As the Houston Texans prepare for their 2026 regular season, they have announced their team captains ahead of the first game against the Buffalo Bills. This year, the team has chosen four captains, one less than last season.
The selected players are C.J. Stroud at quarterback, Will Anderson as defensive end, Azeez Al-Shaair at linebacker, and Jalen Pitre in the defensive back position. This will be Pitre's first time in a captaincy role.
The change comes after the departure of Dare Ogunbowale, a veteran running back who served as a captain last year and is now a free agent after being let go by the Las Vegas Raiders. With Ogunbowale's absence, only wide receiver Nico Collins remains from last year's leadership group.
Head coach DeMeco Ryans has highlighted the significance of leadership within the team, reflecting the culture he has built since taking over in 2023. The Texans have prioritized recruiting players recognized for their leadership abilities, including safety Reed Blankenship, who joined from the Philadelphia Eagles, and several draft picks who were captains during their college careers.
All four captains have a minimum of three seasons with the Texans, with Pitre entering his fifth year, underscoring their influence and presence in the locker room as the team gears up for the upcoming season. The Texans will showcase their captains in the game against the Bills, set for 12 p.m. CT on September 13th.
