Houston Texans: 2025 Roster, Players, Schedule, Super Bowl Wins, and More

The Houston Texans began their journey as an expansion team in 2002, making them the youngest franchise in the National Football League. They were established to fill the void left by the Houston Oilers, who relocated to Nashville and eventually became the Tennessee Titans. The team is currently owned by Janice McNair, who assumed leadership following the passing of her husband and franchise founder, Bob McNair, in 2018.

Despite their youth, the Texans boast a passionate fan base. NRG Stadium roars on game days, especially during the popular "Battle Red Day." From tailgates to hometown heroes like J.J. Watt and C.J. Stroud, Houston fans bring energy, loyalty, and that signature Texas pride.

Overview of the Houston Texans

Historical Background of the Houston Texans

The Houston Texans were established in 2002 as the NFL’s 32nd franchise, bringing professional football back to Houston after the Oilers relocated and became the Tennessee Titans. Owned by Bob McNair and later inherited by his family, the Texans debuted with a memorable win against the Dallas Cowboys in their inaugural game, one of the few expansion teams to win their first-ever matchup. In their early years, the Texans struggled to find success, but key players laid the foundation for the franchise's identity. Wide receiver Andre Johnson, drafted in 2003, quickly became the face of the team, eventually earning seven Pro Bowl selections and becoming one of the NFL's most respected receivers. Defensively, the Texans struck gold in 2011 with the selection of J.J. Watt, who would go on to win three NFL Defensive Player of the Year awards and become a beloved figure in Houston sports history.

The Texans' first playoff appearance came in 2011, nearly a decade after their inception. Led by head coach Gary Kubiak, quarterback Matt Schaub, and a fierce defense, the Texans won the AFC South and secured their first postseason victory over the Cincinnati Bengals. They repeated that feat in 2012, again defeating the Bengals in the Wild Card round before falling to the New England Patriots in the Divisional round. In the following years, the team remained competitive under head coaches like Bill O’Brien, making additional playoff appearances in 2015, 2016, 2018, and 2019. A notable moment came in the 2019 playoffs, when Houston overcame a 16-point deficit to beat the Buffalo Bills in overtime. However, the following week, they suffered a crushing defeat after blowing a 24-0 lead to the Kansas City Chiefs in the Divisional round—a game that remains one of the most infamous collapses in playoff history.

Despite fluctuations in performance and off-field controversies—such as the fallout from trading star wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins and the legal issues involving quarterback Deshaun Watson—the Texans have continued to rebuild, recently placing hope in young quarterback C.J. Stroud, the second overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. While the team has yet to reach an AFC Championship or Super Bowl, it remains a symbol of resilience and ambition in one of the country’s most football-passionate cities.

Notable Milestones and Achievements

• Awarded as the NFL’s 32nd franchise in 1999 and began play in 2002.
• Won their first AFC South Division title in 2011 behind the league’s second-ranked defense.
• Reached the Divisional Round of the playoffs four times (2011, 2012, 2016, 2019).
• J.J. Watt named NFL Defensive Player of the Year three times (2012, 2014, 2015).
• Quarterback C.J. Stroud won NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2023, setting multiple records.
• Wide receiver Andre Johnson finished his career as a franchise legend and potential Hall of Famer.
• First-ever playoff victory came in 2011 against the Cincinnati Bengals.
• As of 2025, considered a fast-rising AFC contender with a loaded young roster.

Major Rivalries of the Houston Texans

• Indianapolis Colts The Texans’ most consistent division nemesis. The Colts dominated the early years of the rivalry, but matchups have grown more competitive. Peyton Manning and Andrew Luck haunted Houston for years, but the tide began to shift in the 2010s.
• Tennessee Titans A regional rivalry with extra heat, as the Titans are technically the former Houston Oilers franchise. Games often carry emotional weight, especially for fans who still remember the Oilers’ departure. This is often considered Houston’s most “personal” rivalry.
• Jacksonville Jaguars While not the most intense rivalry, the Texans have historically controlled the matchup. However, with both teams rebuilding and young QBs (C.J. Stroud and Trevor Lawrence), the series is heating up with major AFC South implications.

• Dallas CowboysKnown as the "Battle of Texas," this intrastate showdown is played rarely due to the conference split but carries massive fan interest and state pride. The Texans beat the Cowboys in their first-ever regular-season game in 2002.

