Annual Highlights Thankful Side of the Houston Texans

As the NFL season aligns with the Thanksgiving holiday, the Houston Texans take time each year to celebrate more than just wins and losses—they shine a light on their “thankful side,” a collection of annual traditions, community acts, and team moments that reflect gratitude for fans, the Houston community, and each other. Annual Highlights Thankful Side of the Houston Texans isn’t just a seasonal gesture; it’s a core part of the franchise’s identity, weaving gratitude into everything from player interactions to organizational initiatives. For a team that’s grown closer to its fan base during its recent playoff push, these annual highlights serve as a reminder that football is about more than touchdowns—it’s about connection, giving back, and honoring the people who make the Texans’ success possible.

Annual Highlights Thankful Side of the Houston Texans begins with the team’s longest-running Thanksgiving tradition: the “Texans Turkey Drive,” now in its 15th year. Each November, players, coaches, and front-office staff partner with local food banks to distribute thousands of turkeys and meal kits to families in need across the Houston area. This year, led by quarterback C.J. Stroud and defensive end Will Anderson Jr., the team handed out 2,500 turkeys at NRG Stadium, with players taking time to chat with families, sign autographs, and even help load groceries into cars. “This is my favorite tradition of the year,” Stroud said, holding a turkey for a 7-year-old fan named Mia. “Growing up, my family struggled to afford Thanksgiving meals some years, so I know how much this means. We’re not just giving turkeys—we’re giving people a chance to celebrate together, and that’s something to be thankful for.” The drive has become a community staple: local businesses donate funds to cover meal kits, and fans often volunteer alongside players, turning the event into a city-wide act of gratitude.

Annual Highlights Thankful Side of the Houston Texans delves into another beloved annual moment: the “Thankful Notes” campaign, where players and coaches write handwritten letters to fans, first responders, and military members who have supported the team throughout the season. This year, the team received over 5,000 nominations from fans, highlighting individuals like Maria Gonzalez, a Houston nurse who works night shifts at a children’s hospital and still attends every home game, or Sgt. David Lee, a U.S. Army veteran who volunteers at Texans youth football clinics. Players spent hours writing personal notes—Anderson thanked Sgt. Lee for “protecting our country and inspiring kids to chase their dreams,” while wide receiver Nico Collins told Maria, “Your dedication to your job and our team makes us want to work harder every day.” The notes are delivered in person by players when possible; Stroud visited Maria at the hospital, where she teared up reading his letter. “This campaign reminds us who we play for,” said Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans. “We get to do what we love every day because of fans, first responders, and military members who sacrifice so much. Writing these notes is our small way of saying ‘thank you.’”

Annual Highlights Thankful Side of the Houston Texans highlights how the Houston Texans’ gratitude extends to their own locker room, with the annual “Teammate Appreciation Dinner” held the week before Thanksgiving. The event, organized by team captains, gives players a chance to publicly thank one another for their hard work, support, and camaraderie—often highlighting unsung heroes like backup offensive linemen or special teams players who don’t always get media attention. This year, running back Dameon Pierce thanked backup running back Devin Singletary for “stepping up when I was injured and never making it about himself—you’re more than a teammate, you’re a brother.” Special teams captain Ka’imi Fairbairn honored long snapper Jon Weeks, saying, “No one talks about the long snapper, but you make every kick possible. I wouldn’t have my job without you.” The dinner includes a slideshow of team moments from the season, from practice laughs to game-winning plays, and ends with players raising a glass to “the best team in the NFL.” “This dinner is about gratitude for each other,” said defensive captain C.J. Mosley. “Football is a team sport, and we don’t win without everyone doing their part. The Houston Texans’ success this season isn’t just about stars—it’s about the guys who show up every day, and this is our way of saying we see you, and we’re thankful for you.”

Annual Highlights Thankful Side of the Houston Texans explores how the team’s gratitude translates to fan appreciation beyond the holidays, with the annual “Fan Appreciation Game” held each December. This year’s game, against the Jacksonville Jaguars, will feature free giveaways (including custom Texans Thanksgiving-themed hats), post-game autograph sessions with players, and a halftime show honoring fans who have supported the team for over a decade. The team also invites 100 lucky fans to a pre-game “Tailgate with the Texans” event, where they can eat, take photos with players, and watch warmups from the sidelines. “Our fans stick with us through the good seasons and the tough ones, and we never take that for granted,” said Texans vice president of fan experience Jessica Rodriguez. “The Fan Appreciation Game is our way of saying ‘thank you’ for your loyalty. The Houston Texans wouldn’t be here without our fans, and we want them to feel that love every time they walk into NRG Stadium.” Last year’s game drew over 71,000 fans, with many staying late to meet players—including Stroud, who signed autographs for an hour after the final whistle.

Annual Highlights Thankful Side of the Houston Texans wraps up with how these annual gratitude-focused moments have shaped the Texans’ culture and strengthened their bond with the Houston community. Over the years, the Turkey Drive has provided meals to over 30,000 families, the Thankful Notes campaign has touched thousands of lives, and the Teammate Appreciation Dinner has fostered a locker room culture of support and respect. For fans, these traditions aren’t just “nice gestures”—they’re proof that the Texans care about the community as much as they care about winning. “When I see Stroud handing out turkeys or Anderson writing a note to my veteran dad, it makes me proud to be a Texans fan,” said Houston resident Mike Torres, who has attended the Turkey Drive for five years. “This team gets what it means to be part of Houston—they’re not just players, they’re neighbors.” As the Texans head into the final stretch of the season, their thankful side remains a driving force: it’s why they play hard, why they give back, and why they’re more than just a football team to the city of Houston. Annual Highlights Thankful Side of the Houston Texans isn’t just about celebrating Thanksgiving—it’s about celebrating the power of gratitude to unite a team, a community, and a fan base, one kind act at a time.