As the Houston Texans prepare for the start of their 2026 regular season, they have announced their team captains. This year, the team has chosen four players for this leadership role, which is one less than last season. The selected captains are C.J.
Stroud at quarterback, Will Anderson at defensive end, Azeez Al-Shaair at linebacker, and Jalen Pitre at defensive back, marking Pitre's first time in this position.
The change in captains comes after the departure of Dare Ogunbowale, a veteran running back who served as a captain last season and is now a free agent following his release from the Las Vegas Raiders. Nico Collins, who was also a captain last year, is the only player from that group not returning to a leadership role.
Head coach DeMeco Ryans has highlighted the significance of leadership in the team, showcasing the strong culture established since he took over in 2023. The Texans have prioritized acquiring players recognized for their leadership skills, including safety Reed Blankenship, who joined from the Philadelphia Eagles, and several draft picks who were captains during their college careers.
All four captains bring a minimum of three years of experience with the Texans, with Pitre entering his fifth season, underscoring their influence and presence in the locker room. The Texans will unveil their captains during their first game against the Bills, set for 12 p.m. CT on September 13.