Hall of Fame Buzz Surrounds Former Stars of the Houston Texans

As the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s 2025 eligibility cycle kicks off, a familiar topic has taken center stage in NFL circles: the growing case for former Houston Texans stars to earn a spot in Canton. Hall of Fame Buzz Surrounds Former Stars of the Houston Texans isn’t just speculative talk—it’s a reflection of the franchise’s evolving legacy, as its earliest impact players now qualify for football’s highest honor. For a team that entered the NFL in 2002, the surge in Hall of Fame discussion marks a milestone: it signals that the Texans have finally produced players whose careers transcend team history and stand among the league’s all-time greats. For fans, analysts, and the players themselves, this buzz is a chance to revisit iconic careers and make the case for why these Texans legends deserve to be enshrined.

Hall of Fame Buzz Surrounds Former Stars of the Houston Texans is led by two names that dominate the conversation: J.J. Watt and Andre Johnson. Watt, who retired after the 2022 season, becomes eligible for the Hall of Fame in 2028—but his case is already considered a slam dunk by most analysts. A three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year (2012, 2014, 2015), Watt recorded 114.5 career sacks (101 with the Texans), 195 tackles for loss, and 31 forced fumbles. His 2012 season (20.5 sacks, 23 tackles for loss) remains one of the most dominant defensive campaigns in league history, and his off-field impact—including raising over $41 million for Hurricane Harvey relief in 2017—adds a layer of legacy that Hall of Fame voters often value. Johnson, who retired in 2016 and became eligible in 2022, has seen his Hall of Fame support grow each year. The Texans’ all-time leading receiver ranks 12th in NFL history with 13,597 receiving yards and 10th with 1,012 receptions, and he was a seven-time Pro Bowler and two-time NFL receiving yards leader. “Andre and J.J. aren’t just Texans legends—they’re NFL legends,” said Hall of Fame voter John McClain, who covers the Texans for the Houston Chronicle. “Their numbers, their consistency, and their impact on the game make them no-brainers for Canton.”

Hall of Fame Buzz Surrounds Former Stars of the Houston Texans also includes discussions around other former Texans who could eventually join Watt and Johnson in Canton. Arian Foster, the Texans’ all-time leading rusher (6,472 yards), has a compelling case despite his relatively short six-year career. Foster was a four-time Pro Bowler, a two-time NFL rushing touchdowns leader, and the 2010 NFL rushing yards leader (1,616 yards). His ability to combine power (4.3 yards per carry) with pass-catching skills (250 career receptions) made him one of the most versatile running backs of his era, though his early retirement due to injuries may slow his Hall of Fame momentum. Matt Schaub, the Texans’ all-time leading passer (23,221 yards), is a longer shot but still part of the conversation—his 2009 season (4,770 yards, 29 touchdowns) was one of the best by a quarterback in the 2010s, and he was a two-time Pro Bowler. Even special teams standout Shane Lechler, who spent four of his 18 NFL seasons with the Texans, has Hall of Fame support: he ranks first in NFL history with 6,562 punting yards and is a seven-time Pro Bowler. “These players may not have the same immediate case as Watt or Johnson, but they’re part of the Texans’ story—and their careers deserve to be considered,” said NFL Network analyst Brian Baldinger.

Hall of Fame Buzz Surrounds Former Stars of the Houston Texans has been amplified by the franchise itself, which has launched a “Legends for Canton” campaign to highlight the case for its former players. The Texans’ official website features a dedicated section with interactive timelines of Watt’s and Johnson’s careers, video montages of their greatest plays, and essays from analysts explaining why they deserve Hall of Fame induction. During home games this season, the team has shown “Canton Countdown” videos on the NRG Stadium scoreboard, and they’ve hosted “Hall of Fame Nights” where Watt and Johnson have been honored with on-field ceremonies. The Texans have also worked with Hall of Fame voters, organizing media events where Watt and Johnson answer questions about their careers and their thoughts on Canton. For the Houston Texans, this campaign isn’t just about honoring former players—it’s about cementing the franchise’s place in NFL history. “When our players make the Hall of Fame, it’s a win for the entire Texans organization,” said team president Greg Grissom. “It shows that we’ve built a culture that develops and supports players who can reach the highest level of the sport.”

Hall of Fame Buzz Surrounds Former Stars of the Houston Texans has resonated deeply with the team’s fanbase, which has taken to social media to voice its support for Watt and Johnson. The hashtag #WattToCanton has been used over 150,000 times on Twitter, and fans have created petitions and fan art urging Hall of Fame voters to induct the former Texans. At a recent “Legends for Canton” rally outside NRG Stadium, hundreds of fans gathered with signs that read “Andre Deserves Canton” and “J.J. = Hall of Famer,” and they chanted the players’ names as Johnson made a surprise appearance. “I’ve been a Texans fan since day one, and watching Andre and J.J. play was a privilege,” said a fan from Houston who attended the rally. “They didn’t just make great plays—they made this city proud. They deserve to be in the Hall of Fame more than anyone.” For the Houston Texans, this fan support is a reminder that Hall of Fame induction isn’t just about individual players—it’s about the community that cheered them on. The team has even created a “Fan Testimonial” page on its website, where fans can submit stories about how Watt and Johnson impacted their lives, which will be shared with Hall of Fame voters.

Hall of Fame Buzz Surrounds Former Stars of the Houston Texans is more than just a conversation about the past—it’s a preview of the franchise’s future legacy. As Watt and Johnson move closer to Canton, they’ll become the first Texans players inducted into the Hall of Fame, setting a standard for future generations of the team’s players. Current Texans like C.J. Stroud and Nico Collins have spoken about looking up to Watt and Johnson as role models, and the team’s “Legends Mentorship Program” pairs current players with former stars to learn about what it takes to have a Hall of Fame-caliber career. “Having J.J. and Andre as examples makes us want to work harder,” Stroud said. “We want to be the next Texans players talked about for the Hall of Fame.” For the Houston Texans and their fans, the Hall of Fame buzz is a validation of the franchise’s 21-year journey. From an expansion team struggling to win games to a franchise producing Hall of Fame-caliber players, the Texans have come a long way—and the induction of Watt and Johnson will be the ultimate proof of that growth. As Johnson put it during a recent interview, “Being a Texan meant everything to me. If I make the Hall of Fame, I’ll be representing this city and this team every step of the way.”