Houston Texans
On the 6th of October 1999, the National Football League awarded its thirty-second franchise to Houston. This decision came after a complex process involving Bob McNair and Steve Patterson forming Houston NFL Holdings. They partnered with the Texas Livestock Show and Rodeo to secure a domed stadium for their bid. The city had lost its previous team, the Houston Oilers, who moved to Nashville in 1996. That move left Houston without an NFL presence until this new expansion team arrived. The league charged the new owners seven hundred million dollars for the privilege of joining the league. This massive sum was part of a settlement that also promised football would return to Cleveland within three years following the Browns' controversial relocation. Houston became one of the favorites alongside Toronto and Los Angeles to receive this extra slot. The Texans officially began play in the 2002 season at Reliant Stadium under head coach Dom Capers.
Dom Capers coached the Texans from 2002 through 2005, leading them to a 4, 12 record in their debut year. The team improved slightly each season before hitting rock bottom with a 2, 14 mark in 2005. Gary Kubiak took over as head coach in 2006 and turned the franchise around. He guided the team to an 8, 8 record in both 2007 and 2008. A 9, 7 finish in 2009 nearly secured a playoff berth but fell short. The turning point came in 2011 when the Texans drafted J. J. Watt eleventh overall. Wade Phillips joined as defensive coordinator and helped the defense improve significantly. That season they finished 10, 6 and won their first AFC South title. They defeated the Cincinnati Bengals 31, 10 in the wild-card round before losing to the Baltimore Ravens. Bill O'Brien became the third head coach in 2014 after a 14-game losing streak ended. His tenure included three division titles between 2015 and 2019 despite playoff disappointments.
The Houston Texans have won seven AFC South division championships since joining the league. These victories occurred in 2011, 2012, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2023, and 2024. For many years, the team held the distinction of never winning a road playoff game. This streak finally broke in the 2025 AFC Wild-Card playoffs when they defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 30, 6. Despite these division successes, the franchise remains one of four teams that have never appeared in a Super Bowl. The other franchises sharing this status are the Cleveland Browns, Detroit Lions, and Jacksonville Jaguars. Their playoff history includes early exits against strong opponents like the Kansas City Chiefs and New England Patriots. A 30, 0 shutout loss to the Chiefs in 2015 marked another low point during Bill O'Brien's era. The team also suffered a 51, 31 defeat to the eventual Super Bowl champion Chiefs in 2019 after holding a 24, 0 lead. These moments highlight both their ability to win division titles and their struggles to advance deep into the postseason.
Bob McNair owned the Houston Texans until his death from skin cancer on the 23rd of November 2018. His wife Janice became principal owner and Senior Chair immediately following his passing. Their son D. Cal McNair took over as chairman and Chief Operating Officer at that time. In 2024, Cal received full ownership rights when his mother transferred control to him. Forbes listed the Texans as the eleventh richest team in the NFL with a value of $4.7 billion in August 2022. This financial standing reflects the franchise's growth since its inception in 1999. The McNairs have maintained stability through multiple coaching changes and roster rebuilds. Bob McNair received permission from Lamar Hunt to use the name Texans for the new franchise. He described the chosen identity as embodying pride, strength, independence, and achievement specific to Houston residents. The family continues to manage operations while navigating the complexities of modern professional sports economics.
Fans gather behind the north end zone of NRG Stadium in an area known as the Bull Pen. These sections host some of the most dedicated supporters who create songs and chants unique to the team. One tradition involves holding up giant jerseys while visiting players are announced. Another sees fans turn their backs on opponents after they score points. Tailgating occurs in the purple lot where barbecue is sold by vendors and fans alike. The Blue Crew tailgate gathers in the NW corner of the Platinum Lot about ninety minutes before kickoff. A forty-five-member musical group called the Bull Pen Pep Band performs at every home game. Battle Red Day encourages fans to wear red jerseys and pants starting in 2007. Liberty White-Out events see supporters donning white uniforms to match the road kit. The community outreach program raises millions through initiatives like the annual charity golf classic which generated over $380,000 in 2017. J. J. Watt raised $41.6 million for Hurricane Harvey relief efforts after the storm devastated the city in 2017.
The Texans face three primary divisional rivals: the Tennessee Titans, Indianapolis Colts, and Jacksonville Jaguars. Many fans view the Titans as chief rivals because the Adams family retains rights to the Oilers name and colors. The series between Houston and Nashville stands tied at 24, 24 as of the 2025 season. The Titans occasionally wear throwback uniforms featuring Columbia blue and red during matchups against Houston. The rivalry with the Indianapolis Colts developed slowly since the early 2000s. Houston did not defeat the Colts until the 2006 season but swept them four years later. The two teams met in the 2018 AFC Wild Card Playoffs where the Colts won 21, 7. Against the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Texans lead the all-time series 32, 16 as of 2025. This intrastate competition also includes a yearly contest against the Dallas Cowboys known as the Governor's Cup. That game was canceled in 2017 due to safety concerns following Hurricane Harvey flooding. The Cowboys currently lead the overall series 4, 3 through the 2024 season.
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Common questions
When was the Houston Texans franchise awarded to Houston?
The National Football League awarded its thirty-second franchise to Houston on the 6th of October 1999. This decision followed a complex process involving Bob McNair and Steve Patterson forming Houston NFL Holdings.
Who is the current owner of the Houston Texans team?
D. Cal McNair received full ownership rights in 2024 when his mother Janice transferred control to him. He serves as chairman and Chief Operating Officer following the death of his father Bob McNair on the 23rd of November 2018.
How many division championships have the Houston Texans won since joining the league?
The Houston Texans have won seven AFC South division championships since joining the league. These victories occurred in 2011, 2012, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2023, and 2024.
Where do fans gather behind the north end zone of NRG Stadium for the Houston Texans home games?
Fans gather behind the north end zone of NRG Stadium in an area known as the Bull Pen. This section hosts some of the most dedicated supporters who create songs and chants unique to the team.
Which teams are the primary divisional rivals of the Houston Texans franchise?
The Houston Texans face three primary divisional rivals: the Tennessee Titans, Indianapolis Colts, and Jacksonville Jaguars. The series between Houston and Nashville stands tied at 24, 24 as of the 2025 season.