As the dog days of the NFL summer approach, we at Last Word On Sports introduce our “All-Franchise” teams for each of the league’s 32 clubs. For this series, our football writers have composed all-time rosters compiled with the greatest players in each franchise’s history at each position along with their time and accomplishments with the team. From offense to defense to special teams, each unit is displayed on a first-team, “starter” basis only. Because of their young age, the Jacksonville Jaguars and Houston Texans rosters weren’t as difficult to assemble. On the flip side, given their respective rich histories during the Super Bowl era, building the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys teams were more arduous (yet compelling) tasks.
The offensive lineup is comprised of one quarterback, one running back, three wide receivers, one tight end and five offensive linemen. Though “fullback” was omitted due to its scarcity in modern-day football, players who played that position may be placed as the running back because of their significant contributions to their respective franchise’s ground game. The defense will have the familiar four defensive back look (two cornerbacks, two safeties), but the front seven, whether 4-3 or 3-4, will be arranged in the alignment that the team traditionally runs and/or was historically successful in. Finally, the special teams will have a kicker, a punter and a return man responsible for bringing back kickoffs and punts.
Today, we present the All-Franchise team for the Houston Texans.
Houston Texans All-Franchise Team
Head Coach: Gary Kubiak (2006-2013)
Though Bill O’Brien has remained steady as head coach amidst quarterback issues, Gary Kubiak controls the helm for this All-Franchise team. Spending his first 12 coaching seasons as both an offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, Kubiak was named the second head coach in Houston Texans history in 2006. Going 6-10 in year one, he led the team to consecutive 8-8 campaigns. Though the Texans narrowly missed the playoffs in 2009, the 9-7 finish was the first winning season in franchise history. Despite an outstanding year of offense in 2010, Houston once again barely missed postseason play due to a putrid defensive unit. The team finally broke free in 2011 by going 10-6 and winning its first-ever playoff game. He accomplished the feat even with the injuries to key offensive players such as Matt Schaub, Arian Foster and Andre Johnson. Kubiak improved on the milestone by guiding the Texans to a franchise-best 12 wins in 2012. His usage of the zone rushing scheme to set up the play-action was the driving force behind the success of the franchise at its peak. Although his tenure in Houston ended in a firing during the 2013 season, Kubiak is the team’s winningest coach with 63 victories.
Offense
Quarterback: Matt Schaub (2007-2013)
Serving as the backup to Michael Vick for the Atlanta Falcons from 2004-2006, Matt Schaub was acquired by the Houston Texans in exchange for second-round draft picks in 2007 and 2008. Combining for 5,284 yards and 24 touchdowns in his first two years as a starter, Schaub set career highs for yards (4,770), touchdowns (29) and completion percentage (67.9) in 2009 to earn his first Pro Bowl selection. Despite the team’s defensive struggles in 2010, the University of Virginia product passed for another 4,370 yards and 24 scores. After an injured-plagued 2011 campaign, Schaub responded with 350 completions for 4,008 yards and 22 touchdowns in 2012 to grab his second and final career All-Star designation. His ability to perform out of the play-action was a tremendous asset to the team in the early 2010s. Though his tenure in Texas came to a woeful end, Schaub remains the franchise’s all-time leader in games played at quarterback (90), wins (46), completions (1,951), attempts (3,020), passing yards (23,221) and passing touchdowns (124), among other categories.
