By James Thornton 
The Houston Texans, the youngest franchise in the National Football League (NFL), have carved out a unique place in the league’s history since their inception. This blog explores their full timeline from founding to their first NFL game, offering a comprehensive look at their establishment, entry into the league, and early milestones. The narrative is grounded in detailed research, reflecting the team’s significance to Houston and its football legacy.
The Founding Years: Restoring Football to Houston
The story of the Houston Texans begins in 1997, a year marked by both loss and opportunity for football fans in Houston. That year, the city’s beloved NFL team, the Houston Oilers, relocated to Tennessee, leaving a void in the hearts of local fans. The Oilers, a staple since 1960, had been a source of pride, and their departure was a significant blow. However, this loss also ignited a desire to bring professional football back to the city.
Enter Bob McNair, a local businessman and philanthropist, who saw an opportunity to restore football to Houston. In 1997, McNair began his quest to secure an NFL franchise, initially focusing on bringing a National Hockey League (NHL) team to Houston. When that bid failed, he shifted his attention to the NFL. His persistence paid off in 1999 when the NFL awarded him the league’s 32nd franchise. On October 6, 1999, the Houston Texans were officially founded, marking the beginning of a new era.
The process of establishing the team was meticulous. McNair and his team, Houston NFL Holdings, worked closely with the NFL to ensure every aspect met league standards. This included securing a suitable stadium, leading to the construction of Reliant Stadium (now NRG Stadium), a state-of-the-art facility with a retractable roof, opened in 2002. This stadium has since become a cornerstone of Houston’s sports landscape.
A critical decision was choosing a name that would resonate with the community. Initially referred to as “Houston NFL,” the team engaged in an extensive naming process. Focus groups were conducted across Texas, gathering input from residents in Houston, San Antonio, Beaumont, Austin, and Galveston. After months of research, the list of potential names was narrowed to five: Apollos, Bobcats, Stallions, Texans, and Wildcatters, then further refined to three: Apollos, Stallions, and Texans.
On September 6, 2000, the franchise unveiled its official name, the Houston Texans, at a downtown rally attended by thousands. The name was chosen to reflect the pride and identity of Houston and Texas. Bob McNair explained that the name and logo “embody the pride, strength, independence, and achievement that make the people of Houston and our area special.” The team’s colors—deep steel blue, battle red, and liberty white—were selected to honor the Texas state flag, further solidifying their connection to the region.
This founding was more than filling a void; it was about creating a new source of pride, uniting the community around a shared football identity. The Houston Texans’ establishment was a testament to McNair’s vision and the city’s resilience.
Joining the NFL: Expansion and Integration
The Houston Texans officially joined the NFL as an expansion team in 2002, completing the league’s expansion to 32 teams. This was a significant moment for both the NFL and Houston. For the league, it meant adding a new market and fanbase; for Houston, it meant restoring professional football after a four-year absence.
The Texans were placed in the American Football Conference (AFC) South division, competing against teams like the Tennessee Titans (formerly the Houston Oilers), the Indianapolis Colts, and the Jacksonville Jaguars. This placement was strategic, fostering rivalries with historical ties to Houston. The expansion process included an expansion draft, where the Texans selected players from other NFL teams to build their initial roster, crucial for quick competitiveness. They also had the first overall pick in the 2002 NFL Draft, selecting quarterback David Carr from Fresno State University, seen as the franchise’s future leader.
The NFL’s decision to expand with the Texans was met with enthusiasm, reflecting football’s growing popularity and the league’s commitment to new markets. This integration marked a new chapter in NFL history, with the Texans ready to make their mark.
First Game and Inaugural Season: A Historic Debut
The Houston Texans made their NFL debut on September 8, 2002, facing the Dallas Cowboys at Reliant Stadium in a highly anticipated game. This matchup was significant, pitting two Texas teams against each other, adding rivalry and excitement. For the Texans, led by David Carr, it was a chance to prove their worth in the NFL.
The game was closely contested, with both teams fighting hard. The Texans emerged victorious with a 19-10 win, becoming only the second expansion team to win their first game since the Minnesota Vikings in 1961. The first touchdown in Texans history was scored by tight end Billy Miller, catching a pass from Carr, a moment that electrified fans, marking history. This victory validated the team’s hard work and promised future success.
Despite the initial win, the inaugural season was challenging, finishing with a 4-12 record, last in the AFC South. The season was marked by growing pains, common for expansion teams, but showed bright spots, with performances from Carr and Andre Johnson, drafted in 2003, indicating future potential. The season laid groundwork for development, building team chemistry and setting improvement goals, engaging the fanbase and establishing presence in the league.
