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{{short description|National Football League franchise in Houston, Texas}}
{{About||the 1970s World Football League team called the "Houston Texans"|Shreveport Steamer}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=May 2024}}
{{Infobox NFL team
| name = Houston Texans
| current = 2025 Houston Texans season
| wordmark = Houston Texans wordmark logo 2024.svg
| founded = {{Start date and age|1999|10|6}}<ref name="TexansTeamHistory">{{cite web|title=Texans Team History|url=https://www.houstontexans.com/team/team-history|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|website=HoustonTexans.com|access-date=December 24, 2018|archive-date=December 21, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171221161409/http://www.houstontexans.com/team/history.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
| first_season = [[2022 Houston Texans season|2002]]
| logo = Houston_Texans_logo.svg
| stadium = [[NRG Stadium]]<br />[[Houston, Texas]]<ref>{{cite web|title=Contact Us|url=https://www.houstontexans.com/game-day/contact-us|website=HoustonTexans.com|access-date=July 31, 2023}}</ref>
| headquartered = NRG Stadium<br />Houston, Texas
| colors = <!-- Please do not remove the NFL Record & Fact Book URL reference from this field. Thank you. -->Deep steel blue, battle red, liberty white, [[Nicknames of Houston|H-Town]] blue<ref>{{cite news|title=Houston Texans Reveal Four New, Fan-Inspired Uniforms|url=https://www.houstontexans.com/news/houston-texans-reveal-four-new-fan-inspired-uniforms|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|website=HoustonTexans.com|date=April 23, 2024|access-date=April 24, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Shook|first=Nick|title=Houston Texans unveil first uniform redesign since franchise's inception in 2000|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/houston-texans-unveil-first-uniform-redesign-since-franchise-s-inception-in-2000|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|website=NFL.com|date=April 23, 2024|access-date=April 24, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Houston Texans Team Capsule|url=https://static.www.nfl.com/image/upload/league/apps/league-site/media-guides/2024/2024_Record_and_Fact_Book_incl_Supplemental.pdf#page=73|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|work=2024 Official National Football League Record and Fact Book|date=July 22, 2024|access-date=November 24, 2024}}</ref><br />{{color box|#021018}} {{color box|#EB0028}} {{color box|#FFFFFF}} {{color box|#0080C6}}
| uniform = Houston Texans Uniforms 2024-Present.png
| coach = [[DeMeco Ryans]]
| owner = [[Cal McNair]]
| ceo = Cal McNair
| president = Mike Tomon
| general manager = [[Nick Caserio]]
| song = "Football Time in Houston"<ref>{{cite web|title=Texans theme song|url=https://www.houstontexans.com/news/texans-theme-song-2671748|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|website=HoustonTexans.com|date=April 30, 2005|access-date=December 3, 2023}}</ref><br>"[[Hats Off To The Bull (song)|Hats Off To The Bull]]" by [[Chevelle (band)|Chevelle]] (''de facto'') 
| mascot = Toro
| website = {{URL|houstontexans.com}}
| affiliate_old =
| NFL_start_yr = 2002
| division_hist =
*'''[[American Football Conference]] (2002–present)'''
**'''[[AFC South]] (2002–present)'''
| hist_misc =
| hist_yr = 2002
| nicknames =* Bulls on Parade 
| hist_misc2 =
| no_league_champs = 0
| league_champs =
| no_sb_champs = 0
| sb_champs =
| no_pre1970sb_champs =
| pre1970sb_champs =
| no_div_champs = 8
| div_champs = 
* '''AFC South:''' [[2011 Houston Texans season|2011]], [[2012 Houston Texans season|2012]], [[2015 Houston Texans season|2015]], [[2016 Houston Texans season|2016]], [[2018 Houston Texans season|2018]], [[2019 Houston Texans season|2019]], [[2023 Houston Texans season|2023]], [[2024 Houston Texans season|2024]]
| playoff_appearances = 
* '''NFL:''' [[2011–12 NFL playoffs|2011]], [[2012–13 NFL playoffs|2012]], [[2015–16 NFL playoffs|2015]], [[2016–17 NFL playoffs|2016]], [[2018–19 NFL playoffs|2018]], [[2019–20 NFL playoffs|2019]], [[2023–24 NFL playoffs|2023]], [[2024–25 NFL playoffs |2024]]
| no_playoff_appearances = 8
| stadium_years =
*'''[[NRG Stadium]] ({{nfly|2002}}–present)'''
| team_owners =
* [[Bob McNair]] (1999–2018)
* [[Janice McNair]] (2018–2024)
* '''[[Cal McNair]] (2024–present)'''
}}
The '''Houston Texans''' are a professional [[American football]] team based in [[Houston]]. The Texans compete in the [[National Football League]] as a member of the [[American Football Conference]] (AFC) [[AFC South|South]] division. The team plays its home games at [[NRG Stadium]].

The Texans were founded in 1999, replacing the city's previous NFL franchise, the [[History of the Houston Oilers|Houston Oilers]], who played from 1960 to 1996 before moving to [[Nashville]] and eventually becoming the [[Tennessee Titans]]. The Texans began play as an [[expansion team]] in {{nfly|2002}}, making them the youngest franchise currently competing in the NFL.<ref>{{cite news|last=McClain|first=John|title=How the Oilers left Houston and set the stage for the Texans|url=http://www.chron.com/local/history/sports/article/How-the-Oilers-left-Houston-and-set-the-stage-for-9171976.php|newspaper=[[Houston Chronicle]]|date=August 19, 2016|access-date=September 2, 2016|archive-date=August 26, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160826044202/http://www.chron.com/local/history/sports/article/How-the-Oilers-left-Houston-and-set-the-stage-for-9171976.php|url-status=live}}</ref>

While the Texans suffered from growing pains in the 2000s, their fortunes would take a turn for the better in the 2010s when they won their first division championship in [[2011 Houston Texans season|2011]], clinching their first playoff berth.<ref>{{cite news|last=McClain|first=John|title=AFC South champion Texans reach playoffs for first time in dramatic fashion|url=http://blog.chron.com/ultimatetexans/2011/12/afc-south-champion-texans-reach-playoffs-for-first-time-in-dramatic-fashion/|newspaper=[[Houston Chronicle]]|date=December 11, 2011|access-date=March 30, 2016|archive-date=December 3, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203092823/http://blog.chron.com/ultimatetexans/2011/12/afc-south-champion-texans-reach-playoffs-for-first-time-in-dramatic-fashion/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Reiss |first=Aaron |date=November 26, 2019 |title=The 2010s: Houston Texans' all-decade team showcases how franchise became a contender |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/1344345/2019/11/26/the-2010s-houston-texans-all-decade-team-showcases-how-franchise-became-a-contender/ |access-date=June 26, 2022 |website=The Athletic |language=en}}</ref> The Texans have gone on to win seven more AFC South division championships in [[2012 Houston Texans season|2012]], [[2015 Houston Texans season|2015]], [[2016 Houston Texans season|2016]], [[2018 Houston Texans season|2018]], [[2019 Houston Texans season|2019]], [[2023 Houston Texans season|2023]], and [[2024 Houston Texans season|2024]]. They are the only franchise to have never won a road playoff game along with the only one to have never appeared in a conference championship game;<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-01-06 |title=Houston Texans Playoff History: Wins, Super Bowl Appearances, and More - Bleacher Nation |url=https://www.bleachernation.com/nfl/2025/01/06/texans-playoff-history/ |access-date=2025-07-25 |language=en-US}}</ref> they are also one of four franchises to have never appeared in a [[Super Bowl]],<ref>{{cite tweet|number=1485661171805945860|user=NFLonFOX|title=With the Bengals win on Saturday, the Texans are now the only team in the NFL that has 0 playoff road wins.|date=January 24, 2022}}</ref> alongside the [[Cleveland Browns]], [[Detroit Lions]], and division rival [[Jacksonville Jaguars]].

[[Bob McNair]] owned the Texans until his death in 2018, after which the majority ownership of the team went to his wife, [[Janice McNair|Janice]]. The McNairs' son, [[Cal McNair|Cal]], became operating head of the franchise upon his father's death, and became principal owner when his mother transferred ownership to him in 2024.<ref>{{cite news|last=Alexander|first=Jonathan|title=Cal McNair unanimously approved as Texans' principal owner by NFL, solidifying team's future|url=https://www.houstonchronicle.com/texas-sports-nation/texans/article/cal-mcnair-houston-texans-owner-19368781.php|newspaper=[[Houston Chronicle]]|date=March 26, 2024|access-date=March 26, 2024}}</ref> According to an article by ''[[Forbes]],'' the Houston Texans are the eleventh richest team in the NFL with a value of $4.7 billion in August 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Houston Texans on the Forbes NFL Team Valuations List |url=https://www.forbes.com/teams/houston-texans/ |access-date=August 22, 2023 |website=Forbes |language=en}}</ref>

After the [[Texas Rangers (baseball)|Texas Rangers]] won the [[2023 World Series]], the Houston Texans became the only [[major professional sports leagues in the United States and Canada|big four professional sports]] franchise currently based in Texas without a championship.

==History==
{{main|History of the Houston Texans}}
<!-- There should be at least a paragraph or two while maintaining the link to the history article. That will whet people's appetite to read the fuller, separate article. -->

In 1997, Houston entrepreneur [[Bob McNair]] had a failed bid to bring a [[National Hockey League]] (NHL) expansion team to the city, and [[Bud Adams]] moved the city's NFL team, the [[Houston Oilers]], to [[Nashville]], [[Tennessee]], where they were renamed the [[Tennessee Titans]] in [[1999 Tennessee Titans season|1999]]. In [[1996 NFL season|1996]], the [[Cleveland Browns]] had [[Cleveland Browns relocation controversy|controversially moved]] to become the [[Baltimore Ravens]]. As part of the settlement between the NFL, the city of [[Cleveland]], and the team owned by [[Art Modell]], the league promised to return football to Cleveland within the next three years.