Running Back: Arian Foster (2009-2015)
Before becoming the two-time NFL rushing champion, Arian Foster concluded a somewhat bittersweet collegiate career at the University of Tennessee. Despite finishing second in school history for rushing yards, his subpar senior season due to injury and untimely miscues, in general, caused him to drop to late-round draft grades. An underwhelming pro day ultimately solidified him as an undrafted free agent, albeit garnering interest from a few teams. Signing with the Texans in May 2009, Foster only started one game as a rookie. In a career year in 2010, the former Volunteer exploded with a league-leading 1,616 yards and 16 touchdowns on 327 carries to collect Pro Bowl and First-team All-Pro honors. Slightly hampered by injuries in 2011, Foster recovered with 1,424 yards and 15 scores in 2012 to get his third-consecutive Pro Bowl nod. Active for only 8 contests in 2013, he reached his fourth and final Pro Bowl selection with 1,246 yards and eight touchdowns in 2014. As one of the shiftiest backs in football, his versatility was a crucial part Houston’s rise to respectability. He is even the first player in NFL history to have 100-plus rushing yards in his first three postseason games. Released by the Texans in March 2016, Foster is the team’s all-time leader in rushing attempts (1,454), rushing yards (6,472) and rushing touchdowns (54).
Wide Receiver: Andre Johnson (2003-2014)
The football world has been blessed to see a plethora of Hall of Fame wide receivers, especially throughout the last two decades. From Terrell Owens and Randy Moss (consensus “Mount Rushmore” wideouts) to Larry Fitzgerald and Calvin Johnson to now Antonio Brown and Julio Jones, the game has no historical shortage of elite perimeter playmakers. At such an immensely-deep position, though, critics seem to overlook the greatness of Andre Johnson. After his illustrious two-sport career at the University of Miami, Johnson was drafted number three overall by the Texans in the 2003 NFL draft. Following a solid first season, Johnson made his first Pro Bowl after hauling in 79 catches for 1,142 yards and six touchdowns. With a production dip in 2005, the former Hurricane recorded 1,147 yards, on a career-high 103 catches, for five scores to earn his second Pro Bowl selection in 2006. Reaching his professional apex in the late 2000s, Johnson combined for 362 receptions, 5,256 yards and 33 touchdowns from 2007-2010. That scorching stretch featured three straight Pro Bowl tabs (2008-2010), two First-team All-Pro honors (2008-2009) and back-to-back campaigns with 100 or more catches. Yet another Texan to be limited by injury in 2011, he returned for the franchise’s first-ever playoff game. Catching five passes for 90 yards, his critical 40-yard touchdown reception put Houston up two possessions at home against the Cincinnati Bengals in both his personal and team’s postseason debut. Despite losing to the Baltimore Ravens in the next round, Johnson carried the team with 111 yards on eight receptions. He made his final two Pro Bowls from 2012-2013 after eclipsing the 100-catch plateau in both seasons. His athletic 6’4 frame made him a nightmare matchup for opposing defensive backs. He is currently the franchise’s all-time leader in receptions (1,012), receiving yards (13,597) and receiving touchdowns (64). What made the seven-time Pro Bowler’s career more impressive was that, unlike the aforementioned pass catchers, he had the worst quarterback situations of those players. Retiring from football in 2016, the five-time All-Pro wideout holds several league records, especially being tied with Wes Welker for the most seasons with 100-plus receptions (five). Being the first inductee into the Houston Texans Ring of Honor, he should be a lock for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Notwithstanding J.J. Watt, Andre Johnson is the greatest player in the history of the Houston Texans. When peak Darrelle Revis calls you a “beast” and compares the matchup of you and him to “(Michael) Jordan and (Larry) Bird,” your NFL legacy should be more revered.