Major Contracts of the Houston Texans in 2025

• C.J. Stroud (QB) – On his rookie contract (four years, $36 million, signed in 2023), with a fifth-year option for 2027.
• Will Anderson Jr. (EDGE) – Also on his rookie deal (four years, $35.2 million, signed in 2023).
• Laremy Tunsil (LT) – Signed a three-year, $75 million extension in 2023, making him one of the highest-paid tackles.
• Tytus Howard (RT) – On a three-year, $56 million deal signed in 2023.
• Shaq Mason (G) – Signed through 2025 on a three-year, $36 million deal.
• Derek Stingley Jr. (CB) – In year three of his rookie contract (four years, $34.6 million, signed in 2022).
• Jimmie Ward (S) – Signed a two-year, $13 million deal in 2023; veteran leadership in the secondary.
• Dalton Schultz (TE) – On a one-year, $9 million deal in 2024, potentially re-signed for 2025.
• Tank Dell (WR) – Rookie contract (four years, $6 million, signed in 2023).
• Christian Harris (LB) – Emerging starter on rookie deal (signed in 2022).
• Jerry Hughes (EDGE) – Veteran presence; signed through 2025 with a two-year, $10 million extension.
• Dameon Pierce (RB) – Still on rookie contract, but expected to compete for starting reps in 2025.

Notable Coaches and Players

• Gary Kubiak (2006–2013) – Led the team to its first playoff berth and back-to-back division titles.
• Bill O’Brien (2014–2020) – Coached Houston to four division titles; known for team discipline and quarterback development.
• DeMeco Ryans (2023–Present) – A fan favorite and respected leader building a new era of success rooted in defense and culture.
• Andre Johnson (WR) – Seven-time Pro Bowler, all-time franchise leader in receptions, yards, and touchdowns.
• J.J. Watt (DE) – Three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year; cornerstone of Houston’s defense for a decade.
• Arian Foster (RB) – Pro Bowl back who led the league in rushing touchdowns in 2010.
• Brian Cushing (LB) – 2009 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year and emotional anchor of the defense.
• Deshaun Watson (QB) – Three-time Pro Bowler during his time with the team; led NFL in passing yards in 2020.
• Matt Schaub (QB) – Long-time starter who led Houston to its first playoff wins.
• C.J. Stroud (QB) – Emerging franchise quarterback and 2023 NFL OROY.
• Will Anderson Jr. (EDGE) – 2023 top pick and rising star as a premier pass rusher.
• Derek Stingley Jr. (CB) – Lockdown cornerback drafted third overall in 2022.
• Tank Dell (WR) – Electrifying slot receiver and fan favorite drafted in 2023.

Who Are the Starters for the 2025 Season?

Offense

• Quarterback: C.J. Stroud
• Running Back: Dameon Pierce
• Wide Receiver 1: Nico Collins
• Wide Receiver 2: Tank Dell
• Slot Receiver: John Metchie III
• Tight End: Dalton Schultz
• Left Tackle: Laremy Tunsil
• Left Guard: Kenyon Green
• Center: Juice Scruggs
• Right Guard: Shaq Mason
• Right Tackle: Tytus Howard

Defense

• Left Defensive End: Will Anderson Jr.
• Defensive Tackle 1: Maliek Collins
• Defensive Tackle 2: Sheldon Rankins
• Right Defensive End: Jerry Hughes
• Outside Linebacker (SAM): Christian Harris
• Middle Linebacker (MIKE): Denzel Perryman
• Weakside Linebacker (WILL): Blake Cashman
• Cornerback 1: Derek Stingley Jr.
• Cornerback 2: Steven Nelson
• Free Safety: Jimmie Ward
• Strong Safety: Jalen Pitre

Special Teams

• Kicker: Ka’imi Fairbairn
• Punter: Cameron Johnston
• Long Snapper: Jon Weeks
• Kick Returner: Desmond King II
• Punt Returner: Tank Dell

The Schedule of the Houston Texans in 2025

The NFL’s full 2025 schedule will be officially released in May, but based on the NFL’s rotating format and Houston’s 2024 finish, we already know the Texans’ opponents:

Home Games (NRG Stadium)

• Indianapolis Colts
• Tennessee Titans
• Jacksonville Jaguars
• Kansas City Chiefs
• Denver Broncos
• Minnesota Vikings
• Chicago Bears
• Miami Dolphins
• New England Patriots

Away Games

• Indianapolis Colts
• Tennessee Titans
• Jacksonville Jaguars
• Buffalo Bills
• Los Angeles Chargers
• Detroit Lions
• Green Bay Packers
• New York Jets