In order to even out the franchises to 32, the NFL contemplated adding another expansion franchise. As Houston was one of the favorites for the extra franchise, along with [[Toronto]] and Los Angeles (the latter of whom had lost the [[Los Angeles Rams|Rams]] and the [[Los Angeles Raiders|Raiders]] in 1995), McNair then decided to join the football project and founded Houston NFL Holdings with partner [[Steve Patterson (sports executive)|Steve Patterson]]. With [[Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo]], they would push for a domed stadium as part of the bid to lure the NFL back to Houston. On October 6, 1999, the NFL awarded the 32nd team to Houston at a cost of $700 million.<ref name="TexansTeamHistory" />

=== McNair family era (2002–present) ===
The Houston Texans joined the NFL in the [[2002 NFL season|2002 season]], playing at the newly opened [[Reliant Stadium]] under head coach [[Dom Capers]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2001-01-20 |title=PLUS: N.F.L.; Capers Agrees To Coach Texans |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2001/01/20/sports/plus-nfl-capers-agrees-to-coach-texans.html |access-date=2024-07-30 |website=The New York Times |language=en-US}}</ref> With their opening game victory over the [[2002 Dallas Cowboys season|Dallas Cowboys]] on September 8, [[2002 Houston Texans season|2002]], the Texans became the first expansion team to win its opening game since the [[1961 Minnesota Vikings season|Minnesota Vikings]] beat the [[1961 Chicago Bears season|Chicago Bears]] in [[1961 NFL season|1961]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Houston Texans Team History|url=http://www.profootballhof.com/teams/houston-texans/team-history/|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|website=ProFootballHOF.com|access-date=March 17, 2020}}</ref> The Texans went 4–12 and finished last in the AFC South in their debut season.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2002 Houston Texans Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/htx/2002.htm |access-date=2024-07-30 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> The team improved to a 5–11 mark in the 2003 season.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2003 Houston Texans Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/htx/2003.htm |access-date=2024-07-30 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> The team continued to make progress with a 7–9 record in the 2004 season.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2004 Houston Texans Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/htx/2004.htm |access-date=2024-07-30 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> In the 2005 season, the Texans fell to a 2–14 record for the worst mark in the league.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2005 NFL Standings & Team Stats |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2005/index.htm |access-date=2024-07-30 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> After the season, the team fired Capers as head coach.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2006-01-02 |title=Texans fire first and only coach Capers |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=2277988 |access-date=2024-07-30 |website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press |language=en}}</ref> They earned the top pick in the 2006 NFL Draft.<ref name="y770">{{cite web | title=Texans earn pick, to fire head coach | website=Gainesville Sun | date=2006-01-02 | url=https://www.gainesville.com/story/news/2006/01/02/texans-earn-pick-to-fire-head-coach/64291880007/ | access-date=2024-07-30}}</ref>

==== Gary Kubiak years (2006–2013) ====
While the team struggled in its early seasons, results began to improve when native Houstonian [[Gary Kubiak]] became the head coach in [[2006 Houston Texans season|2006]].<ref name="t599">{{cite web | last=Roenigk | first=Alyssa | title=Texans to hire Broncos' Kubiak as coach | website=ESPN.com | date=2006-01-22 | url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=2302213 | access-date=2024-08-05}}</ref> The Texans finished with a .500 season (8–8) in [[2007 Houston Texans season|2007]] and [[2008 Houston Texans season|2008]], and nearly qualified for the [[2009–10 NFL playoffs|2009–10 playoffs]] with a 9–7 result in [[2009 Houston Texans season|2009]]. The Texans started the [[2010 Houston Texans season|2010 season]] on a 4–2 record going into a Week 7 bye week, but promptly collapsed 2–8 in the second half of the season, finishing 6–10. In the [[2011 NFL draft]], the Texans acquired [[Wisconsin Badgers football|Wisconsin]] star [[defensive end]] [[J. J. Watt]] 11th overall. The [[2011 Houston Texans season|following season]], former [[Dallas Cowboys|Cowboys]] head coach [[Wade Phillips]] was hired as the defensive coordinator for the Texans, and the improved defense led to them finishing 10–6, winning their first [[AFC South]] title.<ref name="globe">{{cite news|last=Powers|first=John|title=Texans have climbed to the top of NFL|url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/2012/12/10/for-houston-texans-big-games-have-become-routine-after-years-mediocrity-worse/SefzCa2Wcfml2SdtUXgyjK/story.html|newspaper=[[The Boston Globe]]|date=December 10, 2012|access-date=September 2, 2016|archive-date=February 10, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170210111947/http://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/2012/12/10/for-houston-texans-big-games-have-become-routine-after-years-mediocrity-worse/SefzCa2Wcfml2SdtUXgyjK/story.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The Texans then beat wild card [[Cincinnati Bengals]] 31–10 in the first round of the [[2011–12 NFL playoffs|2011–12 playoffs]],<ref>{{cite news|url=http://ca.reuters.com/article/sportsNews/idCATRE80700P20120108|title=Foster powers Texans to win over Bengals|agency=Reuters Canada|date=January 7, 2012|access-date=January 7, 2012|archive-date=September 27, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130927174337/http://ca.reuters.com/article/sportsNews/idCATRE80700P20120108|url-status=dead}}</ref> before a 20–13 defeat by the Ravens in the Divisional Round.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.masnsports.com/dan_kolko/2012/01/ravens-slip-past-texans-20-13-advance-to-afc-championship.html |title=Ravens slip past Texans 20–13, advance to AFC Championship |first=Dan |last=Kolko |date=January 15, 2012 |access-date=January 15, 2012 |work=MASN Sports |publisher=[[Mid-Atlantic Sports Network]] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120119103522/http://www.masnsports.com/dan_kolko/2012/01/ravens-slip-past-texans-20-13-advance-to-afc-championship.html |archive-date=January 19, 2012 }}</ref>
[[File:Reliantstadium.jpg|thumb|upright=1.0|[[NRG Stadium]]]]
[[File:Texans vs Titans January 1 2012.jpg|thumb|upright=1.0|Houston lines up on offense against the Titans in 2012]]
The Texans surged as the team to beat in the AFC South in {{nfly|2012}}, starting 5–0 and holding an 11–1 record by week 14. However, they lost three of their last four games to finish 12–4; beating the rival [[Indianapolis Colts]] in that four-game stretch allowing them to clinch their 2nd AFC South title. The Texans beat the Bengals again in the wild-card round,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Wild Card - Cincinnati Bengals at Houston Texans - January 5th, 2013 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201301050htx.htm |access-date=2024-08-05 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> but they lost in the Divisional Round to the [[New England Patriots]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Divisional Round - Houston Texans at New England Patriots - January 13th, 2013 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201301130nwe.htm |access-date=2024-08-05 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

In the [[2013 NFL draft]], the Texans acquired [[Clemson Tigers football|Clemson]] [[wide receiver]] [[DeAndre Hopkins]] 27th overall.<ref name="i624">{{cite web | title=Texans add nine players in 2013 NFL Draft | website=HoustonTexans.com | date=2013-04-27 | url=https://www.houstontexans.com/news/texans-add-nine-players-in-2013-nfl-draft-10037806 | access-date=2024-08-05}}</ref> In 2013, the Texans started 2–0 but went into a tailspin and lost every game afterwards.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2013 Houston Texans Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/htx/2013.htm |access-date=2024-08-05 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> Kubiak was fired as head coach after being swept by the rival [[Jacksonville Jaguars]], who themselves started 0–8.<ref name="n963">{{cite web | last=Lovell | first=Darrell | title=Texans fire coach Gary Kubiak | website=Statesboro Herald | date=2017-11-11 | url=https://www.statesboroherald.com/sports/texans-fire-coach-gary-kubiak/#:~:text=That%20wasn't%20enough%20to,make%20a%20Super%20Bowl%20run. | access-date=2024-08-05}}</ref> Wade Phillips filled in as head coach, but the Texans' poor play did not change, and they finished 2–14, tying, with 2005, their worst record in franchise history.<ref name="w939">{{cite magazine | last=Farrar | first=Doug | title=Texans name Wade Phillips interim head coach with Gary Kubiak's timeline uncertain | magazine=Sports Illustrated | date=2013-11-06 | url=https://www.si.com/nfl/2013/11/06/wade-phillips-interim-coach-houston-texans-gary-kubiak | access-date=2024-08-05}}</ref> The 14-game losing streak is the worst in franchise history.