Wide Receiver: DeAndre Hopkins (2013-present)
Although they lost to the New England Patriots in the second round of the playoffs, the Houston Texans put forth their greatest campaign ever. Finishing the 2012 season 12-4, they were viewed as a Super Bowl contender moving forward. Entering the 2013 off-season with an almost-complete roster, analysts deemed wide receiver as the team’s biggest need in the draft. Lo and behold, Houston took Clemson star DeAndre Hopkins 27th overall. Combining for 128 catches for 2,012 yards and eight touchdowns in his first two years, Hopkins set career highs in receptions (111), yards (1,521) and scores (11) in 2015 to make his first Pro Bowl. Suffering a down season in 2016, he put forth a personal-best 13 touchdowns to go along with his 96 grabs and 1,378 yards in 2017 to receive his second Pro Bowl nod and first designation as First-team All-Pro. Only 26 years old, Hopkins is second only to Andre Johnson in team history for receptions (413), receiving yards (5,865) and receiving touchdowns (36). Alike Johnson, he’s had to endure lackluster quality at the quarterback position. His supreme ball skills and his ability to make plays on 50-50 passes make him one the elite receivers in the game. Despite his top-tier status, however, he is usually placed behind Antonio Brown, Julio Jones, Odell Beckham Jr. and A.J. Green in the wideout rankings. With budding superstar Deshaun Watson under center–another Clemson Tiger legend–Hopkins should receive more assistance in the offense.
Wide Receiver: Kevin Walter (2006-2012)
Spending his first three NFL seasons with the New York Jets and the Cincinnati Bengals, Kevin Walter signed with the Houston Texans as a restricted free agent in 2006. Due to Andre Johnson nursing an injury in 2007, Walter became the number-one receiver for the Texans. Relishing the opportunity, the 2003 seventh-round draft pick tallied 65 catches for 800 yards and four touchdowns, including a matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars when he posted 160 yards on 12 grabs (both single-game career highs). In 2008, he set personal beats in yards (899) and scores (eight) on his 60 receptions. Walter was never the star player for Houston, but his timely plays on second or third and longs to maintain possession made him a dependable option in the offense. Today, he sits fourth in team history for receptions (326), receiving yards (4,083) and receiving touchdowns (24).
Tight End: Owen Daniels (2006-2013)
After Gary Kubiak was hired as the Texans head coach in January 2006, tight end Owen Daniels was taken 98th overall in the draft three months later. Playing 14 games as a rookie, Daniels recorded 34 catches for 352 yards and five touchdowns. The following season, the former University of Wisconsin pass catcher accumulated a 63-768-3 stat line. Despite a career-low two scores in 2008, Daniels set career bests in receptions (70) and yards (862) to earn his first of two career Pro Bowl selections. Slowed by injuries the next two seasons, he returned with 677 yards and three touchdowns on 54 grabs in 2011. Once again amassing 50 catches and 600 yards receiving, Daniels gained his second trip to the league’s All-Star game. Having Andre Johnson and Arian Foster as teammates for his entire Texans run, Daniels didn’t get all of the offensive touches, but he delivered when called upon. Leaving Houston in 2014, he ranks third in team history for receptions (385), receiving yards (4,617) and receiving touchdowns (29).
Left Tackle: Duane Brown (2008-2017)
Drafted 26th overall in 2008, Duane Brown became only the second Virginia Tech offensive lineman ever drafted in the first round of an NFL Draft (first came in 1992). Brown also became the first Texans rookie lineman to start all 16 games since Chester Pitts in 2002. His ability to protect Matt Schaub’s blind side was pivotal in the quarterback leading the league in passing and Houston setting team records offensively in 2009. Claiming four Pro Bowl selections between the 2012 and 2017 campaigns (including consecutive All-Pro honors from 2011-2012), Brown established himself as one of the premier left tackles in football. His elite production allowed the Texans to have one the league’s steadiest offenses. Far and away the franchise’s greatest offensive lineman, he is one of the four best players in team history.
Left Guard: Chester Pitts (2002-2009)
Some fans may remember Chester Pitts appearing in a Super Bowl XLII commercial that highlighted him working at a grocery store near San Diego State University, where he attended school and played the oboe. Never playing organized football, Pitts was convinced by friend Ephraim Salaam to join school’s football program. Performing so well in college, he was drafted in the second round by the expansion Texans in 2002. Beginning his pro career at left tackle, he started every single game for Houston from 2002-2008. Dealing with a right knee injury, he only played two games in 2009 before joining the Seattle Seahawks the following year as a free agent. Though he never received Pro Bowl acknowledgment, Pitts was one of the franchise’s stalwarts during its trying and unsuccessful first decade of existence. His 114 games as a Texan rank sixth all-time for the team.
