On a day when the Texans paid tribute to the franchise’s first win, which came against the Cowboys in the team’s first game on Sept. 8, 2002, by wearing the red socks the team wore that night and painting the end zones with the same design, the team looked back at all 25 seasons by having a player from each season on the field during the halftime ceremony.
Franchise legends Andre Johnson, Arian Foster, Brian Cushing, DeAndre Hopkins and Gary Kubiak all received introductions, as well as Billy Miller — who scored the first touchdown in team history — before team CEO Cal McNair, the son of the late Bob and Janice McNair, spoke on the field.
“We’re here because my parents brought football back home to Houston in 1999,” said McNair, referencing the year the NFL granted Houston the expansion franchise. “They had big dreams, believing something special was possible for our team both on and off the field. We’re so proud to be here today celebrating 25 season of Texans football. Over the past two decades, we’ve shared many extraordinary moments and we’re looking forward to even more ahead of us. We’re grateful to all our players, coaches, staff and fans who have been a part of our story over the past 25 seasons and we can’t wait to write the next chapter with y’all.”
Johnson, the franchise’s only Hall of Famer until Watt goes in, presumably in 2028, said a few words before introducing Hopkins, who was dealt away in 2020 by Bill O’Brien in the most unpopular trade in team history.
“Ever since I left, I feel like a part of me has been in Houston,” Hopkins said. “This is home. I love you guys. This always will be home. As long as I’m here, just know, listen, I love you guys. I embrace everything. I love it.”
Watt, who couldn’t attend because he is calling the Chiefs-Raiders game in Las Vegas for CBS, recorded a message that was played on the screen at the conclusion of the ceremony.
“All these people gathered here today, that’s what makes it so special: You the fans, the players, the organization, the ownership. Very honored and privileged to be a part of it,” Watt said. “Wish so badly I could be there with you today, but I know you’re going to celebrate the right way. H-Town forever.