==== Bill O'Brien years (2014–2020) ====
The Texans entered the [[2014 Houston Texans season|2014 season]] with a 14-game losing streak. Former Penn State head coach [[Bill O'Brien (American football)|Bill O'Brien]] became the Texans' new head coach, and the third in franchise history, during the offseason.<ref>{{cite news|title=Texans hire Bill O'Brien as head coach|url=https://www.houstontexans.com/news/texans-hire-bill-o-brien-as-head-coach-12350848|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|website=HoustonTexans.com|date=January 3, 2014|access-date=December 2, 2019|archive-date=August 18, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200818013406/https://www.houstontexans.com/news/texans-hire-bill-o-brien-as-head-coach-12350848|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Mathews|first=Nick|title=Bill O'Brien officially introduced as Texans new coach|url=http://blog.chron.com/ultimatetexans/2014/01/bill-obrien-officially-introduced-as-texans-new-coach/|newspaper=[[Houston Chronicle]]|date=January 3, 2014|access-date=September 2, 2016|archive-date=March 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304060624/http://blog.chron.com/ultimatetexans/2014/01/bill-obrien-officially-introduced-as-texans-new-coach/|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2014, the Texans won three of their first four games, defeating the [[Washington Redskins|Redskins]] in the season opener while ending the losing streak, the [[Oakland Raiders|Raiders]], and the [[Buffalo Bills|Bills]], losing to the [[New York Giants]]. They lost three of their next four games, losing to the [[Dallas Cowboys]], the [[Indianapolis Colts]], and the [[Pittsburgh Steelers]], respectively. The Texans went on to finish 9–7 in the 2014 season and barely missed the playoffs.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2014 Houston Texans Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/htx/2014.htm |access-date=2024-07-30 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

In the [[2015 Houston Texans season|2015 season]], they were featured on HBO, on the show "Hard Knocks".<ref name="l808">{{cite web | last=Fitzgerald | first=Matt | title=HBO 'Hard Knocks' 2015: Best Texans Storylines, Moments, Reaction for Episode 1 | website=Bleacher Report | date=2015-08-11 | url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2545649-hbo-hard-knocks-2015-best-texans-storylines-moments-reaction-for-episode-1 | access-date=2024-08-05}}</ref> That year, the Texans started with a 2–5 record. Quarterback [[Ryan Mallett]] was released amidst controversy regarding his benching in favor of [[Brian Hoyer]] during a loss against the [[Indianapolis Colts]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Chiari|first=Mike|title=Ryan Mallett Released by Texans|url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2583229-ryan-mallett-released-by-texans-latest-details-comments-and-reaction|website=Bleacher Report|date=October 27, 2015|access-date=September 2, 2016|archive-date=March 25, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160325225805/http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2583229-ryan-mallett-released-by-texans-latest-details-comments-and-reaction|url-status=live}}</ref> After a poor start, the Texans finished with a 9–7 record and won their third AFC South title.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2015 Houston Texans Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/htx/2015.htm |access-date=2024-07-30 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> However, they were shut out by the [[Kansas City Chiefs]] in the Wild Card round 30–0, ending their championship hopes for the year.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Belson |first=Ken |date=2016-01-10 |title=Chiefs End 22-Year Run of Playoff Futility by Thrashing the Texans |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/01/10/sports/football/kansas-city-chiefs-beat-houston-texans-wild-card.html |access-date=2024-07-30 |website=The New York Times |language=en-US}}</ref>

On March 9, 2016, the Texans signed former [[Denver Broncos]] quarterback [[Brock Osweiler]] to a 4-year, $72 million deal.<ref>{{cite news|last=Rosenthal|first=Gregg|title=Brock Osweiler agrees in principle to $72M Texans deal|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/brock-osweiler-agrees-in-principle-to-72m-texans-deal-0ap3000000642792|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|website=NFL.com|date=March 9, 2016|access-date=September 2, 2016|archive-date=August 27, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160827082425/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000642792/article/brock-osweiler-agrees-in-principle-to-72m-texans-deal|url-status=live}}</ref> Despite Osweiler's lucrative deal, he struggled significantly during the [[2016 Houston Texans season|2016 season]]. After throwing two interceptions in Week 15 against the Jaguars, coach Bill O'Brien benched the offseason acquisition in favor of backup quarterback [[Tom Savage (American football)|Tom Savage]]. Savage led a comeback effort against the Jaguars, and was named the starter for the remainder of the season. The Texans clinched their fourth AFC South division title in six years in Savage's first career start against the Bengals in Week 16. They defeated the wildcard [[Oakland Raiders]] 27–14 in the opening round of the [[2016–17 NFL playoffs|playoffs]] with Osweiler as the starting quarterback due to Savage being out with a concussion.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Sidhu|first1=Deepi|title=Texans Top 100: Texans beat Raiders in playoffs|url=https://www.houstontexans.com/news/texans-top-100-texans-beat-raiders-in-playoffs|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|website=HoustonTexans.com|date=August 20, 2019|access-date=December 2, 2019|archive-date=August 20, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190820215958/https://www.houstontexans.com/news/texans-top-100-texans-beat-raiders-in-playoffs|url-status=live}}</ref> Osweiler started in the Divisional Playoffs game against the [[New England Patriots]], throwing three interceptions in the second half. The Texans lost 34–16.<ref>{{cite news|last=Patra|first=Kevin|title=Patriots top Texans, move on to AFC Championship|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/patriots-top-texans-move-on-to-afc-championship-0ap3000000774410|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|website=NFL.com|date=January 14, 2017|access-date=December 2, 2019|archive-date=January 29, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170129222748/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000774410/article/patriots-top-texans-move-on-to-afc-championship|url-status=live}}</ref>

In the [[2017 NFL draft]], the Texans traded up to the 12th overall selection to select [[Clemson Tigers football|Clemson]] star quarterback [[Deshaun Watson]].<ref name="h318">{{cite web | last=Wesseling | first=Chris | title=Trade! Texans move up, grab Deshaun Watson | website=NFL.com | date=2017-04-27 | url=https://www.nfl.com/news/trade-texans-move-up-grab-deshaun-watson-0ap3000000803427 | access-date=2024-08-05}}</ref> Watson started six games his rookie year, going 3–3 and having arguably the greatest and most decorated rookie season by a quarterback in NFL history, eventually rising up to become the Texans' [[franchise player|franchise quarterback]]. However, his success would come up very short, after a Week 8 41–38 loss to the [[2017 Seattle Seahawks season|Seattle Seahawks]], Watson tore his ACL in practice and was ruled out the remainder of the season, which caused the Texans to have one of their worst seasons.<ref name="j341">{{cite web | last=Knoblauch | first=Austin | title=Texans QB Deshaun Watson tears ACL in practice | website=NFL.com | date=2017-11-02 | url=https://www.nfl.com/news/texans-qb-deshaun-watson-tears-acl-in-practice-0ap3000000871174 | access-date=2024-08-05}}</ref> Plagued by a series of unexpected injuries (including an injury to [[J. J. Watt]]) and controversy involving the team's suspected violation of the league's concussion protocol, after backup quarterback [[Tom Savage (American football)|Tom Savage]] suffered a [[seizure]] after the Week 14 game against the [[San Francisco 49ers]], the Texans went 1–9 the rest of the season and eventually finish 4–12 and last in the AFC South in 2017, missing the playoffs for the first time since 2014 and giving Bill O'Brien his first losing season as Texans head coach.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2017 Houston Texans Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/htx/2017.htm |access-date=2024-08-05 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>
[[File:J.J. Watt autographs signing (cropped).jpg|thumb|upright|All-Pro DE [[J. J. Watt]] (2011–2020)]]

In [[2018 Houston Texans season|2018]], the Texans started the season 0–3, losing by a combined 15 points to the [[New England Patriots]], [[Tennessee Titans]], and [[New York Giants]], before winning a 37–34 overtime shootout on the road in Indianapolis. This win sparked a nine-game winning streak for the Texans, their first since starting 5–0 in 2012, which included a Week 8 win against the [[Miami Dolphins]] that included five touchdown passes from Deshaun Watson.<ref name="i498">{{cite web | title=Deshaun Watson tosses for five touchdowns as Texans beat Dolphins | website=Yahoo! Sports | date=2018-10-26 | url=https://sports.yahoo.com/deshaun-watson-tosses-five-touchdowns-041234144.html | access-date=2024-08-05}}</ref> This streak was the longest ever for a team that started the season 0–3; the previous record was a seven-game win-streak set by the New York Giants in 1918 after starting out 0–3.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Sidhu |first1=Deepi |title=From 0–3 to 8–3, Texans now on historic run |url=https://www.houstontexans.com/news/from-0-3-to-8-3-texans-now-on-historic-run |website=www.houstontexans.com |access-date=January 12, 2022 |date=November 26, 2018}}</ref>

On November 23, 2018, the owner of the Houston Texans, [[Bob McNair]], died from skin cancer.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Barshop |first=Sarah |date=2018-11-23 |title=McNair, owner/founder of Texans, dies at age 81 |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/25357571/bob-mcnair-owner-houston-texans-dead-81 |access-date=2024-05-19 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}</ref> On November 26, 2018, McNair's wife, [[Janice McNair]], became the principal owner and Senior Chair of the Houston Texans, while their son, [[D. Cal McNair]], became the chairman and Chief Operating Officer.<ref name="w686">{{cite web | last=Bien-Aime | first=DJ | title=Cal McNair approved as Texans' principal owner | website=ESPN.com | date=2024-03-26 | url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/39813575/cal-mcnair-approved-texans-principal-owner-nfl-meeting#:~:text=Janice%20McNair%2C%20who%20is%2087,the%20Texans%20originated%20in%202002. | access-date=2024-07-30}}</ref>

The Texans finished the season 11–5, and won another AFC South division championship under Bill O'Brien.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2018 Houston Texans Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/htx/2018.htm |access-date=2024-05-19 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> They lost 21–7 in the first round of the playoffs to their AFC South division rival [[Indianapolis Colts]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Wild Card - Indianapolis Colts at Houston Texans - January 5th, 2019 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201901050htx.htm |access-date=2024-05-19 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

In [[2019 Houston Texans season|2019]], the Texans won the AFC South division championship and qualified for the [[2019–20 NFL playoffs|NFL playoffs]] on the back of a 10–6 record.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2019 Houston Texans Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/htx/2019.htm |access-date=2024-05-19 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> They went on to defeat the [[2019 Buffalo Bills season|Buffalo Bills]] by a score of 22–19 in overtime in the AFC wild-card round.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Wild Card - Buffalo Bills at Houston Texans - January 4th, 2020 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202001040htx.htm |access-date=2024-05-19 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> However, the Texans' 2019 season came to an end the following week, as they lost to the eventual [[Super Bowl LIV|Super Bowl]] champion [[2019 Kansas City Chiefs season|Kansas City Chiefs]] by a score of 51–31 in the AFC divisional round.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Divisional Round - Houston Texans at Kansas City Chiefs - January 12th, 2020 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202001120kan.htm |access-date=2024-05-19 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> The Texans had a 24–0 lead in the game before the Chiefs came back.<ref name="h839">{{cite web | last=Greene | first=Nick | title=Turning a 24-Point Lead Into a 20-Point Loss the Houston Texans Way | website=Slate Magazine | date=2020-01-13 | url=https://slate.com/culture/2020/01/houston-texans-blow-24-point-lead-kansas-city-chiefs.html | access-date=2024-08-05}}</ref>