Center: Chris Meyers (2008-2014)
Playing his first three NFL seasons with the Denver Broncos, Chris Meyers was acquired by the Texans via a sign-and-trade transaction in the 2008 off-season. In 2010, Meyers helped anchor an offensive line that propelled Arian Foster to lead the league in rushing. In 2011, the Texans boasted the league’s second-best rushing attack as they made their first playoff appearance ever. After the 2011 season, Myers was rewarded with a four-year, $25 million contract to finish out his tenure in Houston. Earning two straight Pro Bowl nods from 2011-2012, Meyers proved to be one of the NFL’s upper-echelon interior offensive linemen. Retiring before the 2015 season, the 112 games of the franchise’s second-greatest blocker ranks seventh in team history.
Right Guard: Wade Smith (2010-2013)
Wade Smith actually played left guard for the franchise, but the Chester Pitts inclusion forced him to the opposite guard slot on this roster. Spending his first six years with the Miami Dolphins, New York Jets and Kansas City Chiefs, Smith ended up in Houston. From 2010-2013, he started all 64 regular season contests for the Texans. His blocking efforts earned him a trip to the Pro Bowl in 2012, making him one of the team’s nine selections that year. Though he wasn’t the long-term fixture like Chester Pitts, Smith’s All-Star level play was pivotal in the franchise reaching its summit early in this decade.
Right Tackle: Eric Winston (2006-2011)
Despite being considered as one of the top offensive tackles out of college, injuries caused Eric Winston to fall to the Texans in the third round of the 2006 NFL draft. Playing only 12 games as a rookie, Winston started in each of the team’s subsequent 87 regular season contests. Another constant along the offensive line, he was another factor in the franchise making its postseason debut in 2011. Signing with the Kansas City Chiefs in March 2012, Winston’s 92 games as a Texan places him just inside the top 15 ever for the team (second-most for an offensive tackle behind Duane Brown).
Defense (based in a 3-4 alignment)
Defensive End: J.J. Watt (2011-present)
The 2011 NFL Draft is one of the greatest in league history, and J.J. Watt is arguably the best player from that legendary class seven seasons in. Compiling 106 tackles and 11.5 sacks in two seasons as a University of Wisconsin walk-on, Watt was picked 11th overall by the Houston Texans. Albeit only posting 56 tackles and 5.5 sacks in year one, he played a respectable role in the team’s defensive turnaround in 2011 when it made the playoffs for the first time ever. Watt exploded in 2012 with career highs in tackles (81), sacks (20.5), pass deflections (16) and forced fumbles (four). The sophomore surge earned him the Defensive Player of the Year award at season’s end. He did have a “down year” in 2013, only garnering 10.5 takedowns on 80 tackles. The former Badger recovered with another otherworldly campaign in 2014 by tallying 20.5 sacks and a third-consecutive season with four forced fumbles to go along with his 78 stops. Making both the Pro Bowl and First-team All-Pro for the third year in a row, Watt was named Defensive Player of the Year for the second time. Concluding 2015 with 76 tackles and 17.5 sacks, he received DPOY acknowledgment once again to join New York Giants icon Lawrence Taylor as the only two players in NFL history to garner the honor three times. Even when doesn’t get to the quarterback, his knack to ruin passing lanes with his active hands has earned him the nickname “J.J. Swatt.” With his undying motor, both his relentless and explosiveness have made him into one of the game’s all-time greatest defenders. Injuries have limited him to only eight games the past two seasons, but his well-documented work ethic should help him make a strong recovery. The greatness of Andre Johnson keeps Watt from being the Houston Texans “GOAT,” but he should have a relatively easier time in becoming a future name in Canton. Looking in hindsight, it’s crazy to fathom that he was only a two-star recruit coming out of high school.
