As the Houston Texans gear up for their 2026 regular season, they have revealed their team captains ahead of the opening game against the Buffalo Bills. This year, four players have been chosen for this leadership role, one less than the previous season.
The selected captains are quarterback C.J. Stroud, defensive end Will Anderson, linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair, and defensive back Jalen Pitre, who will be taking on captain duties for the first time.
The change in leadership is partly due to the loss of running back Dare Ogunbowale, who served as a captain last year and is now a free agent after being let go by the Las Vegas Raiders. Wide receiver Nico Collins, another captain from last season, is the only one from that group not returning in a leadership position.
Head coach DeMeco Ryans has highlighted the significance of leadership within the team, which reflects the strong culture he has built since becoming head coach in 2023. The Texans have made efforts to recruit players recognized for their leadership skills, such as safety Reed Blankenship, who joined from the Philadelphia Eagles, along with several draft picks who were captains during their college careers.
Each of the four captains has accumulated at least three years with the Texans, with Pitre being the most experienced, entering his fifth season with the franchise. Their roles as captains underscore their influence and presence in the locker room as the team prepares for the upcoming season. The Texans will showcase their captains during their first game against the Bills, set for 12 p.m.