On March 22, 2020, the Texans traded away [[All-Pro|all-pro]] wide receiver [[DeAndre Hopkins]] and a fourth-round pick in the [[2020 NFL draft]] to the [[Arizona Cardinals]]. In return, Houston received [[running back]] [[David Johnson (running back)|David Johnson]], a 2020 second-round pick, and a [[2021 NFL draft|2021]] fourth-round pick.<ref>{{Cite web |last=LoRé |first=Michael |date=December 3, 2020 |title=DeAndre Hopkins Trade Started 'Trickle-Down Effect' For Houston Texans' Tumultuous Season |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/michaellore/2020/12/03/deandre-hopkins-trade-started-trickle-down-effect-for-houston-texans-tumultuous-season/ |access-date=November 30, 2021 |website=Forbes}}</ref> The move was confusing and controversial among fans and sportswriters alike, as many claimed that the Texans should have received more valuable assets for Hopkins, who was among the best receivers in the NFL.<ref name="i356">{{cite web | last=Kerr | first=Jeff | title=Bill O'Brien defends Texans' controversial DeAndre Hopkins trade as 'best interest of our team' | website=CBSSports.com | date=2020-03-28 | url=https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/bill-obrien-defends-texans-controversial-deandre-hopkins-trade-as-best-interest-of-our-team/ | access-date=2024-07-30}}</ref>

The Texans began the [[2020 Houston Texans season|2020 NFL season]] with a record of 0–4, and [[Bill O'Brien (American football)|Bill O'Brien]] was consequentially fired after a disappointing loss to the [[Minnesota Vikings]] in Week 4. [[Romeo Crennel]], who was the head coach of the [[Cleveland Browns]] from 2005 to 2008 and of the [[Kansas City Chiefs]] in 2011–12,<ref>{{Cite web|title=Romeo Crennel Record, Statistics, and Category Ranks |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/coaches/CrenRo0.htm|access-date=November 30, 2021|website=[[Pro Football Reference]]}}</ref> was named the interim head coach for the remainder of the season.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Shook |first=Nick |date=October 5, 2020 |title=Texans fire Bill O'Brien as general manager, head coach |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/texans-fire-bill-o-brien-as-general-manager-head-coach |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201008221721/https://www.nfl.com/news/texans-fire-bill-o-brien-as-general-manager-head-coach |archive-date=October 8, 2020 |access-date=October 5, 2020 |website=NFL.com}}</ref> Crennel managed to win more than half of his first 7 games as Houston's head coach, giving Houston a record of 4–7. However, the Texans ended the season on a five-game losing streak.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2020 Houston Texans Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/htx/2020.htm |access-date=2024-05-19 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref> With a final record of 4–12, the Texans were unable to make the playoffs.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2020 NFL Standings & Team Stats |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2020/index.htm |access-date=2024-05-19 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

==== Rebuilding years (2021–2022) ====

On January 27, 2021, the Texans hired [[David Culley]] as the team's [[head coach]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Barshop|first=Sarah|title=Sources: Texans hire Ravens' Culley as head coach|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/30791872/houston-texans-hire-baltimore-ravens-david-culley-head-coach-sources-say|website=ESPN.com|date=January 28, 2021|access-date=January 29, 2021}}</ref> Culley most recently worked as the [[Baltimore Ravens]] [[assistant head coach]], [[wide receivers coach]] and passing game coordinator. On February 12, 2021, the Texans released all-pro defensive end J.J. Watt. It was confirmed that Watt personally requested owner Cal McNair for his release.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Patra |first=Kevin |date=February 12, 2021 |title=J.J. Watt, Houston Texans mutually agree to part ways after 10 seasons |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/end-of-an-era-houston-texans-releasing-3-time-dpoy-j-j-watt |access-date=August 29, 2022 |work=NFL.com}}</ref>

On January 13, 2022, the Texans fired David Culley after posting a 4–13 record<ref>{{Cite news |last=Barshop |first=Sarah |date=January 13, 2022 |title=Texans fire coach Culley after just one season |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/33058754/source-houston-texans-fire-coach-david-culley-just-one-season |access-date=January 24, 2022 |work=ESPN.com}}</ref> as the team's [[head coach]] and promoted defensive coordinator [[Lovie Smith]] as the team's fifth head coach on February 7, 2022.<ref>{{cite news|title=Houston Texans Hire Lovie Smith as Head Coach|url=https://www.houstontexans.com/news/houston-texans-hire-lovie-smith-as-head-coach|website=HoustonTexans.com|date=February 7, 2022|access-date=August 29, 2022}}</ref> The team [[Deshaun Watson trade|traded away]] their starting quarterback [[Deshaun Watson]] to the [[Cleveland Browns]] and a 2024 fifth round pick for three 1st round picks, a 3rd round pick and a 4th round pick on March 20, 2022, due to sexual misconduct lawsuits toward Watson.<ref>{{cite web|title=Browns announce trade for Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/deshaun-watson-browns-trade-texans-quarterback-haslam-berry-stefanski|website=NFL.com|date=March 20, 2022|access-date=April 1, 2022}}</ref> The Texans opened their 2022 season in a [[Tie (draw)|tie game]] against the [[2022 Indianapolis Colts season|Indianapolis Colts]], the franchise's first tie in their 20-year existence.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lane |first=Mark |date=September 12, 2022 |title=Texans coach Lovie Smith on fourth down decision vs. Colts: 'Tie was better than a loss' |url=https://texanswire.usatoday.com/2022/09/11/texans-lovie-smith-fourth-down-ot-call-colts/ |access-date=September 12, 2022 |website=Texans Wire|publisher=USA Today |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Dubin |first=Jared |date=September 11, 2022 |title=Texans-Colts game ends in tie: Here's how often a deadlock has occurred in Week 1 |url=https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/texans-colts-game-ends-in-tie-heres-how-often-a-deadlock-has-occurred-in-week-1/ |access-date=September 12, 2022 |website=CBSSports.com |language=en}}</ref> On January 9, 2023, the Texans announced that they were going in a different direction by firing [[Lovie Smith]] after a 3–13–1 season.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Statement from Texans Chair and CEO Cal McNair and General Manager Nick Caserio on Lovie Smith|url=https://www.houstontexans.com/news/statement-from-texans-chair-and-ceo-cal-mcnair-and-general-manager-nick-caserio-|publisher=Houston Texans|date=January 8, 2023|access-date=January 8, 2023}}</ref>

====Ryans and Stroud era (2023–present)====

On January 31, 2023, the Texans hired former player and 49ers defensive coordinator [[DeMeco Ryans]] as their new head coach, making him the sixth head coach in franchise history.<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 31, 2023 |title=Houston Texans hire DeMeco Ryans as Head Coach |url=https://www.houstontexans.com/news/houston-texans-hire-demeco-ryans-as-head-coach |access-date=May 4, 2023 |website=Houston Texans}}</ref> In the [[2023 NFL draft]] the Texans selected [[Ohio State Buckeyes|Ohio State]] quarterback [[C. J. Stroud]] and traded up to the third pick to select Defensive End [[Will Anderson Jr.]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Owens |first1=Jason |title=NFL Draft: Texans select Ohio State QB C.J. Stroud with No. 2 pick |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-draft-texans-select-ohio-state-qb-cj-stroud-with-no-2-pick-002616904.html |access-date=May 4, 2023 |work=Yahoo Sports |date=April 27, 2023}}</ref> Under Ryans and Stroud, the team saw improved fortunes as they made the playoffs while winning the AFC South for the first time since the 2019 season with a 10–7 record, becoming the first NFL team to win their division under a rookie head coach and quarterback.<ref name="z269">{{cite web | last=Sutelan | first=Edward | title=Rookie QB-coach to make playoffs: Texans' DeMeco Ryans, C.J. Stroud make history as fifth postseason team with rookie duo | website=Sporting News | date=2024-01-07 | url=https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/texans-rookie-qb-coach-playoffs-history-duo/75f8819c7e4026da7f8d9734 | access-date=2024-07-30}}</ref> The team defeated the Cleveland Browns 45–14 in the Wild Card Round.<ref name="f887">{{cite web | last=Rieken | first=Kristie | title=Stroud becomes youngest QB to win a playoff game as Texans rout Browns 45-14 | website=AP News | date=2024-01-14 | url=https://apnews.com/article/texans-browns-score-stroud-flacco-playoffs-e9e4e7262a26610bb2981c12acf8fad0 | access-date=2024-08-20}}</ref> The Texans saw their season end in the Divisional Round with a 34–10 loss to the Baltimore Ravens.<ref name="r035">{{cite web | last=Trister | first=Noah | title=Lamar Jackson and Ravens pull away in the second half to beat Texans 34-10 and reach AFC title game | website=AP News | date=2024-01-21 | url=https://apnews.com/article/ravens-texans-score-lamar-jackson-7f9dbe43ff5b60ed94e9754e63ef6f70 | access-date=2024-08-20}}</ref> Stroud would later be named [[NFL Rookie of the Year Award|NFL offensive Rookie of the Year]], and Anderson Jr. would be named [[NFL Rookie of the Year Award|NFL defensive Rookie of the Year Award]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Texans DE Will Anderson Jr. wins AP 2023 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/texans-de-will-anderson-jr-wins-ap-2023-nfl-defensive-rookie-of-the-year |access-date=2024-10-07 |website=NFL.com |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Texans QB C.J. Stroud named AP 2023 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/texans-qb-c-j-stroud-named-ap-2023-nfl-offensive-rookie-of-the-year |access-date=2024-10-07 |website=NFL.com |language=en-US}}</ref> Ryans also finished in a tie in total votes for [[NFL Coach of the Year Award|NFL Coach of the Year]] with Browns head coach [[Kevin Stefanski]] though he lost the award in a tiebreaker due to having one less first place vote.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Browns' Kevin Stefanski named AP 2023 NFL Coach of the Year |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/browns-kevin-stefanski-named-ap-2023-nfl-coach-of-the-year |access-date=2024-10-07 |website=NFL.com |language=en-US}}</ref> The [[2024 Houston Texans season|2024 season]] saw the Texans repeat as AFC South champions with a 10–7 record and make the playoffs. They defeated the [[2024 Los Angeles Chargers season|Los Angeles Chargers]] in the wildcard round with a 32-12 win<ref>{{Cite web |last=Williams |first=James H. |title=Texans beat Chargers: Highlights, score as Houston punches ticket to divisional round |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2025/01/11/texans-chargers-live-updates-score-highlights/77584829007/ |access-date=2025-10-25 |website=USA TODAY |language=en-US}}</ref> and lost to the Chiefs in the divisional round.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Camenker |first=Joe Rivera and Jacob |title=Chiefs headed to AFC championship game after win over Texans: Highlights |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2025/01/18/chiefs-texans-live-score-updates-nfl-playoffs/77697470007/ |access-date=2025-10-25 |website=USA TODAY |language=en-US}}</ref>

