Since they first took an NFL field in 2002, the Houston Texans have pretty much looked the same.
No more – and not simply because quarterback C.J. Stroud and a loaded roster could be headed to new heights.
Tuesday, the league’s youngest team rolled out 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 aimed at honoring Houston’s culture. The results come after the franchise collected information from more than 10,000 surveys and 30 focus groups from an effort they’d claimed would be the “most fan-inclusive and transparent uniform redesign in NFL history.”
It appears the Texans might have delivered on this vow.
“(W)e are so proud to reveal our new uniforms. They are even more special because they are inspired by and for our fans,” said club chairman and CEO Cal McNair 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’s truly something for everyone over the four uniforms.”
The home and away jerseys haven’t changed drastically, notable tweaks including the jersey font and shoulder striping, which resembles a bull’s horn on the “Liberty White” roadies.
But the Texans embraced change and creativity on their alternate and Color Rush uniforms. They will again occasionally use a “Battle Red” helmet but it will feature, “candy paint red flakes, a red metallic chrome facemask, new bullhorn-inspired helmet logo application and the Texans bullhead logo on the back,” per the team. The Color Rush option is an ode 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).
Houston becomes the first NFL team “to introduce a new logo on an alternate helmet and a two-logo system across all helmets.” Prior to Tuesday, Houston was the only team in the league that had never changed its logo or featured an alternate one.
The defending AFC South champions will look good in 2024. Will they look good enough to reach their first AFC championship game? Or perhaps better?
H-Town will apparently be watching with much more pride.
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Follow USA TODAY Sports’ Nate Davis on X, formerly Twitter @ByNateDavis.