Defensive Tackle: Amobi Okoye (2007-2010)
A Second-team All-American in college, Amobi Okoye was taken 10th overall by Houston in the 2007 NFL Draft. At only 19 years of age, Okoye became the youngest player to ever be drafted in the first round of the NFL Draft. He was also the highest draft pick to come out of the University of Louisville since the AFL-NFL merger. The highlight of the Nigerian pass rusher’s career was winning Defensive Rookie of the Month after leading the AFC with four sacks. In four seasons with the Texans, Okoye finished with 138 tackles and 11 sacks, both marks being the most in franchise history for a defensive tackle.
Defensive End: Mario Williams (2006-2011)
The 2006 NFL Draft featured three of the greatest players in NCAA history. One being USC quarterback Matt Leinart, a Heisman Trophy winner and two-time National champion. Another was Vince Young, the Texas Longhorn passer who delivered the upset over the vaunted Trojans in the 2005 title game. Of course, there was Reggie Bush, arguably the most revered college player of this century. The talented, all-world USC running back was considered the no-brainer top selection of the draft. Instead, then-Texans general manager Charley Casserly selected Mario Williams number one overall, shocking the football world and gifting the New Orleans Saints with Bush for the second pick simultaneously. Ridiculed by critics, the reality of Williams becoming a Texan was not received well. Only getting 4.5 sacks as a rookie, he broke out with 14 in 2007 to earn a Second-team All-Pro selection. In 2008, he made his first Pro Bowl selection after amassing 12 takedowns and a personal-best four forced fumbles. Though he only had nine the following season, he managed to make his second and final All-Star appearance as a Texan. Injuries hindered his final two years in Houston as he only brought down quarterback a combined 13 times in that stretch. Released after the 2011 campaign, Williams signed with the Buffalo Bills, passing the team’s proverbial pass-rushing torch to J.J. Watt. Today, Williams is second only to Watt in franchise history for sacks (53) and forced fumbles (11). Culminating the best professional career among the aforementioned collegiate stars, the former North Carolina State Wolfpack edge rusher proved Casserly right.
Outside Linebacker: Jadeveon Clowney (2014-present)
Who knew that one hit would make you a sports star? After his devastating hit on Michigan running back Vincent Smith that caused a fumble in the 2012 Outback Bowl, South Carolina’s Jadeveon Clowney gained instant fame for his intimidating presence on the game-changing occurrence. Already with double-digit sacks that season, his rise to the top of draft boards was even more inevitable. Following a disappointing 2013 campaign, the Houston Texans were in the market for a quarterback. Instead of taking a risk on Texas A&M’s Johnny Manziel, the team opted for the high-potential Clowney, making him the first defensive player selected number one overall in the NFL Draft since Mario Williams. The former Gamecock got off to a slow start to his NFL career in large part due to injuries. Limited to only 11 starts his first two seasons, he garnered 4.5 sacks and six pass deflections. Because of the physical setbacks, fans and pundits began to label him as a bust. Finally healthy in 2016, Clowney silenced doubters when he made his first Pro Bowl with 52 tackles, six sacks and a league-leading 17 tackles for loss. He followed up with a career-high 9.5 takedowns and 16 stops for negative gain to earn consecutive Pro Bowl nods. What makes Clowney’s last two campaigns stand out is that he produced at a high level in spite of J.J. Watt missing all but eight games in that time frame. Entering his fifth season and a contract year, he is peaking at the perfect time.