==Rivalries==
The Texans are the youngest expansion team in the NFL, having only been competing in the NFL for 23 seasons since 2002 and have had limited regular season and postseason success. For that reason, they have not had the history or the reputation on which to build classic rivalries like the ones that often exist between older franchises. Despite this, the team has developed some rivalries. Its natural rivals are its fellow [[AFC South]] teams, which are the [[Tennessee Titans]], [[Jacksonville Jaguars]], and [[Indianapolis Colts]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Duarte |first=Joseph |date=October 26, 2004 |title=Texans, Jags created spirited rivalry in only 4 games |url=https://www.chron.com/sports/texans/article/Texans-Jags-created-spirited-rivalry-in-only-4-1654226.php |access-date=August 9, 2022 |website=Chron |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Sexton |first=Brian |date=September 9, 2021 |title=Historically speaking: Jaguars-Texans a southern rivalry |url=https://www.jaguars.com/news/historically-speaking-jaguars-texans-a-southern-rivalry |access-date=August 9, 2022 |website=www.jaguars.com |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Kraft |first=Tyler |date=October 14, 2019 |title=Looking back at the top five moments of the Colts-Texans rivalry |url=https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/nfl/colts/2019/10/14/looking-top-five-colts-texans-moments-ahead-sundays-nfl-game/3974171002/ |access-date=August 9, 2022 |website=The Indianapolis Star |language=en-US}}</ref>

===Divisional===
====Tennessee Titans====
{{main|Texans–Titans rivalry}}

Many Houston fans view the [[Tennessee Titans]], who were the Houston Oilers before their move in 1996, as the Texans' chief rival, both as members of the AFC South and because former Titans owner Bud Adams and his family kept the rights to the Oilers name and colors. Many Houston fans argue that the history of the Oilers belong to the City of Houston, relating in and out of sports; For example, Houston Police cars used don the Columbia blue and red colors associated with the Oilers, and the “Oilers” namesake alludes to Houston’s role in the oil and gas Industry. In 2023, Tennessee unveiled Oilers throwback uniforms, which they wore to play the Texans. As of 2025, the Titans still occasionally use these uniforms.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Vega |first=Robert |date=September 20, 2009 |title=Texans-Titans: A Future Classic Rivalry |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/258262-texans-vs-titans-a-future-classic-rivalry |access-date=June 26, 2022 |website=Bleacher Report |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=McClain |first=John |date=October 1, 2017 |title=Texans vs. Titans: A complex history but not yet a real rivalry |url=https://www.houstonchronicle.com/sports/texans/article/Texans-vs-Titans-A-complex-history-but-not-a-12242040.php |access-date=June 26, 2022 |website=Houston Chronicle |language=en-US}}</ref> As of the 2023 season, the Titans lead the all-time series 23–21.<ref>{{Cite web |title=All Matchups, Houston Texans vs. Houston Oilers/Tennessee Oilers/Tennessee Titans |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/game_query.cgi?tm1=htx&tm2=oti&yr=all |access-date=2024-08-05 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

====Indianapolis Colts====
{{main|Colts–Texans rivalry}}
Since the early 2000s, the Texans also have an AFC South Division rivalry with the [[Indianapolis Colts]], whom the Texans had not defeated until the [[2006 NFL season|2006 season]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kraft |first=Tyler |title=Looking back at the top five moments of the Colts-Texans rivalry |url=https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/nfl/colts/2019/10/14/looking-top-five-colts-texans-moments-ahead-sundays-nfl-game/3974171002/ |access-date=June 26, 2022 |website=The Indianapolis Star |language=en-US}}</ref> The Texans first swept the Colts in the [[2016 NFL season]],<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 26, 2018 |title=Texans at Colts: History on side of Indianapolis |url=https://torotimes.com/2018/09/26/texans-colts-history-side-indianapolis/ |access-date=June 26, 2022 |website=Toro Times |language=en-US}}</ref> four years after the Colts drafted Houston native [[Andrew Luck]]. In 2019 the two teams met in the [[2018–19 NFL playoffs#AFC: Indianapolis Colts 21, Houston Texans 7|2018 AFC Wild Card Playoffs]]; the Colts won 21–7.<ref>{{cite news|last=Silver|first=Michael |title=Frank Reich leads Colts to comprehensive beatdown of Texans |publisher=NFL Enterprises |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/frank-reich-leads-colts-to-comprehensive-beatdown-of-texans-0ap3000001008198|website=NFL.com|date=January 5, 2019|access-date=January 7, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190106113424/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001008198/article/frank-reich-leads-colts-to-comprehensive-beatdown-of-texans|archive-date=January 6, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Latham-Coyle  |first=Harry  |date=November 2, 2017 |title=Texans beginning to turn around desperate series history with Colts |url=https://texanswire.usatoday.com/2017/11/02/texans-beginning-to-turn-around-desperate-series-history-with-colts/ |access-date=June 19, 2022 |website=Texans Wire|publisher=USA Today |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Bremer |first=George |date=October 19, 2019 |title=Colts, Texans fuel up for rivalry revival |url=https://www.heraldbulletin.com/sports/colts/colts-texans-fuel-up-for-rivalry-revival/article_66aee840-f284-11e9-ba29-c7217c0742e4.html |access-date=June 19, 2022 |website=Herald Bulletin |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Kraft |first=Tyler |date=October 14, 2019 |title=Looking back at the top five moments of the Colts-Texans rivalry |url=https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/nfl/colts/2019/10/14/looking-top-five-colts-texans-moments-ahead-sundays-nfl-game/3974171002/ |access-date=June 19, 2022 |website=The Indianapolis Star |language=en-US}}</ref>

====Jacksonville Jaguars====
{{main|Jaguars–Texans rivalry}}
Having begun play in 1995 and 2002, respectively, the Jaguars and Texans are among two of the newer NFL teams. The Jaguars moved from the AFC Central to the newly created AFC South where the Texans were placed into and have competed as division rivals since. The Jaguars are the only division rival the Texans have a winning record against as the Texans lead the series 29–15.<ref>{{Cite web |title=All Matchups, Houston Texans vs. Jacksonville Jaguars |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/game_query.cgi?tm1=htx&tm2=jax&yr=all |access-date=2024-08-05 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

===Conference===

====Cincinnati Bengals====
Though not division rivals, the Bengals and Texans had big matchups in the 2010s, such as the [[2011-12 NFL playoffs|2011]] and [[2012-13 NFL playoffs|2012]] Wild Card Round, both of which the Texans won. The two teams also played on prime time in [[2015 Houston Texans season|2015]], [[2016 Houston Texans season|2016]], and [[2017 Houston Texans season|2017]] with the Texans giving the Bengals their first loss after an 8–0 start in the latter game.

===Interconference===
====Dallas Cowboys====
{{main|Governor's Cup (Texas)}}
[[File:Houston Texans vs. Dallas Cowboys 2019 18 (Dallas on offense).jpg|thumb|2019 pre-season matchup between the Texans and the [[Dallas Cowboys]]]]
The Texans also have an intrastate/interconference rivalry with the [[Dallas Cowboys]], with whom they contest the so-called [[Governor's Cup (Texas)|Governor's Cup]] every year (a tradition started between the cities before the Oilers moved) either in the preseason or the regular season for bragging rights in the state of Texas. In 2017, the destruction and flooding caused during [[Hurricane Harvey]] a few days before their Week 4 preseason match up time scheduled caused the game to be moved to [[AT&T Stadium]] in Arlington, Texas. However, out of concern for the safety of the fans and the condition of the player's families & communities, the game was canceled.<ref name="j358">{{cite web | title=Cowboys versus Texans preseason game canceled | website=NFL.com | date=2017-08-30 | url=https://www.nfl.com/news/cowboys-versus-texans-preseason-game-canceled-0ap3000000837044#:~:text=Thursday's%20preseason%20game%20between%20the,game%20from%20Houston%20to%20Arlington. | access-date=2024-08-05}}</ref> As of the 2024 season, the Cowboys lead the all-time series 4–3.<ref>{{Cite web |title=All Matchups, Houston Texans vs. Dallas Cowboys |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/game_query.cgi?tm1=htx&tm2=dal&yr=all |access-date=2024-08-05 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

