The Houston Texans are a professional American football team based in Houston, Texas. Established in 2002, the Texans are the youngest franchise in the NFL, part of the American Football Conference (AFC) South division. Despite being a relatively new team, the Texans have experienced notable highs and lows throughout their history, gradually building a solid foundation and developing a loyal fanbase.
Formation and Early Years (2002-2006)
Establishment
The Houston Texans were established as an expansion team in 1999 and officially began play in the 2002 NFL season. The NFL had been looking to expand, and Houston, a city with a rich football heritage but without a team since the Houston Oilers moved to Tennessee in 1997, was a prime candidate. Bob McNair, a Houston businessman, spearheaded the efforts to bring a new franchise to the city, paying $700 million for the rights.
Inaugural Season (2002)
The Texans played their first regular-season game on September 8, 2002, against the Dallas Cowboys, and they won 19-10. This victory made them the first expansion team to win their opening game since the Minnesota Vikings in 1961. The inaugural season ended with a 4-12 record, a respectable performance for a new team.
Building the Team
David Carr was the first overall pick in the 2002 NFL Draft and became the Texans’ starting quarterback. The team also acquired key players such as Andre Johnson, who would become one of the franchise’s all-time greats. The early years were challenging, as the team struggled to find its footing and build a competitive roster.
Struggles and Development (2007-2010)
Coaching Changes
Gary Kubiak was hired as the head coach in 2006, a move that marked the beginning of a new era for the Texans. Under Kubiak’s leadership, the team slowly started to improve. By 2007, the Texans finished with an 8-8 record, their first non-losing season.
Key Players and Draft Success
The Texans’ fortunes began to turn around with successful draft picks and acquisitions. Mario Williams, selected first overall in the 2006 NFL Draft, became a dominant defensive force. In 2007, the Texans drafted running back Arian Foster, who would go on to become the franchise’s all-time leading rusher.
Rise to Prominence (2011-2015)
First Playoff Appearance (2011)
The 2011 season was a historic one for the Texans. They clinched their first AFC South division title and made their first playoff appearance. Key players such as quarterback Matt Schaub, wide receiver Andre Johnson, and defensive end J.J. Watt played crucial roles. The Texans won their first playoff game against the Cincinnati Bengals but were defeated by the Baltimore Ravens in the divisional round.
Continued Success
The Texans continued their success in the following years, winning the AFC South title again in 2012. They won another playoff game against the Bengals but lost to the New England Patriots in the divisional round. The team struggled with injuries and inconsistency in the subsequent seasons, leading to changes in coaching staff and player personnel.
Rebuilding and Consistency (2016-2019)
Bill O’Brien Era
Bill O’Brien was hired as the head coach in 2014, and he led the team to four AFC South titles during his tenure. The Texans made playoff appearances in 2015, 2016, 2018, and 2019. Key players during this period included quarterback Deshaun Watson, who was drafted in 2017 and quickly became the face of the franchise.
Notable Playoff Runs
In the 2016 season, the Texans won their playoff game against the Oakland Raiders but lost to the Patriots in the divisional round. The 2018 and 2019 seasons saw similar outcomes, with the Texans winning their wild card games but failing to advance past the divisional round.
Recent Years and Challenges (2020-Present)
Turbulent Times
The 2020 season was marked by turmoil and challenges. Bill O’Brien was fired after a 0-4 start, and the team finished with a 4-12 record. Off-field issues, including the trade of star wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins and legal troubles surrounding Deshaun Watson, created significant upheaval.
Rebuilding Phase
David Culley was hired as the head coach for the 2021 season, but the team continued to struggle, finishing with a 4-13 record. The Texans are in a rebuilding phase, focusing on developing young talent and restructuring the organization.
Achievements and Honors
Despite their relatively short history, the Houston Texans have had several notable achievements:
AFC South Division Titles:
- 2011
- 2012
- 2015
- 2016
- 2018
- 2019
Playoff Appearances:
- 2011
- 2012
- 2015
- 2016
- 2018
- 2019
Conclusion
The Houston Texans have experienced a dynamic journey since their inception in 2002. From their early struggles to their rise as a competitive team in the AFC South, the Texans have built a foundation for future success. With dedicated management and promising young players, the Texans aim to become a perennial contender in the NFL. The team’s resilience and commitment to growth continue to endear them to their passionate fanbase.