How Old Are Houston Texans? Tracing the History of Houston’s NFL Team

The Houston Texans are one of the younger franchises in the National Football League (NFL), but despite their relatively short history, they have already made a significant impact in professional football. In this article, we’ll dive into the history of the Houston Texans, exploring when the team was founded, how they came into existence, and how they’ve evolved over the years. If you’ve ever wondered, “How old are the Houston Texans?” Supertenis Store is provide a comprehensive answer to that question, while exploring their journey through the NFL.

How Old Are Houston Texans? Tracing the History of Houston’s NFL Team

The Houston Texans were officially established as an NFL expansion team on October 6, 1999, making them approximately 25 years old as of 2024. The Texans were the 32nd team to join the NFL, and their journey to becoming a part of the league is a story of perseverance, ambition, and a passionate city eager to embrace professional football once again.

Before the Texans’ establishment, Houston had a rich football history, being home to the Houston Oilers, one of the original franchises of the American Football League (AFL), which later merged with the NFL. The Oilers played in Houston from 1960 until 1996, after which they relocated to Tennessee and became the Tennessee Titans. This left a void in the hearts of Houston football fans, as the city was left without an NFL team for several years.

The Path to Reclaiming Houston’s NFL Team

After the Oilers’ departure, Houston business leader Bob McNair emerged as the key figure determined to bring professional football back to the city. McNair, a successful businessman and philanthropist, led the efforts to secure an NFL franchise for Houston. He had a deep love for football and believed that the city of Houston deserved to have an NFL team once again.

In 1997, McNair formed Houston NFL Holdings, a company aimed at acquiring an expansion team. At that time, the NFL was considering adding a 32nd team to the league, and cities such as Los Angeles and Houston were vying for the spot. Los Angeles, a city that had lost both of its NFL teams in 1994 (the Rams and the Raiders), was a strong contender, but McNair’s persistence and strategic efforts paid off.

On October 6, 1999, the NFL officially awarded the expansion team to Houston, marking the birth of the Houston Texans. The franchise would pay a $700 million expansion fee, and it became the first NFL team to be added since the Cleveland Browns were reactivated in 1999.

The Inaugural Season: 2002

Although the Houston Texans were officially established in 1999, their inaugural season didn’t begin until 2002. This three-year period allowed the franchise to build its infrastructure, hire key personnel, and prepare for its debut in the NFL.

The Texans’ first head coach was Dom Capers, who had previously coached the expansion Carolina Panthers. Capers was known for his defensive-minded approach, and he helped lay the foundation for the Texans’ early years. The team also held the 2002 NFL Expansion Draft, which allowed them to select players from other NFL teams to form their initial roster. Some notable picks from that draft included quarterback David Carr, who would become the team’s first-ever starting quarterback.

The Texans played their first regular-season game on September 8, 2002, at Reliant Stadium (now NRG Stadium), defeating the Dallas Cowboys 19-10. This victory was a historic moment for the franchise, as they became the first expansion team in NFL history to win their inaugural game.

Early Struggles and Growing Pains

The Texans’ early years in the NFL were marked by the typical struggles that expansion teams often face. Building a competitive roster from scratch was a challenge, and the team endured several losing seasons in their first decade. From 2002 to 2006, the Texans failed to achieve a winning record, finishing at or near the bottom of the AFC South standings during that time.

One of the key struggles for the team was the performance of quarterback David Carr, who, despite being a highly-touted prospect, faced significant difficulties behind an underdeveloped offensive line. Carr was sacked an astonishing 76 times during his rookie season in 2002, an NFL record that still stands today. The constant pressure and lack of offensive protection hindered the Texans’ offensive progress.

In 2006, the Texans hired Gary Kubiak as their new head coach. Kubiak, a Houston native and former backup quarterback for the Denver Broncos, brought a fresh offensive philosophy to the team, focusing on developing a balanced offense and building around star players like wide receiver Andre Johnson.

Turning Point: 2011 Season

The Texans’ fortunes began to change in the early 2010s. Under Gary Kubiak’s leadership, the team steadily improved, culminating in their breakthrough season in 2011. That year, the Texans won their first-ever AFC South division title with a record of 10-6, securing their first playoff berth in franchise history.

One of the key factors in the Texans’ success was the emergence of Arian Foster, an undrafted running back who became one of the league’s most productive rushers. Foster’s stellar performances, combined with the leadership of quarterback Matt Schaub and the dominant play of wide receiver Andre Johnson, helped propel the Texans to new heights.

In the playoffs, the Texans defeated the Cincinnati Bengals in the Wild Card Round, earning their first playoff victory. Although they were eventually eliminated by the Baltimore Ravens in the divisional round, the 2011 season marked a turning point for the franchise and signaled that the Texans were on the rise.

Continued Success and Challenges

The Texans continued their success in the following years, winning the AFC South division title again in 2012 and making another playoff appearance. However, the team faced significant challenges in maintaining consistent success. Injuries to key players, including Matt Schaub and Arian Foster, hampered the team’s ability to compete at the highest level.

In 2014, the Texans hired Bill O’Brien as their new head coach, ushering in a new era for the franchise. Under O’Brien, the Texans would experience a mix of successes and setbacks. The team won four AFC South division titles between 2015 and 2019, with standout performances from players like J.J. Watt, a dominant defensive lineman, and Deshaun Watson, the team’s franchise quarterback who was drafted in 2017.

Despite their regular-season success, the Texans struggled to make deep playoff runs. The team’s best playoff performance came in the 2019 season when they advanced to the AFC Divisional Round, only to lose to the Kansas City Chiefs after squandering a 24-point lead. This loss was a pivotal moment that highlighted the team’s need for further development to reach Super Bowl contention.

The Texans in Recent Years: 2020 and Beyond

The 2020s have been a challenging period for the Houston Texans. After the 2019 season, the team underwent significant changes, including the controversial trade of star wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins and the eventual departure of head coach Bill O’Brien in 2020 after a disappointing start to the season.

In the years that followed, the Texans entered a rebuilding phase, grappling with both on-field and off-field challenges. The departure of Deshaun Watson due to legal issues and a subsequent trade request left the team searching for a new identity. However, the Texans remain committed to building for the future and regaining their competitive edge.

How Old Are the Houston Texans?

As of 2024, the Houston Texans are 25 years old. Despite being a relatively young franchise, the Texans have already experienced their fair share of highs and lows. From their inaugural season victory over the Dallas Cowboys to multiple AFC South division titles, the Texans have built a loyal fanbase and established themselves as a key part of the NFL landscape.

A Bright Future Ahead

Although the Houston Texans are a young franchise, their journey has been one of perseverance, growth, and a deep connection to the city of Houston. As they continue to rebuild and retool for future success, Texans fans remain hopeful that their team will one day compete for a Super Bowl title.

The Texans’ story is far from over, and as they look toward the future, the lessons learned from the past 25 years will undoubtedly guide them in their quest to become champions.

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