Established
2002
City
Houston
League History
2002 - Present / National Football League
Team History
2002 - Present / Houston Texans
Nickname
Texans - The Houston Texans are one of the most beloved teams in the NFL, and their nickname has a long and storied history. The team was founded in 2002 as an expansion franchise, taking its name from the state of Texas’s original six flags – Spain, France, Mexico, Republic of Texas (1836-45), Confederate States (1861-65), and the United States.
The “Texans” name honors those who have called this great state home for centuries and those who continue to do so today. It also serves to recognize all that makes up this unique region: its people; its culture; its climate; and even its language—all of which make it distinctively Texan!
Houston Texans Origin
When selecting a mascot for their new team in 2002, the Texans organization wanted something that would pay homage to the Lone Star State and represent what they stand for on the game day — strength, determination & courage. After much deliberation, they settled on Toro, a bull with horns made out of longhorns - symbolizing power & toughness while still reflecting traditional Texan values like loyalty & pride.
Since then, he has become an integral part of gameday at NRG Stadium, where fans can be seen wearing his jersey or cheering him on during halftime performances! He's even been immortalized by local artists such as sculptor Bob Packwood whose famous bronze statue stands outside Reliant Stadium alongside other iconic figures from Houston sports, including Hakeem Olajuwon & Earl Campbell.
So next time you're watching your favorite football team take center stage, remember why we call them 'Texans' - no matter how far away you may be, everyone here knows exactly what it means when someone says, "Go Texans!"
Championship
Super Bowl 0
Stadium
2014 - Present / NRG Stadium
2002 - 2013 / Reliant Stadium
Owner
2002 - Present / Robert C. McNair
- 2002
- 2002
- 2011
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Houston Texans Team Formation
In 1997, Houston entrepreneur Bob McNair had a failed bid to bring a National Hockey League expansion team to the city, and Bud Adams relocated the city’s NFL team, the Houston Oilers, to Nashville where they were renamed Tennessee Titans. Given the Cleveland Browns had just suffered a controversial relocation to become the Baltimore Ravens, the league promised to return ... -
NRG Stadium
NRG Stadium (formerly Reliant Stadium) is a multi-purpose stadium, in Houston, Texas, USA. NRG Stadium has a seating capacity of 71,054, a total area of 1,900,000 square feet (180,000 m2) with a 97,000 sq ft (9,000 m2) playing surface. NRG Stadium employs two different playing surfaces; a natural grass field is used for professional football games while an artificial surface, ... -
Drafted JJ Watt
“J.J.” Watt is an American football defensive end for the Houston Texans of the National Football League (NFL). He was drafted by the Texans with the 11th pick in the first round of the 2011 NFL Draft and played college football at Wisconsin. Watt received the AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year Award three times in his first five ...
To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
Houston Texans History
The Houston Texans history began in 2002 when they became the NFL’s 32nd franchise. Since then, the team has grown into a competitive force in the league. Led by legendary players like J.J. Watt, the Texans have created a strong identity in the Houston Texans NFL journey.
The Texans made an immediate impact in their debut season by drafting quarterback David Carr. While Carr struggled early, he later helped guide the team through several competitive seasons. From 2007 to 2010, Houston recorded four consecutive winning seasons, including back-to-back AFC South titles in 2008 and 2009. These early successes marked important milestones in Houston Texans history.
In 2014, Bill O’Brien became head coach and started reshaping the franchise. That year, the Texans drafted defensive end Jadeveon Clowney. Later, they signed quarterback Brock Osweiler, and by 2016 the team was back on top of the division. With rookie quarterback Deshaun Watson leading the offense, Houston earned another AFC South title and reached the Divisional Round of the playoffs. These moments highlighted the growth of the Houston Texans NFL presence.
Houston Texans Achievements
Throughout the years, the Texans have celebrated division championships and playoff appearances while producing standout talent. Players like J.J. Watt, Andre Johnson, and Arian Foster left a lasting impact on the franchise. Their achievements have helped cement the Houston Texans history as one filled with determination, resilience, and memorable victories that continue to shape the future of the team.
Since their debut in 2002, the Houston Texans have made their mark with multiple AFC South championships and consistent playoff appearances. Over the years, the team has built a reputation for strong defense, led by stars like J.J. Watt, and an explosive offense featuring players such as Andre Johnson and Deshaun Watson. These accomplishments highlight the Houston Texans NFL journey as one of determination, growth, and memorable moments for fans.
Sports Fan Products
Retired Number
*Blue is this team’s history