Inside Linebacker: Brian Cushing (2009-2017)
Yet another player to finish an All-American college career at USC, Brian Cushing immediately made an impact professionally. Stuffing the stat sheet with 133 tackles, 10 pass deflections, four interceptions and two forced fumbles, Cushing obtained Pro Bowl and Second-team All-Pro honors. His first year was so superb that he even won Defensive Rookie of the Year, beating out talented defenders like Clay Matthews, Brian Orakpo and Jairus Byrd. The former Trojan became the second player in team history to win the award (DeMeco Ryans, 2006). Controversy arose for Cushing when he was suspended for the first four games of the 2010 campaign for violating the league’s substance abuse policy during his rookie season, forcing a revote for the DROY award. Despite the backlash, he maintained possession of the accomplishment. Playing all 16 contests in 2011, Cushing finished with 114 tackles and six pass deflections. Injuries began to pile up, as he only participated in 26 games the following three years. Starting all 16 matches for only the third time ever in 2015, he posted 110 stops. In 2017, Cushing was again suspended for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy. Though having a checkered tenure with the Texans, the embattled inside linebacker was a key contributor for the team whenever he was available. His physicality and tenacious playing style was a significant boost for the defense. Released in February 2018, Cushing is the franchise’s all-time leading tackler with 674 stops.
Inside Linebacker: DeMeco Ryans (2006-2011)
Despite being a Unanimous All-American at the University of Alabama, DeMeco Ryans was only a second-round find for the Houston Texans in 2006. Selected 33rd overall, Ryans proved to be a steal as he recorded 12 solo tackles in his NFL debut. He finished his rookie season with the second-most tackles in the league (155). Due to his toughness and physical play, Ryans quickly garnered respect from fans. Earning reverence from his teammates and coaches, he was elected team captain for his leadership and level of accountability. Though his statistical output dipped in year two, Ryans was named to his first Pro Bowl after the 2007 season. Two years later, he earned his second and final All-Star designation. In 2010, Ryans missed 10 games, the first year he missed playing time as a professional player. As a result, the defense plummeted miserably, being the cause of the Texans narrowly missing postseason play. Returning fully healthy in 2011, he played in all 16 games for the fifth time in six seasons. Starting 86 of 96 regular season matches, Ryans is one of the most consistent and dependable players in franchise history. As of now, he has the second-most tackles in team history with 636.
Outside Linebacker: Whitney Mercilus (2012-present)
The Houston Texans have done a stellar job in drafting defensive personnel. From Mario Williams to Jadeveon Clowney, they’ve had no scarcity of star-level defenders. The team’s issue, especially in the last four years, has been injuries. Lack of durability plagued Clowney’s first two NFL seasons. Since 2016, J.J. Watt has fallen to physical ailments. In 2017, Whitney Mercilus was the latest victim of the injury bug. Becoming the highest-selected University of Illinois defensive lineman since Simeon Rice in 1996, Mercilus became a steady contributor early on. Averaging six sacks a season from 2012-2014, he broke out with 12 takedowns in just 11 starts. His career year earned him a spot on our site’s Pro Bowl Snub list for the 2015 season. Being teammates of Watt and Clowney, Mercilus is arguably the league’s most underrated pass rusher. After reaching 7.5 sacks in 2016, he was placed on injured reserve in October 2017. Just turning 28, Mercilus ranks top four in team history for sacks (3rd, 38.5) and forced fumbles (4th, seven). One can only wonder how dominant he, Clowney and Watt can be as a healthy trio. Yes, quarterback Deshaun Watson will be the driving force for a Texans playoff run, but he will definitely need assistance from the team’s defensive “Big Three.”
Cornerback: Johnathan Joseph (2011-present)
Alike Jadeveon Clowney, Johnathan Joseph is another Texans defender who played his college ball at the University of South Carolina. Though not as highly touted as the freak show pass rusher, Joseph was still a first-round draft selection in 2006. Playing opposite of Leon Hall and Deltha O’Neal during his time with the Cincinnati Bengals, the former Gamecock joined the Texans via free agency in 2011. Signing a lucrative contract, he was brought in to help improve a porous Houston defense that placed 32nd and 30th in passing defense and total defense, respectively, in 2010. The acquisition paid off immensely as Joseph recorded 44 tackles, 18 pass deflections, and four interceptions to catapult the Texans to the league’s number-two defense. His profound impact earned him his first-ever Pro Bowl selection and Second-team All-Pro recognition. He went on to make the NFL’s All-Star game again in 2012 after continuing to be an asset in the Texan secondary. Starting 103 games since his arrival, Joseph is the franchise’s all-time leader in interceptions (14) and pass deflections (96), along with being top 10 in tackles (4th, 373) and forced fumbles (6th, five).
