Houston Texans’ Best Players of All Time

The Houston Texans may be a young franchise, but they’ve already had their share of standout players who left a big mark on the team’s history. From record-setting receivers to dominant pass rushers, these stars helped define the Texans’ identity on the field.

Note: This is not an official ranking, but rather a tribute to 15 Texans’ legends who have made a lasting impact on the franchise’s storied history.

Duane Brown

• Pro Bowls: 5 (2012–2015 with Texans, 2018 with Seahawks)
• First-team All-Pro: 2012; Second-team All-Pro: 2011
• Inaugural member of Texans Ring of Honor

Jadeveon Clowney

• Pro Bowls: 3 (2016, 2017, 2018)
• Second-team All-Pro: 2016
• York County Sports Hall of Fame inductee

Brian Cushing

• Pro Bowls: 1 (2009)
• NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year: 2009
• Second-team All-Pro: 2009

Arian Foster

• Pro Bowls: 4 (2010–2012, 2014)
• First-team All-Pro: 2010
• Texans all-time leader in rushing yards, with franchise records for single-season rushing yards and touchdowns

DeAndre Hopkins

• Pro Bowls: 6 (2015–2020)
• First-team All-Pro: 2017–2019; Second-team All-Pro: 2015
• Led NFL in receptions (2017) and receiving yards (2018)

Kareem Jackson

• Played cornerback and safety; respected veteran leader

Andre Johnson

• Pro Bowls: 7 (2005, 2007, 2009–2011, 2013, 2014)
• First-team All-Pro: 2008, 2009; Second-team All-Pro: 2006, 2012
• Texans franchise all-time leader in receptions (1,012), receiving yards (13,597), and touchdowns (64)
• Inaugural member of Texans Ring of Honor (2017)
• Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee (Class of 2024)

Johnathan Joseph

• Pro Bowls: 2 (2011, 2012)
• Second-team All-Pro: 2011

Whitney Mercilus

• Second-team All-Pro: 2016
• Ted Hendricks Award winner (college)

Chris Myers

• Pro Bowls: 2 (2011, 2012)
• First Texans offensive lineman to make the Pro Bowl

DeMeco Ryans

• Pro Bowls: 2 (2007, 2009)
• NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year: 2006
• First-team All-Pro: 2006
• Senior Bowl Hall of Fame inductee (2024)

Matt Schaub

• Pro Bowls: 3 (2009, 2012, 2013)
• Led NFL in passing yards: 2009
• Pro Bowl MVP: 2010

Deshaun Watson

• Pro Bowls: 3 (2018–2020)
• Led NFL in passing yards: 2020
• Multiple AFC Player of the Month awards
• Active player; not yet in Hall of Fame

J.J. Watt

• Pro Bowls: 5 (2012–2015, 2018)
• NFL Defensive Player of the Year: 2012, 2014, 2015
• First-team All-Pro: 2012–2015, 2018
• Walter Payton Man of the Year: 2017
• NFL 2010s All-Decade Team
• Texans Ring of Honor inductee (2023)

Mario Williams

• Pro Bowls: 4 (2008–2011)
• First-team All-Pro (Sporting News)
• NFL Alumni Defensive Lineman of the Year

Conclusion

While none of these players brought a Super Bowl to Houston, yet, their impact on the franchise and its fans is undeniable. Their performances, leadership, and records have cemented them as some of the most memorable names in Texans history.