==Culture==
Some former Oilers fans have become Texans fans. Some celebrities are fans, including [[Ryan Trahan]], [[George Foreman]], [[Paul Wall]], [[Rico Rodriguez (actor)|Rico Rodriguez]], and [[Raini Rodriguez]].<ref name="u480">{{cite web | last=Luna | first=Marcy de | title=Celebrities to watch for at Houston Texans home games | website=Chron.com | date=2019-08-26 | url=https://www.chron.com/life/article/Celebrities-to-watch-for-at-Houston-Texans-games-14379222.php | access-date=2024-08-05}}</ref><ref name="e707">{{cite web | last=Young | first=Matt | title=Celebs love Houston sports | website=San Francisco Chronicle | date=2018-07-20 | url=https://www.sfchronicle.com/sports/rockets/article/Celebrity-fans-Houston-sports-Texans-Astros-Rocket-12858486.php | access-date=2024-08-05}}</ref><ref name="w512">{{cite web | last=Lucas | first=Nici | title=A Chat with Adam Gontier of Saint Asonia and formerly Three Days Grace | website=Adventure Music Life | date=2016-06-23 | url=https://www.adventuremusiclife.com/2016/06/23/chat-adam-gontier-saint-asonia-formerly-three-days-grace/ | access-date=2024-08-05}}</ref> 

During the 2010s, the team adopted the moniker "[[Bulls on Parade]]" in honor of the [[Rage Against the Machine]] song, regularly used in the team's pregame introduction.<ref name="p535">{{cite web | title=Bulls on Parade: Texans' defense has a new nickname -- and T-shirts, too! | website=KHOU.com | date=2014-07-18 | url=https://www.khou.com/article/news/bulls-on-parade-texans-defense-has-a-new-nickname-and-t-shirts-too/285-339814904 | access-date=2024-08-05}}</ref>

==Team identity==
[[File:Wiliams Tower Texans.jpg|thumb|upright|The [[Williams Tower]] in Houston showing the word "TEXANS" using its office lights.]]
[[File:DTvsNYG.jpg|thumb|upright|The club's nickname '''"Texans"''' was previously used by two franchises in [[Dallas]] (NFL: 1952; AFL: 1960–1962)]]

===Name===
In the process of naming the new franchise leadership conducted an extensive review and research process; the final list of names was determined after several months of research conducted jointly by Houston NFL 2002 and NFL Properties. This included an online survey asking fans and the community to weigh in which received more than 65,000 responses in one week. On March 2, 2000, it was announced that the team name search had been narrowed down to five choices: Apollos, Bobcats, Stallions, Texans, and Wildcatters.<ref>{{cite web|title=Franchise nicknames|url=http://www.profootballhof.com/news/franchise-nicknames/|publisher=Pro Football Hall of Fame|date=January 1, 2005|access-date=September 2, 2016|archive-date=January 21, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180121222737/http://www.profootballhof.com/news/franchise-nicknames/|url-status=live}}</ref>

On September 6, 2000, the NFL's 32nd franchise was officially christened the Houston Texans before thousands at a downtown rally in Houston. McNair explained that the name and logo were chosen to "embody the pride, strength, independence and achievement that make the people of Houston and our area special."<ref name="TexansUnveiled">{{cite news|title=McNair unveils name, logo for Houston|url=http://www.nfl.com/Texans/news/nameunveiled.html|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|website=NFL.com|date=September 6, 2000|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20001109083100/http://www.nfl.com/Texans/news/nameunveiled.html|archive-date=November 9, 2000|access-date=September 2, 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Texans Top 100: Naming the Texans|url=https://www.houstontexans.com/news/texans-top-100-naming-the-texans|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|website=HoustonTexans.com|date=August 11, 2019|access-date=March 17, 2020|archive-date=March 17, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200317193642/https://www.houstontexans.com/news/texans-top-100-naming-the-texans|url-status=live}}</ref> The name "Texans" had been used by several now-defunct football teams, including the [[Canadian Football League]] franchise in San Antonio; the [[World Football League]] franchise in Houston, which moved to Louisiana to become the [[Shreveport Steamer]]; the [[Dallas Texans (NFL)|Dallas Texans]] of the NFL which played in only the 1952 season; and by the precursor of the present-day [[Kansas City Chiefs]], when they were the second incarnation of the [[Dallas Texans (AFL)|Dallas Texans]] in the [[American Football League|American Football League (AFL)]]. Owner Bob McNair received permission from Chiefs' owner [[Lamar Hunt]] to use the Texans name for his new team.<ref name=globe/> It is also a subtle homage to the naming style of the [[NHL]] team the [[Montreal Canadiens]] who also named their team after their respective [[demonym]].<ref name=globe/>

===Logo and uniforms===
Along with the team name, McNair unveiled the team logo, an abstract depiction of a bull's head, split in such a way to resemble the [[flag of Texas]] and the state of Texas, including a lone star to stand for the eye, the five points of which representing pride, courage, strength, tradition and independence. McNair described the colors as "Deep [[Steel Blue]]", "Battle Red" and "Liberty White".<ref name="TexansUnveiled" /> A year later the Texans unveiled their uniforms during another downtown rally.<ref>{{cite news|last=Sidhu|first=Deepi|title=Texans Top 100: Unveiling the Texans uniform|url=https://www.houstontexans.com/news/texans-top-100-unveiling-the-texans-uniform|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|website=HoustonTexans.com|date=August 1, 2019|access-date=September 4, 2019|archive-date=September 4, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190904055025/https://www.houstontexans.com/news/texans-top-100-unveiling-the-texans-uniform|url-status=live}}</ref> The bull is used to signify the state's [[cattle ranching]] economy that helped in its early settlement in the 19th century.<ref>{{cite news|last=Sidhu|first=Deepi|title=Texans Top 100: Unveiling the Texans uniform|url=https://www.houstontexans.com/news/texans-top-100-unveiling-the-texans-uniform|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|website=HoustonTexans.com|date=August 1, 2019|access-date=September 4, 2019|archive-date=September 4, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190904055025/https://www.houstontexans.com/news/texans-top-100-unveiling-the-texans-uniform|url-status=live}}</ref> 

The Texans' helmet is dark blue with the Texans bull logo. The helmet was initially white when the team name and logo were unveiled, but was later changed to dark blue. The uniform design consists of red trim and either dark blue or white jerseys. The team typically wears white pants with its blue jerseys and blue pants with its white jerseys. Starting with the 2006 season, the Texans wore all-white for their home opener, and the team began to wear an all-blue combination for home games vs. the [[Indianapolis Colts]]. In 2003, the Texans introduced an alternative red jersey with blue trim; they wear this jersey at one home game each year, usually against a division rival. In 2007, the Texans introduced red pants for the first time, pairing them with the red jerseys for an all-red look. They would wear this look until 2010, but was brought back in 2023. In October 2008 the Texans paired blue socks (instead of the traditional red) with their blue pants and white jerseys, eventually becoming the team's primary road uniform combination. In 2016, the Texans unveiled a new uniform combo against the [[Jacksonville Jaguars]], pairing the red jersey with blue pants and red socks. In 2017, the Texans unveiled a [[NFL Color Rush|Color Rush]] uniform, using an all-blue uniform but with minimal white elements. In 2021, the Texans began sporting all-white socks on select home and road games. In 2022, the Texans began using a red alternate helmet with the red uniform. In 2023, the red alternate helmet was worn with the Color Rush uniform in a 21–16 victory against the [[Arizona Cardinals]].<ref name="c330">{{cite web | last=Lind | first=Andrew | title=Houston Texans To Wear "Battle Red" Alternate Helmets With Color Rush Uniforms | website=SportsLogos.Net News | date=2023-11-15 | url=https://news.sportslogos.net/2023/11/15/houston-texans-to-wear-battle-red-alternate-helmets-with-color-rush-uniforms/football/ | access-date=2024-08-20}}</ref>

In 2002, the team wore a patch commemorating their inaugural season. Also, they celebrated 10 years as a franchise by wearing an anniversary patch throughout 2012. From 2018 to 2019, the Texans wore a memorial patch to honor Bob McNair after his death.<ref name="q120">{{cite web | last=Ehling | first=Jeff | title=Houston Texans wearing decals to honor Bob McNair | website=ABC13 Houston | date=2018-11-26 | url=https://abc13.com/houston-texans-bob-mcnair-tennessee-titans-oilers/4765274/ | access-date=2024-08-20}}</ref>

[[File:Houston Texans Uniforms 2023.png|thumb|upright=1.0|The Texans' uniform set from 2002 to 2023. The red helmet was introduced in 2023, the [[NFL Color Rush|Color Rush]] uniform was introduced in 2017, and the red pants were briefly worn from 2007 to 2010 before being reintroduced in 2023.]]

