The Houston Texans originated back in 2002 and it was pretty tough sledding for the AFC South franchise at first. Now a perennial playoff team with several division titles to its name, the Texans weren't always an AFC powerhouse and contenders in the AFC South year in and year out. Taking almost a decade to reach the postseason while never managing to advance past the divisional round despite six playoff appearances in all, the Texans remain on an upward trajectory as a franchise.
With a new-look roster in place for the upcoming 2020 campaign, it remains to be seen as to whether Houston can once again make its way into the playoffs or not. With the Tennessee Titans, Indianapolis Colts and Jacksonville Jaguars all prepared to serve as formidable threats in the AFC South, the Texans will truly be tested come next season. However, Houston will bring a talented roster and rich—though short—history to the table.
1. Drafting Defensive End J.J. Watt In 2011
There is absolutely no doubt that longtime Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt is the best all-around player in team history.
Never having played for another franchise, Watt is most notably a three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year while recently winning the league's Walter Payton Man of the Year Award as well. Despite some injury troubles over the years, Watt has still managed to produce 96 career sacks over the course of 112 regular season appearances.
Originally selected by the Texans in the first round of the 2011 NFL Draft out of Wisconsin, the 31-year-old Watt has reached five Pro Bowls while being selected to five All-Pro teams. The ultimate team player and a veteran leader both on and off the field, Watt has been a part of all six of the Texans' playoff teams while leading Houston to five division titles since initially breaking into the league back in 2011.
Although a stellar teammate, Watt has performed incredibly well as an individual player even when the Texans have underperformed as the veteran pass rusher has posted more than 20 sacks in a single season twice as a member of the AFC South franchise. At this point in both his career and the team's lineage, it is absolutely impossible to talk about the Houston Texans organization and not mention J.J. Watt.
2. Houston's First Playoff Win
It took nine seasons for the Houston Texans to reach the postseason. However, upon reaching the playoffs for the first time in 2011-12, the Texans got off to a fast start en route to winning the team's first-ever postseason game.
Taking on the Cincinnati Bengals on Jan. 7, 2012, the Texans reached the playoffs by way of an AFC South title—also the first in team history. Entering the postseason as the AFC's No. 3 seed with the aforementioned Bengals serving as the conference's sixth and final seed, the Texans hosted the wild card matchup while ultimately coming away with a dominant 31-10 win over Cincinnati.
Not only did the Texans make history in style as Houston absolutely trampled the Bengals, the 2011 AFC South Champions pitched a second half shutout as well. Unfortunately, the Texans would begin a seemingly unbreakable trend that has yet to cease as Houston then lost to the Baltimore Ravens in the divisional round in addition to being ousted from Super Bowl contention.
3. Drafting Quarterback Deshaun Watson In 2017
The Houston Texans seemingly changed the franchise forever by selecting former Clemson Tigers quarterback Deshaun Watson in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft. Despite never winning the Heisman Trophy during his playing days at Clemson, Watson was arguably the best overall player in college football for several seasons, which ultimately led the Texans to select him at No. 12 overall.
Winning a National Championship while playing in two title games at Clemson, Watson has since reached the postseason twice in addition to becoming a two-time Pro Bowl selection for the Texans. Even though Watson is currently 1-2 in postseason games to coincide with his two AFC South titles, both have which have come across the last two seasons, he is no doubt the face of the franchise and a budding superstar. As it stands today, Watson has led the Texans to 21 regular-season wins over the course of the last three seasons while also throwing for just under 10,000 yards alongside 71 touchdown passes and 29 interceptions.
Even a mere three seasons into what will surely be a lengthy stint in Houston, the 24-year-old Watson can already be categorized as the best—and most athletic—quarterback in team history.
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