Name, Identity, and Houston Roots
The name “Houston Texans” was chosen through a careful, inclusive process involving community input. The final choice, “Texans,” was selected from Apollos, Stallions, and Texans, unveiled on September 6, 2000, at a rally drawing thousands, marking a new football era in Houston. The team’s colors—deep steel blue, battle red, and liberty white—are inspired by the Texas state flag, symbolizing connection to state history and culture, tying visually to Houston’s diversity and vibrancy.
Houston, often called “Space City” for its NASA association, is also an energy industry hub, medical innovation center, and cultural melting pot. The Houston Texans embody these aspects, serving as pride for residents.
Just like Houston, other U.S. cities hold their own unique charm — from coastal energy hubs to cultural retreats, like Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where sun and spirit shape everyday life.
The mascot, Toro, a bull, represents strength and determination, reinforcing the team’s identity. The name “Texans” pays homage to the state’s pioneering spirit, resonating with fans across Texas, making the team a state pride symbol. The deep connection is evident in community events and charitable initiatives, highlighting commitment to Houston.
From Early Struggles to Competitive Contender
Since inception, the Houston Texans have built a legacy beyond on-field achievements. Early years were challenging, but saw emergence of legends like David Carr, the 2002 first overall pick, facing adversity yet setting cultural tone. Andre Johnson, drafted 2003, became a productive player, inducted into the Ring of Honor in 2017, and J.J. Watt, drafted 2011, a dominant defensive end with three Defensive Player of the Year awards, also known for charity, especially post-Hurricane Harvey 2017.
The first major milestone was 2011, winning the AFC South title, securing a playoff berth, proving competitiveness. Since, they’ve won multiple titles, becoming playoff regulars. Fanbase development was crucial, with Houston embracing the team from day one, filling Reliant Stadium, growing over years, with “Texans” seen on bumper stickers and apparel, reflecting state-wide support.
Looking ahead, the Texans invest in young talent like Deshaun Watson and Jonathan Greenard, committed to community engagement, supporting education, health, and youth sports. Their journey from founding to current status as a respected NFL franchise is perseverance and growth, overcoming struggles to compete at high levels, impacting Houston and Texas beyond wins and losses.
Conclusion: Reflecting on a Journey and Future Prospects
The Houston Texans’ story is determination, community spirit, and excellence pursuit. From 1999 founding to 2002 first game, they navigated expansion challenges, establishing a formidable NFL presence. The journey began restoring football post-Oilers, with McNair’s leadership and community support key. Founding years involved careful planning, naming reflecting pride, first game a historic victory, setting tone despite inaugural season challenges.
Over time, legacy built through players like Carr, Johnson, Watt, and milestones like 2011 title, fanbase growth integral. Today, they’re Houston’s resilience and passion symbol, name and identity deeply tied, reflecting fan pride. Future-focused, building on foundation, developing talent, maintaining community bonds, their story reminds hard work, dedication, and support can leave lasting sports legacy, with bright future ahead.
FAQs
When did the Houston Texans become a team?
The Houston Texans became a team on October 6, 1999, when the NFL awarded Houston its 32nd franchise, sparking a new era of football in a city eager to move past the Oilers’ departure.
What was the Texans’ old name?
The Texans had no old name, starting as “Houston NFL” before fans chose “Texans” in 2000, a name that captured Texas pride over options like Apollos or Stallions.
What year did the Houston Texans start?
The Houston Texans started in 2002, kicking off their first NFL season on September 8 with a bold win that signaled their arrival on the league stage.
When were the Houston Texans founded?
The Houston Texans were founded on October 6, 1999, when Bob McNair’s vision brought an NFL franchise back to Houston, filling a void left by the Oilers.
What is the Houston football team called?
The Houston football team is called the Texans, a name unveiled in 2000 to reflect the city’s spirit, with colors echoing the Texas flag’s bold hues.
When did the Texans join the NFL?
The Texans joined the NFL in 2002, entering as an AFC South expansion team and proving their mettle with a debut victory against the Dallas Cowboys.
What was the Houston Texans’ first game ever? T
he Texans’ first game ever was September 8, 2002, a 19-10 upset over the Cowboys, with Billy Miller’s touchdown igniting Houston’s football passion.
What year did the Houston Texans begin?
The Houston Texans began in 2002, launching a 4-12 season that, despite challenges, laid the groundwork for a growing legacy in NFL history.