In April 2024, the Texans unveiled redesigned uniforms. The primary dark blue helmets remained, but the home blue uniforms were updated to include the Texans primary crest on the sleeve and new collar stripes, while the road white uniform featured blue and red horn stripes on the sleeves, along with blue numbers with red trim. The white uniform's design also served as the basis for the red alternate uniform, which is paired with a red helmet containing the blue horn stripes. A second alternate uniform is a navy blue base with "H-Town blue" accents; numbers are red with "H-Town blue" trim. This set is paired with a navy blue alternate helmet containing the "H-Star" decal in "H-Town blue" with red trim. The inclusion of a second alternate helmet is due to the NFL allowing teams with new uniforms to unveil these helmets in advance this season.<ref>{{cite news|last=Shook|first=Nick|title=Houston Texans unveil first uniform redesign since franchise's inception in 2000|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/houston-texans-unveil-first-uniform-redesign-since-franchise-s-inception-in-2000|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|website=NFL.com|date=April 23, 2024|access-date=April 23, 2024}}</ref>

==Players of note==
{{Main|Houston Texans all-time roster}}

===Current roster===
{{Houston Texans roster}}

===NFL draft history===
{{Further|Houston Texans draft history}}

====First-round draft picks by year====
{{Further|List of Houston Texans first-round draft picks}}

The Texans have had the top-overall pick in the NFL Draft three times.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Houston Texans All-Time Draft History |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/htx/draft.htm |access-date=2024-08-20 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

===Awards and honors===
{{Main|List of Houston Texans awards and honors}}

===Ring of Honor===
On November 19, 2017, Andre Johnson was the first-ever inductee into the Texans Ring of Honor.<ref>{{cite news|title=Andre Johnson immortalized in Texans Ring of Honor|url=https://www.houstontexans.com/news/andre-johnson-immortalized-in-texans-ring-of-honor-19796371|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|website=HoustonTexans.com|date=November 19, 2017|access-date=November 21, 2017|archive-date=August 15, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200815084508/https://www.houstontexans.com/news/andre-johnson-immortalized-in-texans-ring-of-honor-19796371|url-status=live}}</ref> On October 6, 2019, Bob McNair was posthumously the second inductee into the Texans Ring of Honor.<ref>{{cite news|last=Sidhu|first=Deepi|title=Texans to induct Bob McNair into Ring of Honor Sunday|url=https://www.houstontexans.com/news/texans-to-induct-bob-mcnair-into-ring-of-honor-sunday|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|website=HoustonTexans.com|date=October 2, 2019|access-date=October 2, 2019|archive-date=October 7, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191007014647/https://www.houstontexans.com/news/texans-to-induct-bob-mcnair-into-ring-of-honor-sunday|url-status=live}}</ref> On October 1, 2023, J. J. Watt was the third inductee into the Texans Ring of Honor.<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 1, 2023 |title= J.J. Watt officially inducted into Houston Texans Ring of Honor |url=https://www.houstontexans.com/news/j-j-watt-officially-inducted-into-houston-texans-ring-of-honor |access-date=October 1, 2023 |website=Houston Texans}}</ref> On November 2, 2025, Janice McNair was the fourth inductee into the Texans Ring of Honor.<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 3, 2025 |title= Janice McNair Takes Her Place In Texans Ring Of Honor |url=https://www.houstontexans.com/news/janice-mcnair-takes-her-place-in-texans-ring-of-honor |access-date=November 3, 2025 |website=Houston Texans}}</ref>

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
|-
! colspan="5" style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|Houston Texans|border=2}}"|Houston Texans Ring of Honor
|-
! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Houston Texans}};"|No.
! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Houston Texans}};"|Inductee
! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Houston Texans}};"|Position
! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Houston Texans}};"|Tenure
! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Houston Texans}};"|Inducted
|-
| '''80''' ||[[Andre Johnson]] || [[Wide receiver|WR]] || 2003–2014 || November 19, 2017
|- 
| — ||[[Bob McNair]] || Owner / Founder || 1999–2018 || October 6, 2019
|-
| '''99''' ||[[J. J. Watt]] || [[Defensive end|DE]] || 2011–2020 || October 1, 2023
|- 
| — ||[[Janice McNair]] || Co-Founder/ Senior Chair || 1999–2024 || November 2, 2025
|-
|}

===Pro Football Hall of Fame===
Only two members of the [[Pro Football Hall of Fame]] have spent any portion of their career with Texans, due in part to the requirements to be inducted and the Texans only having been established in 2002. In 2024, [[Andre Johnson]] became the first player to be inducted into the Hall of Fame primarily for his time with the Texans.<ref>{{Cite web |date=February 8, 2024 |title= Andre Johnson Becomes Houston Texans' first Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee  |url=https://www.houstontexans.com/news/andre-johnson-become-houston-texans-first-pro-football-hall-of-fame-inductee |access-date=February 8, 2024 |website=Houston Texans}}</ref>

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
|-
! colspan="5" style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|Houston Texans|border=2}}"|Houston Texans Hall of Famers
|-
! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Houston Texans}};"|Inductee
! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Houston Texans}};"|Position
! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Houston Texans}};"|Tenure
! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Houston Texans}};"|Inducted
|-
| [[Ed Reed]] || [[Safety (gridiron football position)|S]]|| 2013 || 2019<ref name="o756">{{cite magazine | last=West | first=Jenna | title=Tony Gonzalez, Ed Reed lead 2019 Hall of Fame class | magazine=Sports Illustrated | date=2019-02-02 | url=https://www.si.com/nfl/2019/02/02/pro-football-hall-fame-class-2019-tony-gonzalez-ed-reed-results | access-date=2024-08-20}}</ref>
|-
| '''[[Andre Johnson]]''' || [[Wide receiver|WR]] || 2003–2014 || 2024
|}

==Staff and head coaches==
===Staff===
{{Houston Texans staff}}

===Head coaches===
The Texans have had six full-time head coaches in their franchise history. The team has had two interim head coaches.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Houston Texans Coaches |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/htx/coaches.htm |access-date=2024-08-05 |website=[[Pro Football Reference]] |language=en}}</ref>

{{Main|List of Houston Texans head coaches}}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center"
|-
! rowspan="2" style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|Houston Texans|border=2}};"|Name 
! rowspan="2" style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|Houston Texans|border=2}};"|Tenure
! rowspan="2" style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|Houston Texans|border=2}};"|Seasons
! colspan="3" style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|Houston Texans|border=2}};"|Record
! rowspan="2" style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|Houston Texans|border=2}};"|Division <br /> titles
|-
!style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|Houston Texans|border=2}}|W!!style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|Houston Texans|border=2}}|L!!style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|Houston Texans|border=2}}|T
|-
|align=left|[[Dom Capers]]
|align=left |2002–2005
|4
|18||46||0
|0
|-
|align=left|[[Gary Kubiak]]
|align=left |2006–2013
|8
|61||64||0
|2
|-
|align=left|[[Wade Phillips]]
|align=left |2013
|Interim
|0||3||0
|0
|-
|align=left|[[Bill O'Brien (American football)|Bill O'Brien]]
|align=left |2014–2020
|7
|52||48||0
|4
|-
|align=left|[[Romeo Crennel]]
|align=left |2020
|Interim
|4
|8
|0
|0
|-
|align=left|[[David Culley]]
|align=left |2021
|1
|4
|13
|0
|0
|-
|align=left|[[Lovie Smith]]
|align=left |2022
|1
|3
|13
|1
|0
|-
|align=left|[[DeMeco Ryans]]
|align=left |2023–present 
|2
|20
|14
|0
|2
|}

==Community==
===Traditions===
*'''Battle Red Day''' – On Battle Red Day, the team wears the red alternate jerseys, and since 2007, red pants. Fans are encouraged to wear red to the game.<ref name="m060">{{cite web | title=Battle Red Day | website=Texans Wire|publisher=USA Today | date=2024-05-15 | url=https://texanswire.usatoday.com/tag/battle-red-day/ | access-date=2024-08-20}}</ref>
*'''Liberty White-Out''' – On Liberty White-Out Day One, the team wears the road white jerseys and white pants. Fans are encouraged to wear white to the game.<ref name="t137">{{cite web | title=Texans open the 2022 Season in Liberty White Out game on Sunday | website=HoustonTexans.com | date=2022-09-07 | url=https://www.houstontexans.com/news/texans-open-the-2022-season-in-liberty-white-out-game-on-sunday | access-date=2024-08-20}}</ref>
*'''[[NRG Stadium|Bull Pen]]''' – The sections behind the north end zone of NRG/Reliant Stadium are known as the Bull Pen. Some of the most avid Texans fans attend games in the Bull Pen and regular members have helped create and implement fan traditions, songs and chants, such as:
**Holding up giant Texans jerseys while the visiting team's players are announced
**Turning their backs on the opposing team after they score
**Tailgating in the purple lot, the parking zone with the most barbecue for sale by fans and vendors 
**Gathering as a group for tailgating in the NW corner of the Platinum Lot of Reliant Stadium at the "Blue Crew" tailgate and conducting the Bull Pen Toast every game about 90 minutes before kickoff
**Walking in the HEB Holiday Parade on Thanksgiving Day
**Visiting the Bull Pen Pub for TORO Wraps, cheerleader autographs and to listen and dance with the Bull Pen Pep Band
*'''[[Bull Pen Pep Band]]''' – 45-member musical group that performs at all Houston Texans home games.
* '''Pre-Kickoff Tradition''' – Before each kickoff at a home game, the Texans run a short clip of a raging bull thrashing the opponent of the week to the AC/DC song "Thunderstruck".
* '''Player Introduction''' – When the players are introduced before the game, the announcer says the player's first name and the crowd yells out the last name (e.g. The announcer will say "Defensive End [[J. J. Watt|J. J.]].." and the crowd will yell out "WATT!!!").

