Cal McNair Updates on New Uniforms for Texans, H-Town Blue, and More
Cal McNair Updates on New Uniforms for Texans, H-Town Blue, and More
The Texans owner took to Reddit to answer questions from fans
The owner of the Houston Texans took to Reddit for the second year to answer questions from fans. The site has popularized the “Ask Me Anything” or AMA.
Cal McNair covered a variety of topics in the Q&A session. He also promoted it on social media while wearing a shirt featuring himself. I hope this is a yearly staple and every year the shirt has the previous year’s photo on it.
The New Uniforms for the Texans
The overwhelming topic among the questions was the uniforms of the Houston Texans. The team will debut new uniforms next year. McNair weighed in a couple of times about the upcoming changes.
Ok I see a lot of questions about an update on the new uniforms. Here is what I can tell you: fan input drove the process as we surveyed over 10k fans and held over 50 focus groups with Legends, Current Players, Houston celebrities, all kinds of fans and more. We feel really good about where we’re headed with it. Over our four new designs, we feel like we landed on something for everyone. We can’t wait to debut them in 2024. Can y’all let Parker McCollum know that’s the date we have been planning to release them for me?
So there you have it. Four new designs with a desire to cover as many bases as possible in the creation of the new uniforms. Some teams, like the Arizona Cardinals, have the same uniform in different colors. I would anticipate some uniqueness across the four uniforms.
What about the colors of the new uniforms? Houston has a connection with the beautiful blue the Oilers donned when they played football here. Try as the Tennessee Titans might to steal it, the color still resonates with some Houstonians. McNair answered a question about the color scheme and mentioned H-Town Blue.
Fans love Texans Deep Steel Blue, Battle Red and Liberty White. Maybe we’re working on a few surprises for y’all in 2024. We know so many of us love H-Town Blue. Although there are tons of rules around color usage and combinations in the NFL, we're working hard to find a way to honor the 120 year history of H-Town Blue in our city.
Splicing in a little H-Town Blue wouldn’t hurt the look at all. Especially if there are uniforms with just the traditional colors of the team as an option.
McNair also confirmed the expected use of multiple helmets next season for the team. There is also a chance of an additional logo for the team as well. It remains to be seen what that exactly will be or look like, but I have an educated hunch the letter “H” will be prominently featured.
Updates to NRG Stadium
McNair was asked about some planned updates to the home of the Texans. While he didn’t give specifics, he mentioned the team is starting to look to the future.
We’ll see what our future stadium plans could be but it’s definitely a priority for us. We are working in collaboration with the Rodeo and County to find the best path forward for all. It’s about the fans for us. What would be the biggest thing you would change about NRG Stadium or what are some of your favorite stadiums that can inspire us?
He mentions the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo as well as Harris County as other entities with a say on the stadium.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will play matches at NRG stadium, so I would think anything massive is changed well before that gets underway. Massive changes aren’t easy with the Texans occupying August through at least January and the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo using the grounds starting in February through most of March.
There have been 10 stadiums opened since NRG Stadium opened in 2002. The Colts opened Lucas Oil Stadium in 2008. The Jaguars’ stadium will undergo a renovation expected to cost $1 billion in the coming years. The Tennessee Titans will have a new stadium in a few years as well.
Honoring Legends
J.J. Watt will join Andre Johnson this season as the only players in the team’s Ring of Honor. McNair explained how the team came about the decision to honor the two greats and what the future holds for 80 and 99.
We really like what we have with the Ring of Honor. We talked to Andre and J.J. about signing one-day contracts but both sides agreed that it makes more sense to keep our Ring of Honor tradition going as is. With that said, you probably won’t be seeing any Texans wearing 99 or 80 any time soon.
The founder of the Texans Bob McNair, Cal’s father, is the other member of the Ring of Honor. He was the overseer of the team until his passing. Cal was asked about what he learned from the elder McNair.
Patience. Optimism. Persistence. POP from Pop.
Who should the next player be in the Ring of Honor? Comment below your choice.
Draft Night’s Big Deal
McNair was asked about the Texans taking control of the 2023 draft by selecting C.J. Stroud at number two and Will Anderson at number three.
We were ready for all the different scenarios on draft night, so we were hopeful, but you don’t know until you’re on the clock. Nick and DeMeco worked together to make it happen. The draft is something our personnel staff spends the whole year preparing for. I definitely think Nick’s relationship with Monti helped make it happen too. It was such a fun night and Nick did a great job.
It was one of the most fun nights in franchise history and easily the most memorable draft moment in team history.
You can read the full AMA at this link.
What would you ask Cal McNair? Leave a comment below.