While he is leading a franchise renaissance as their head coach right now, DeMeco Ryans was once a standout middle linebacker for the team. Chosen in the 2006 NFL Draft, his career would see him set the franchise record for tackles with 439.
The best No. 1 overall pick in Houston Texans history, Mario Williams not only led them to their first playoff appearance, he also had the best defensive season for any Texan with 14 sacks in 2007, en route to back-to-back Pro Bowl appearances. With the third most sacks in franchise history with 54, he comfortably finds himself on this list.
Regardless of how it ended, the beginning of Deshaun Watson's time in Houston was nothing short of electric. With a season leading the league in passing yards and two 4,000 yards season in his time, Watson totaled over 14,000 passing yards in his brief tenure. For his tenure with the Texans, he also had three Pro Bowl selections, thanks to a breakout 2020 campaign.
A tone-setter from the offset, Kareem Jackson was one of the hardest hitters in the game, totaling the second most tackles in franchise history with 469. He also ranks second in Texans history with 16 interceptions, as he became one of the most dependable corners during his time in Houston.
The longest-tenured quarterback in franchise history, Matt Schaub set the franchise record with 23,221 yards and 124 touchdowns. In 2009, he led the league in passing yards in one of his two Pro Bowl seasons.
One of six Texans with four Pro Bowls to his name, Duane Brown was the first name to shift the tide in Houston for their quarterback protection. A problem that plagues them to this day, Houston was always known for a shoddy O-Line, until Brown came around for blindside protection.
Four Pro Bowl selections and a First Team All-Pro member in 2010, Arian Foster coincided with the most successful period in franchise history and not just by coincidence. One of the better running backs of his time, he tallied 6,472 yards and 52 touchdowns on the ground. Both those numbers are double the second-best number in franchise history.
One of the best route runners with the safest hands imaginable, DeAndre Hopkins had an exceptional time in Houston despite a lackluster group of quarterbacks throwing him the football. Still, he managed to rack up 8,602 yards and 54 touchdowns during his time as a Texan.
One of the best receivers of the modern era, Andre Johnson had an elite career with the Texans, making seven Pro Bowls in his time. He holds practically every franchise record, from receptions (1,012) and receiving yards (13,597), to touchdowns (64). A physical marvel and a nightmare to defend, Johnson was a highlight waiting to happen.
While you may see him as an analyst today, JJ Watt was a nightmare defender who's one of the all-time greatest players in league history. With 101 sacks to his name, he was virtually unblockable, winning three Defensive Player of the Year awards in his career, one of just three players in league history to do so. A member of the Texans Ring of Fame, it will be a long while before anyone overtakes his spot atop this list.