===Mascots and cheerleaders===
[[File:HoustonTexansCheerleadersAug10.jpg|thumb|[[Houston Texans Cheerleaders]]]]
The team's official mascot is Toro, an anthropomorphic blue [[bull]].<ref>{{cite web|title=TORO bio|url=http://prod.static.texans.clubs.nfl.com/assets/docs/TORO-bio.pdf|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|website=NFL.com|access-date=September 2, 2016|archive-date=February 1, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170201180209/http://prod.static.texans.clubs.nfl.com/assets/docs/TORO-bio.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> The team also has a [[NFL Cheerleading|cheerleading squad]] named the [[Houston Texans Cheerleaders]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Houston Texans Cheerleaders|url=https://www.houstontexans.com/cheerleaders/|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|website=HoustonTexans.com|access-date=December 2, 2019|archive-date=March 28, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200328195537/https://www.houstontexans.com/cheerleaders/|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Community outreach===
Community outreach by the Houston Texans is primarily operated by the Houston Texans Foundation, which works with community partners.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Houston Texans Foundation |url=http://www.houstontexans.com/community/houston-texans-foundation.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180507162808/http://www.houstontexans.com/community/houston-texans-foundation.html |archive-date=May 7, 2018 |access-date=July 29, 2015 |website=HoustonTexans.com}}</ref> The Houston Texans organization supports the character education program, [http://heartofachampion.org Heart of a Champion].<ref>{{cite web|title=Our Partners |url=http://www.heartofachampion.org/sponsors.html|publisher=Heart of a Champion|access-date=January 8, 2012|archive-date=November 9, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161109185736/http://www.heartofachampion.org/sponsors.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2017, the 15th annual Houston Texans Charity Golf Classic raised more than $380,000 for the Foundation. More than $27.2 million has been raised for the Foundation since its creation in 2002.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Houston Texans Charity Golf Classic a big hit! |url=http://www.houstontexans.com/tv-media/videos/Houston-Texans-Charity-Golf-Classic-a-big-hit/eb29f6fd-e3dd-4787-a1ed-a4275408ffa6 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170513113809/http://www.houstontexans.com/tv-media/videos/Houston-Texans-Charity-Golf-Classic-a-big-hit/eb29f6fd-e3dd-4787-a1ed-a4275408ffa6 |archive-date=May 13, 2017 |access-date=May 10, 2017 |work=HoustonTexnas.com}}</ref>

Former Texans DE [[J. J. Watt]] raised $41.6 million in relief funds for Hurricane Harvey after the storm devastated the city in 2017.<ref>{{cite news|last=Patra|first=Kevin|title=J. J. Watt: $41.6M in Hurricane Harvey relief shared|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/j-j-watt-41-6m-in-hurricane-harvey-relief-shared-0ap3000000951756|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|website=NFL.com|date=August 27, 2018|access-date=January 5, 2019|archive-date=January 4, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190104145302/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000951756/article/jj-watt-416m-in-hurricane-harvey-relief-shared|url-status=live}}</ref> Watt won the [[Walter Payton Man of the Year Award]] that season.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/texans/2018/02/03/jj-watt-walter-payton-man-year-hurricane-harvey-relief/303944002/#:~:text=The%20Houston%20Texans%20defensive%20end%20was%20named%20the,he%20started%20off%20with%20his%20own%20%24100%2C000%20pledge | title=J.J. Watt wins Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award for Hurricane Harvey relief efforts | website=[[USA Today]] }}</ref>

==Radio and television==
{{As of|2023}}, the Texans' flagship radio stations were [[KILT (AM)|KILT]] SportsRadio 610AM and [[KILT-FM|KILT]] 100.3FM.<ref name="t660">{{cite web | title=Houston Texans Radio Network Affiliate Stations | website=Battle Red Blog | date=2022-11-01 | url=https://www.battleredblog.com/23435982/houston-texans-radio-network-affiliate-stations | access-date=2024-08-20}}</ref> The AM station has an [[sports radio|all-sports]] format, while the FM station plays contemporary [[country music]]. Both are owned by [[Audacy, Inc.|Audacy]]. Marc Vandermeer is the play-by-play announcer.<ref name="y325">{{cite web | last=Vandermeer | first=Marc | title=Let's Rock! Playoff time begins now for the Houston Texans | website=HoustonTexans.com | date=2024-01-07 | url=https://www.houstontexans.com/news/let-s-rock-playoff-time-begins-now-for-the-houston-texans | access-date=2024-08-20}}</ref> [[Heisman Trophy]] winner [[Andre Ware]] provides color commentary, and SportsRadio 610 host Rich Lord serves as the sideline reporter.<ref name="s511">{{cite web | last=Khan Jr. | first=Sam | title=25 years later, Andre Ware's season matters | website=ESPN.com | date=2014-08-07 | url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/page/theseason0807ware/houston-andre-ware-changed-game-25-years-ago | access-date=2024-08-20}}</ref><ref name="l816">{{cite web | title=Rich Lord: Joining SportsRadio 610 Was the 'Best Decision I Ever Made in the Business' | website=Barrett Media | date=2024-06-10 | url=https://barrettmedia.com/2024/06/10/rich-lord-joining-sportsradio-610-was-the-best-decision-i-ever-made-in-the-business/ | access-date=2024-08-20}}</ref> Preseason and regular season Monday night and Thursday night games from ESPN, Prime Video, and YouTube are telecast by [[KTRK-TV|KTRK]], an [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]] owned and operated station. [[Kevin Kugler]] calls the preseason games on TV, with former Texans defensive end [[N. D. Kalu]] providing color commentary.<ref name="k020">{{cite web | last=Vandermeer | first=Marc | title=ND Kalu Joins Preseason TV Broadcast Crew | website=HoustonTexans.com | date=2023-07-26 | url=https://www.houstontexans.com/news/nd-kalu-joins-preseason-tv-broadcast-crew | access-date=2024-08-20}}</ref>Most Regular season games (including Christmas games through [[Netflix]]) are aired over CBS affiliate [[KHOU-TV|KHOU]], Fox affiliate [[KRIV (TV)|KRIV]] if the Texans host an NFC team, and NBC affiliate [[KPRC-TV|KPRC]] for Sunday night games.

Spanish-language radio broadcasts of the team's games are aired on [[KGOL]] ESPN Deportes 1180AM.<ref name="v700">{{cite web | title=Texans, ESPN Deportes announce Spanish Radio partnership | website=HoustonTexans.com  | date=2014-07-22 | url=https://www.houstontexans.com/news/texans-espn-deportes-announce-spanish-radio-partnership-13271044 | access-date=2024-08-05}}</ref> Enrique Vásquez is the play-by-play announcer. José Jojo Padrón provides color commentary,<ref name="g885">{{cite web | title=Texans Spanish Radio Broadcast Team Adds New Member | website=HoustonTexans.com | date=2013-07-31 | url=https://www.houstontexans.com/news/texans-spanish-radio-broadcast-team-adds-new-member-10636965 | access-date=2024-08-05}}</ref> and Fernando Hernández serves as sideline reporter.

===Radio affiliates===
[[File:Houston Texans radio affiliates.png|thumb|right|Map of radio affiliates.]]
[https://www.houstontexans.com/audio/radio-networks Texans Radio Affiliates] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191227233141/https://www.houstontexans.com/audio/radio-networks |date=December 27, 2019 }}
{| class="wikitable"
|-
!style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|Houston Texans|border=2}};" | City !! style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|Houston Texans|border=2}};" | Call sign !! style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|Houston Texans|border=2}};" | Frequency
|-
| [[Abilene, Texas|Abilene]] || [[KMWX]]-FM || 92.5 FM
|-
| [[Alpine, Texas|Alpine]] || [[KVLF (AM)|KVLF]]-AM || 1240 AM
|-
| [[Amarillo, Texas|Amarillo]] || [[KIXZ]] || 940 AM
|-
| [[Athens, Texas|Athens]] || [[KLVQ]]-AM || 1410 AM
|-
| [[Austin, Texas|Austin]] || [[KVET (AM)|KVET]]-AM || 1300 AM
|-
| rowspan=2|[[Beaumont, Texas|Beaumont]] || [[KIKR]]-AM || 1450 AM
|-
| [[KBED]]-AM || 1510 AM
|-
| [[Big Spring, Texas|Big Spring]] || [[KBYG]]-AM || 1400 AM
|-
| [[Brenham, Texas|Brenham]] || [[KWHI (AM)|KWHI]]-AM || 1280 AM
|-
| [[Bryan, Texas|Bryan]] || [[KZNE]]-AM || 1150 AM
|-
| [[Carthage, Texas|Carthage]] || [[KGAS (AM)|KGAS]]-AM || 1590 AM
|-
| [[College Station, Texas|College Station]] || [[KZNE]]-AM || 1150 AM
|-
| [[Corpus Christi, Texas|Corpus Christi]] || [[KSIX (AM)|KSIX]]-AM || 1230 AM
|-
| [[Henderson, Texas|Henderson]] || [[KWRD (AM)|KWRD]]-AM || 1470 AM
|-
| rowspan=2|[[Houston]] || [[KILT (AM)|KILT]]-AM || 610 AM
|-
| [[KILT-FM]] || 100.3 FM
|-
| [[Levelland, Texas|Levelland]] || [[KLVT]]-AM || 1230 AM
|-
| rowspan=2|[[Lubbock, Texas|Lubbock]] || [[KKCL-FM|KKCL]]-FM || 98.1 FM
|-
| [[KKAM]]-AM || 1340 AM (Bill O'Brien Show, only)
|-
| [[Lufkin, Texas|Lufkin]] || [[KSML (AM)|KSML]]-AM || 1260 AM
|-
| [[Marble Falls, Texas|Marble Falls]] || [[KBEY]]-FM || 103.9 FM
|-
| rowspan=2|[[Marshall, Texas|Marshall]] || [[KMHT (AM)|KMHT]]-AM || 1450 AM
|-
| [[KMHT-FM|KMHT]]-FM || 103.9 FM
|-
| [[McAllen, Texas|McAllen]] || [[KBUC]]-FM || 102.1 FM
|-
| [[Nacogdoches, Texas|Nacogdoches]] || [[KSML (AM)|KSML]]-AM || 1260 AM
|-
| [[New Braunfels, Texas|New Braunfels]] || [[KGNB]]-AM || 1420 AM
|-
| [[San Angelo, Texas|San Angelo]] || [[KKSA]]-AM || 1260 AM
|-
| [[San Antonio, Texas|San Antonio]] || [[KZDC]]-AM || 1250 AM
|-
| [[San Marcos, Texas|San Marcos]] || [[KGNB]]-AM || 1420 AM
|-
| [[Tyler, Texas|Tyler]] || [[KLVQ]]-AM || 1410 AM
|-
| [[Wichita Falls, Texas|Wichita Falls]] || [[KSEY (AM)|KSEY]]-AM || 1230 AM
|}

==Season-by-season record==
{{main|List of Houston Texans seasons}}

==Notes and references==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{commons category}}
* {{Official website}}
* [https://www.nfl.com/teams/houston-texans/ Houston Texans] at the [[National Football League]] official website
* [https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/htx/ Franchise Encyclopedia] at [[Pro Football Reference]]

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