As the Houston Texans prepare for their 2026 regular season, they have revealed their team captains ahead of the Week 1 game against the Buffalo Bills. This year, the team has selected four captains, one less than the previous season.
The chosen players are C.J. Stroud, Will Anderson, Azeez Al-Shaair, and Jalen Pitre, with Pitre taking on the captaincy role for the first time. The change comes after veteran running back Dare Ogunbowale, who served as a captain last year, was released and is now a free agent.
Head coach DeMeco Ryans has highlighted the significance of leadership within the team, emphasizing the strong culture he has developed since becoming head coach in 2023. The Texans have sought players recognized for their leadership skills, including safety Reed Blankenship, who was acquired from the Philadelphia Eagles, along with several draft picks who had captain roles in college.
All four captains have a minimum of three seasons with the Texans, and Pitre stands out as the most experienced, entering his fifth season with the team. Their selection underscores their influence and role in the locker room as the Texans gear up for the season opener against the Bills, scheduled for 12 p.m. CT on September 13th.
