Since they first took an NFL field in 2002, the Houston Texans have looked much the same.
Not anymore — and not simply because quarterback C.J. Stroud and a loaded roster could go to new heights.
On Tuesday, the league’s youngest team introduced a wild rebrand that took advantage of a new rule allowing clubs to use up to three different helmets — which the Texans will do. They’ve also added a color to their palette and an alternate uniform meant to honor Houston’s culture. The results come after the franchise gathered information from more than 10,000 surveys and 30 focus groups in an effort they claimed would be the “most fan-inclusive and transparent uniform redesign in NFL history.”
It appears the Texans have made good on this vow.
“(W)e are so proud to unveil our new uniforms. They are even more special because they are inspired by and for our fans,” club president and CEO Cal McNair said in a statement.
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“Our fans asked us to be more H-Town and we delivered. They were with us every step of the way and there really is something for everyone in the four uniforms.”
The home and away jerseys have not changed drastically, notable changes include the jersey font and shoulder stripes, which resembles a bull’s horn on the “Liberty White” roadies.
But the Texans embraced change and creativity with their alternate and Color Rush uniforms. They will again occasionally use a “Battle Red” helmet, but this one will feature “candy paint red flakes, a red metallic chrome face mask, a new bullhorn-inspired helmet logo appliqué and the Texas bullhead logo on the back” , the team said. The Color Rush option pays tribute to the city, with notes of “H-Town Blue” and a new, stylized H logo next to a star in a fresh nod to the Texas state flag (much like the team’s original insignia ). And yes, that “H-Town Blue” certainly seems like a nod to the “Columbia Blue” of the franchise’s Houston Oilers forebears, even if those throwback rights remain the property of the division rival Tennessee Titans…much to the chagrin of many Houstonians.
The Texans also become the first NFL team “to introduce a new logo on an alternate helmet and a dual-logo system on all helmets.” Prior to Tuesday, Houston was the only team in the league that had never changed its primary logo or had an alternate logo.
The defending AFC South champions will look good in 2024. Will they look good enough to reach their first AFC Championship game? Or maybe better?
H-Town will apparently watch with much more pride.
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Follow Nate Davis of USA TODAY Sports on X, formerly Twitter @ByNateDavis.
