The Houston Texans were born in the 2002 season. So who played the Texans in the first game? It was none other than the Dallas Cowboys in a Lone Star shootout. Dallas was looking to get back to the Super Bowl. Here’s what happened.
At one time, the city of Houston had the Oilers, and then Oilers owner Bud Addams moved the team to Nashville, Tennessee. In 1997, they were the Tennessee Oilers and later became the Titans. Soon, Houston had a new team and stadium, and Houston was excited about having the NFL back.
David Carr (photo courtesy Pro Football History)
The Texans drafted their franchise quarterback for the future, David Carr, from Fresno State. But we know that inaugural teams are not expected to do well, and with good reason. They need to find their place and footing in a league of professionals.
Reliant Stadium (now NRG Stadium) was sold out for the first game, played on September 8, 2002. The Texans did the impossible in the game; they beat the Cowboys 19-10. Carr went 10 for 22 for 145 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. And Houston became the second expansion team to win their opener. The other team was the 1961 Minnesota Vikings.
It was great for the city to win their first game, but the Texans struggled for the rest of the season, ending with a record of 4-12, not much different from what’s happening this season (1-10-1 going into Week 14).
Will Houston ever be a contender and get to the Super Bowl? I’d like to see that happen in my lifetime.
