As the Houston Texans prepare for their Week 1 opener against the Buffalo Bills, leadership has been announced by the coaching staff.
On Monday, Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans revealed that All-Pro defensive end Will Anderson Jr., quarterback C.J. Stroud, linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair and defensive back Jalen Pitre would serve as the team captains for the 2026 season.
Overall, it's a largely similar group to last year's captain unit, but a bit smaller. Names like Pro Bowl wide receiver Nico Collins, defensive end Danielle Hunter and kicker Ka'imi Fairbairn weren't named to the crew, though that could change by midseason since Houston in the past has expand its captain list.
The C is stamped‼️ pic.twitter.com/AeEdOAQ2l6
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) September 7, 2026
"Our guys have earned it. They've
done a great job of preparing. It started today preparing for Buffalo and we have to continue to build that as the week goes along. I'm proud of this team where we sit right now today and now we get to go and show our work. We have to show up on game day and that's the main thing.
"When we've done well in our season opener, we played well on offense, so it starts there. Defense has to do a great job as well of being the strength, being the backbone of our team, but the offense, if we jump out, if we play fast, that'll be the key for us."
Ryans also said players hand-picked which four players would be donned with the "C" on the chest. Even though it was a player-driven votes, it's hard to envision four names who display better traits of leadership that the quartert.
"The team did a great job of selecting those guys because it's very evident how those guys go about their business every single day. They're consistent in their preparation," Ryans said. "They care for the locker room. They're courageous when it's time to speak up. Those guys speak up, so that's who you want as captains. Our team selected those guys and they will represent us very well."
The Texans kick off this Sunday at Reliant Stadium at Noon on CBS.
This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Azeez Al-Shaair, Will Anderson Jr. headline Texans' team captains for 2026 NFL season
