reasons for the Texans’ success in 2011 was the emergence of quarterback Matt Schaub, who had steadily improved since joining the team in 2007. Schaub, along with a dynamic group of weapons such as running back Arian Foster and wide receiver Andre Johnson, helped form one of the league’s top offenses. The Texans’ defense, led by Williams, Cushing, and a young J.J. Watt, was formidable.
However, the most significant change came at the quarterback position. Late in the 2011 season, Schaub suffered a season-ending injury, and the Texans were forced to turn to rookie quarterback T.J. Yates. Despite his inexperience, Yates led the team to victory in the AFC South, earning the Texans their first division title.
In the playoffs, the Texans faced the Cincinnati Bengals in the Wild Card round. With a 31-10 victory, the Texans advanced to the divisional round. The victory marked the team’s first-ever playoff win and established a sense of legitimacy for the franchise.
5. The Texans’ Defensive Powerhouse (2012–2015)
The Houston Texans’ ascent continued in the years following their 2011 playoff appearance. In 2012, the Texans enjoyed their best regular-season performance, finishing with a 12-4 record and clinching another AFC South division title. The team’s defense, led by the fearsome J.J. Watt, who was named the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year in 2012, was one of the most dominant in the league.
Watt, who had been drafted in the first round of the 2011 NFL Draft, quickly emerged as one of the most disruptive defensive players in NFL history. His ability to sack the quarterback, deflect passes, and stop the run made him a constant threat on every play. Watt’s leadership and playmaking ability were key reasons for the Texans’ success during this period.
Offensively, the Texans continued to rely on Arian Foster, one of the league’s top running backs during the early 2010s, to carry the load. Foster’s consistent production helped open up the passing game, which was led by quarterback Matt Schaub and wide receiver Andre Johnson.
Despite their strong regular-season performances, the Texans failed to make a deep playoff run in 2012, losing to the New England Patriots in the AFC Divisional Round. The loss highlighted the team’s need for further development, particularly at the quarterback position.
In 2013, the Texans took a step back. The team struggled to find consistency on offense, and their defense, while still strong, couldn’t carry the load on its own. Head coach Gary Kubiak was let go after a 2-14 season, and the Texans began a new era with head coach Bill O’Brien in 2014.
6. The Bill O’Brien Era (2014–2020)
Bill O’Brien took over as head coach in 2014, inheriting a team with potential but also significant challenges, particularly at the quarterback position. O’Brien, who had previous experience as the offensive coordinator for the New England Patriots, brought a no-nonsense approach to the Texans. He was able to improve the Texans’ offensive play calling and develop a system that utilized the strengths of the team’s players.
The Texans’ defense, anchored by J.J. Watt, remained strong, but the team still struggled to find stability at quarterback. Over the course of O’Brien’s tenure, the Texans cycled through a series of quarterbacks, including Ryan Fitzpatrick, Brian Hoyer, Brock Osweiler, and Deshaun Watson.
Despite the uncertainty at quarterback, the Texans managed to stay competitive. They won the AFC South title in 2015, 2016, and 2018, with their defense and special teams units often carrying the team. The Texans’ 2016 season was highlighted by a remarkable performance from their defense, which allowed them to finish with a 9-7 record and make the playoffs. However, they were eliminated in the Divisional Round by the New England Patriots.
In 2017, the Texans faced adversity as J.J. Watt suffered a season-ending injury, and the team finished with a disappointing 4-12 record. However, they rebounded in 2018, with the emergence of Deshaun Watson as the franchise’s quarterback.
7. Deshaun Watson and the Future of the Texans (2017–2021)
Deshaun Watson, drafted in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft, became the franchise quarterback that the Texans had longed for. Watson’s dynamic playmaking ability, leadership, and poise in critical moments quickly made him one of the league’s brightest stars. In his rookie season, Watson showed glimpses of his potential, but an ACL injury derailed his year.
In 2018, Watson returned fully healthy and led the Texans to a 11-5 record, securing another AFC South division title. His chemistry with wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins and his ability to make plays with his legs and arm gave the Texans offense a new dimension.
However, the Texans’ struggles at the quarterback position continued in the years that followed. In 2020, Watson’s talent shone once again, but the team’s lack of success in the postseason led to questions about the direction of the franchise. The Texans traded away DeAndre Hopkins in 2020, a move that many fans and analysts viewed as a controversial decision that set the franchise back.
In 2021, Deshaun Watson’s future with the team became uncertain due to legal issues, and the Texans entered a rebuilding phase. The hiring of Nick Caserio as general manager and David Culley as head coach signaled a new direction for the franchise.
8. The Houston Texans Today
As of 2025, the Houston Texans are in the midst of a rebuilding process. The franchise has experienced significant challenges in recent years, particularly in terms of roster management and leadership. However, with a new regime in place and a promising young quarterback in C.J. Stroud, the Texans are looking to the future with optimism.
The team’s defense remains a strength, with new additions to the roster and the development of young players. The Texans have begun to build a solid foundation for future success, with an emphasis on developing young talent, improving the offensive line, and finding the right pieces to support their new quarterback.
Conclusion
The Houston Texans’ journey from expansion team to NFL contender has been filled with highs and lows, but through it all, the franchise has built a passionate fan base and established itself as an integral part of the NFL landscape. As the team looks to the future, they will undoubtedly rely on their rich history of talent, leadership, and determination to guide them toward success in the years to come.
While they may have faced adversity along the way, the Texans’ resilience and the commitment of their fans continue to be defining characteristics of the franchise. The team’s future is bright, with a new generation of players eager to make their mark and bring another championship to Houston.
This article provides a detailed overview of the Houston Texans’ history, including their early struggles, breakthrough seasons, notable players, and the current state of the team.
