Designers proposed a logo for the Houston Texans in the shape of a bull’s head. Thus, it creates a key atmosphere associated with maintaining the fighting spirit of the players and intimidating opponents. Sharp horns, powerful necks, and flared nostrils symbolize the resilience, determination, and energy of the football players. The colors of the American flag indicate that all their sporting fervor is directed towards the benefit of the homeland.
Houston Texans: Brand overview
Founded: | October 6, 1999 |
Founder: | Janice McNair |
Headquarters: | Houston, Texas, U.S. |
Website: | houstontexans.com |
The “Houston Texans” is a club in the AFC South division. They compete in the National Football League (NFL). The team is based in Houston, Texas. The club first played in 2002.
The team’s history began a few years earlier – in 1997. Houston entrepreneur Bob McNair failed in his attempt to bring a National Hockey League (NHL) team to the city. Bud Adams moved the city’s NFL team, the “Houston Oilers,” to Nashville, Tennessee, where it was renamed the “Tennessee Titans.”
After the move, McNair became the sole owner of the club. He then decided to join a football project and, together with his partner Steve Patterson, founded Houston NFL Holdings. On October 6, 1999, the NFL transferred the team to Houston.
Afterward, several focus groups were created and tasked with choosing a name for the new team. On March 2, 2000, Houston NFL 2002 announced that the search for a team name had been narrowed down to five options: Apollos, Bobcats, Stallions, Texans, and Wildcatters. Notably, each option already had a starter set of attributes, such as logo design and official colors.
A month later, the list of options narrowed to three, including Stallions, Apollos, and Texans. On September 6, 2000, at a large rally in downtown Houston, the 32nd NFL franchise was officially named the “Houston Texans.” However, the official date of the team’s formation is considered to be its debut in 2002. The sole owner of the franchise is Robert C. McNair.
Meaning and History
The “Houston Texans” logo has a short history: it was adopted in the early 2000s and debuted with the team. This happened after the NFL granted the franchise to the city of Houston in 1999. Branding did not take much time: the owners organized several focus groups to select the name and identity. By early March 2000, they had five nicknames with ready emblems. All that remained was to choose what best defines the character of the football club.
By April, there were only three options left, and by September – only one. So by the time of its debut, the “Houston Texans” already had its logo, pre-developed and approved by the management.
What are Houston Texans?
The Houston Texans are a member of the AFC South of the National Football League. This team debuted in 2002 but was created much earlier – in 1999. It has the status of the youngest NFL franchise. Its main achievement as of 2021 is winning six divisions.
Designers used corporate colors that were known even at the team formation stage. These are red, white, and blue, which are the colors of the national flag. Their color palette differs from the state flag in that the Houston Texans use a darker blue and a lighter red.
2006 – today
The Houston Texans trademark, dated 2006, was created by California-based Verlander Design. They devised many emblems for other NFL teams to find a balance between original style and sporting traditions.
Designers used modern graphic techniques to maintain the clarity and conciseness of the drawing. They also tried to imbue it with deep meaning, to play off the club’s name. As a result, the logo featured the head of a Spanish fighting bull, symbolizing energy, determination, strength, and resilience. However, it’s not easy to recognize this animal because the developers turned to abstraction.
The Houston Texans logo is an abstract image of a bull’s head. Moreover, it’s not a generalized image; it’s not a cow or a longhorn; it’s a Spanish fighting bull. Its creators are noble, perfectly convey the fighting spirit, and embody courage, pride, strength, persistence, and vigor.
The head of this animal is divided in such a way as to remind of the red-white-blue flag of Texas and simultaneously a semicircular knight’s shield. The blue side is slightly larger than the red. This is done so that the lone star, denoting the eye, prominently stands out against the dark background of the Houston Texans logo. The five points of this star symbolize pride, courage, strength, tradition, and independence.
Houston Texans: Interesting Facts
The Houston Texans are a newer NFL team that’s quickly made a name for themselves since they started in 2002.
- Starting Up: The Texans joined the NFL in 2002, making Houston a pro football city again after the Oilers left in 1997. They were the 32nd team to join the league.
- Winning Early: They beat the Dallas Cowboys in their first game right off the bat, which was a big deal because few new teams won their first game.
- NRG Stadium: They play in NRG Stadium, the first NFL stadium with a retractable roof. This means they can choose whether to play outside or inside, depending on the weather.
- Battle Red Day: Once a season, the team wears red jerseys for a game, and fans are encouraged to wear red, too. It makes the stadium look like a sea of red.
- Bull Pen: Their most dedicated fans are called the “Bull Pen.” They’re loud and wear outfits with bullhorns to show their support.
- Mascot: Their mascot is Toro, a bull that fits with Texas’s love for rodeo culture and entertains fans at games.
- Helping Out: The Houston Texans Foundation helps kids by supporting education, building character, and promoting health and fitness in the Houston area.
- Winning Titles: Although relatively new, the Texans have won several AFC South Division titles. Their first was in 2011, a significant moment for them.
- Top Draft Picks: They’ve had the first pick in the NFL Draft three times, choosing David Carr, Mario Williams, and Jadeveon Clowney. These were important choices that helped the team improve.
- J. Watt: Probably the most famous Texan, J.J. Watt has won the NFL Defensive Player of the Year three times and helped raise over $37 million for Hurricane Harvey relief.
The Houston Texans might not have as long a history as other teams, but they’ve already made many memories, helped their community, and shown they’re worth watching.
Font and Colors
According to Verlander Design staff, the bull’s head is very reminiscent of the Texas flag – at least in terms of color scheme and five-pointed star. It is divided into two parts: on the left is a large blue polygon of complex shape, and on the right is a smaller red one. Together, they resemble a semicircular knight’s shield, from which horns “grow.” In the blue half of the crest is depicted a white star, as on the state flag. Its rays symbolize freedom, tradition, strength, courage, and pride.
Designers believed that inscriptions on the emblem would be superfluous, even if using their original font. Therefore, the distinctive sign of the Houston Texans contains only an abstract drawing in the form of the head of a Spanish bull. The color combination immediately makes it clear where the team is located: the combination of red, blue, and white hints at the state flag. The only difference is that the football club’s emblem has a lighter shade of red and a darker blue variant.
Houston Texans color codes
Deep Steel Blue | Hex color: | #03202f |
---|---|---|
RGB: | 0 7 28 | |
CMYK: | 100 60 0 80 | |
Pantone: | PMS 5395 C |
Battle Red | Hex color: | #a71930 |
---|---|---|
RGB: | 163 13 45 | |
CMYK: | 0 100 79 20 | |
Pantone: | PMS 187 C |
FAQ
What does the “Houston Texans” logo represent?
The logo, designed by Verlander Design, is a stylized head of a Spanish fighting bull. It’s an abstraction that, in shape, is very similar to a shield with horns and, in color, in combination with the U.S. flag. The drawing is divided into two parts, with the left part of dark blue containing a white five-pointed star.
When did the “Houston Texans” become a team?
Houston received an NFL franchise on October 6, 2002. This day is considered the official founding date of the “Houston Texans,” although the team played its first season only three years later.
Why did the “Houston Texans” change their name?
The “Houston Texans” never changed their original name, which they debuted in 2002. Previously, it was used by other teams that are not part of the current NFL franchise.
Who manages the “Houston Texans”?
As of 2021, the club’s general manager is Nick Caserio, the coach is David Culley, the president is Greg Grissom, and the executive director is Cal McNair.