Cornerback: Kareem Jackson (2010-present)
Aaron Glenn had a formidable case to make this roster because of his contributions during the franchise’s primitive years, but Kareem Jackson gets the vote. Finishing his college career as both an SEC and National Champion at the University of Alabama, Jackson began his NFL career as the 20th pick in the 2010 draft. Collecting three interceptions and 17 pass deflections combined in his first two seasons, he enjoyed a career year with four picks and 16 pass breakups in 2012. Since then, Jackson and Jonathan Joseph have boasted of the league’s most respected cornerback tandems. The Texans have ranked outside the top seven defensively only twice since 2010, and Jackson is definitely a significant benefactor during this run. Now at the age of 30, he is tied for the franchise lead in career interceptions (14) and interceptions returned for touchdowns (three), including placing top three in pass deflections (2nd, 70) and tackles (3rd, 472).
Free Safety: Daniel Manning (2011-2014)
Due to the lack of tenure and statistical production, safety is the franchise’s shallowest position. Nonetheless, Daniel Manning was a quality defensive back for the team. Signing with the Texans in 2011 after beginning his career with the Chicago Bears, Manning tallied 59 tackles and two interceptions during Houston’s playoff-bound campaign. Snatching two more picks in 2012, he posted 77 stops and three forced fumbles. Limited to six games in 2013, he finished 2014 with 46 tackles. Despite only playing four seasons with the team, his 19 pass deflections are the most in franchise history for a safety.
Strong Safety: Bernard Pollard (2009-2010)
Before becoming the hard-hitting safety for the Super Bowl champion Baltimore Ravens, Bernard Pollard spent a couple of seasons in Texas. Another 2006 draftee, Pollard started his pro career with the Kansas City Chiefs before joining the Houston Texans in 2009. In just 13 games, he intercepted four passes and deflected seven more to go along with his career-best 102 tackles. Though his numbers against the pass decreased in 2010, he managed to set personal beats in tackles (111), forced fumbles (three) and sacks (2.5). Although his stay in Houston was brief, Pollard proved to be a stat stuffer.
Special Teams
Kicker: Kris Brown (2002-2009)
Winning the starting placekicker job for the expansion Texans, Kris Brown kept the position until his release before the 2010 season. Within his tenure, he made First-team All-Pro in 2007 after setting an NFL single-game record with three made field goals of 54 yards or more. Converting 77.1 and 99.2 percent of his field goals and extra points, respectively, Brown is the franchise’s all-time leading scorer with 767 points.
Punter: Shane Lechler (2013-present)
Concluding a Hall of Fame tenure for the Oakland Raiders, Shane Lechler signed a deal with the Houston Texans in March 2013. Though he’s second in team history for number of punts (437), he’s number one in total punt yardage (20,461), longest punt (71) and average yards per punt (47.6). Whenever Lechler gets into Canton, he should be proud that he developed into the greatest punter for the Texans, and perhaps arguably the legendary Raiders.
Return Man: Jacoby Jones (2007-2011)
Prior to winning an NFL Championship as the special teams ace for the Baltimore Ravens, Jacoby Jones spent five seasons returning punts and kicks for the Texans. Far and away the franchise’s greatest punt returner with 1,820 yards and three touchdowns, Jones also had one kickoff return score on his 1,490 yards. Placing top five in team history for both punt and kick return yardage, he was indeed a gamebreaker during his short stint in Houston.
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