The Houston Texans have had one of the most dramatic journeys in the NFL over the past several years. It all started in 2017, when the team drafted quarterback Deshaun Watson and seemed to finally be heading toward long‑term success. What followed was a surprising rise, a sudden collapse, and then an unexpected comeback that has reshaped the franchise.
When the Texans picked Watson in the first round, fans were excited. He played with confidence right away and quickly became one of the most exciting young quarterbacks in the league. Even though he got hurt his rookie year, he bounced back and helped the Texans win division titles in 2018 and 2019.
The high point came in the 2019 playoffs, when Houston jumped out to a 24–0 lead over the Kansas City Chiefs. For a moment, it looked like the Texans were becoming a real contender. But the Chiefs stormed back and won the game, and that loss ended up being a sign of deeper problems.
Things went downhill fast after that. Head coach and general manager Bill O’Brien made several controversial moves, including trading star receiver DeAndre Hopkins. Many fans and players didn’t understand the decision, and the team struggled on the field.
Then, in early 2021, Watson asked to be traded. Soon after, more than 20 lawsuits were filed against him, and he didn’t play at all that season. The Texans were stuck with a messy situation, a weak roster, and no clear direction. They went through two head coaches in two years and won very few games. It was one of the lowest points in team history.
The turning point came in 2022 when the Texans traded Watson to the Cleveland Browns for several high draft picks. That gave the team a chance to rebuild. But the biggest change happened in 2023, when Houston hired DeMeco Ryans as head coach. Ryans, a former Texans player, brought energy, leadership, and a sense of stability the team had been missing.
That same year, the Texans drafted quarterback C.J. Stroud and pass rusher Will Anderson Jr. with back‑to‑back picks at No. 2 and No. 3 overall. It was a bold move, but it paid off immediately.
Stroud played like a veteran from day one, and Anderson became a force on defense. Under Ryans, the Texans suddenly looked organized, confident, and competitive again. They finished the 2023 season with a winning record, won the AFC South, and even earned a playoff victory, something almost nobody expected.
Over the next couple of seasons, the Texans kept improving. Young players like Nico Collins, Tank Dell, and Derek Stingley Jr. helped form a strong core. Free agents started viewing Houston as a good place to play again. The team went from being one of the worst in the league to one of the most promising.
The Texans’ journey shows how quickly things can change in the NFL. They rose with Watson, fell apart due to mismanagement and controversy, and then rose again thanks to smart drafting, strong leadership, and a new culture.
Today, Houston looks like a team built for long‑term success, something that seemed impossible just a few years ago.
