Houston Gridiron Glory
Draft King NFL History
In the heart of the Lone Star State, the story of professional football in Houston unfolds like a Texan saga, blending rich history with the modern-day spectacle of the National Football League NFL.
In the early 1960s, Houston welcomed professional football with open arms. The Houston Oilers, born in 1960 as part of the American Football League (AFL), became the city's first foray into the gridiron world. The Oilers, led by head coach Lou Rymkus, captured the hearts of Houstonians with their oil derrick helmets and blue-and-white uniforms.
Star players like George Blanda, Billy Cannon, and Charley Hennigan etched their names in Houston football lore. Blanda's powerful arm, Cannon's electrifying runs, and Hennigan's acrobatic catches made the Oilers a force to be reckoned with in the early AFL years.
The 1970s marked the "Luv Ya Blue" era, a time when the Oilers, now under coach Bum Phillips, reached new heights. With charismatic players like Earl Campbell, Dan Pastorini, and Elvin Bethea, the Oilers became synonymous with gritty, hard-nosed football. The Astrodome echoed with cheers as the Oilers made playoff runs and established themselves as contenders in the AFC.
The iconic image of fans donning powder blue jerseys and waving "Luv Ya Blue" signs became a symbol of Houston's passion for their team. Even though Super Bowl victories eluded them, the Oilers left an indelible mark on the city's football legacy.
As the 1980s unfolded, the Houston Oilers faced challenges both on and off the field. The decline of the oil industry and on-field struggles led to a period of instability. In 1997, the Oilers bid farewell to Houston, moving to Tennessee and eventually rebranding as the Titans in 1999.
The departure left a void in Houston football, but the city's resilience and love for the game persisted.
In 2002, professional football returned to Houston with the birth of the Houston Texans. The NFL expansion team, led by owner Bob McNair, embarked on a mission to create a new football legacy in the city.
The early years of the Texans were challenging, but the team steadily built a foundation. Drafting key players like Andre Johnson and building a stout defense set the stage for future success.
While the Oilers may have left Houston physically, their legacy lives on in the Texans. The "Luv Ya Blue" spirit echoes in the passionate fanbase that supports the Texans through thick and thin. The team's traditions, colors, and even the occasional homage to the Oilers in throwback games serve as a nod to Houston's football roots.
As we navigate the tapestry of Houston's professional football history, the threads of the past weave seamlessly into the present. The Oilers' journey through the AFL laid the foundation for the passionate football culture in Houston. The "Luv Ya Blue" era remains etched in the collective memory of Houstonians, and the return of the Texans heralds a new chapter in the city's gridiron legacy.
Today, as the Texans strive for success in the NFL, they carry the torch lit by the Oilers decades ago. The resilience, passion, and unwavering love for the game continue to define Houston's football spirit. From the Astrodome to NRG Stadium, the echoes of touchdowns past resonate, reminding us that in the Lone Star State, football isn't just a game; it's a cherished piece of Texas history.
