How Many NFL Teams Are in Texas?

Texas has a rich history and passion for sports, with football being no exception.

As a powerhouse in the world of professional football, the Lone Star State is home to many devoted fans who rally around their teams in impressive numbers.

In the National Football League (NFL), which comprises 32 teams across the United States, Texas holds its own with two franchises that have made lasting marks on the sport.

The Dallas Cowboys and the Houston Texans are the NFL teams proudly representing Texas. The Cowboys, known as “America’s Team,” were established in 1960, while the Houston Texans have represented the city since 2002.

Both franchises have passionate fan bases and strong legacies in their respective cities, contributing to the passionate football culture prevalent in Texas.

NFL Teams in Texas

Texas is home to two NFL franchises, showcasing the importance of football in the state.

The teams, namely the Houston Texans and the Dallas Cowboys, have their own fan bases and storied histories.

Houston Texans

The Houston Texans joined the NFL in 2002 as an expansion team, making them the youngest franchise in the league. They replaced the Houston Oilers, who relocated to Tennessee in 1997. The Texans play their home games at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas.

Since their inception, the Texans have shown consistent improvement and made several playoff appearances. The team has won the AFC South division title multiple times. Some of the Texans’ notable players throughout the years include Andre Johnson, J.J. Watt, and DeAndre Hopkins.

Dallas Cowboys

One of the most iconic teams in the NFL, the Dallas Cowboys were established in 1960. Known as “America’s Team,” the Cowboys have a rich and successful history. They play their home games at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

The Cowboys have a total of five Super Bowl championships to their name, making them one of the most successful franchises in NFL history.

They also hold numerous NFC Championships and have produced a number of Pro Football Hall of Famers. Some of the most famous players to don the Cowboys uniform include Troy Aikman, Emmitt Smith, and Michael Irvin.

Team Histories

Houston Texans History

The Houston Texans are a relatively young NFL franchise, established in 2002 as an expansion team. Since their inception, they have developed a strong fan base and become competitive in the league.

The team’s colors are deep steel blue, battle red, and liberty white. Notable coaches throughout their history have included Bill O’Brien, Wade Phillips, Gary Kubiak, and Dom Capers.

Their home games are played at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas. Throughout their short history, they have experienced modest success by winning multiple AFC South division titles.

The Texans are still determined to make a lasting impact in the NFL and bring a Super Bowl title to their fans.

Dallas Cowboys History

The Dallas Cowboys were established in 1960 and have a rich history as one of the most successful and renowned NFL franchises.

Located in Arlington, Texas, the team plays its home games at the AT&T Stadium. Their team colors are navy blue, metallic silver, and white.

The Cowboys have had several legendary coaches during their history, including Tom Landry, Jimmy Johnson, and Bill Parcells. With a total of five Super Bowl championships to their name (1971, 1977, 1992, 1993, and 1995), they have consistently been a force to be reckoned with in the league.

Some of the most iconic players in NFL history have worn the Cowboys’ star, including Roger Staubach, Emmitt Smith, and Troy Aikman. The team has displayed excellence both on and off the field throughout its existence, as evidenced by its numerous division titles and playoff appearances.

The Dallas Cowboys continue to remain competitive and are always striving to win their next championship, living up to their nickname as “America’s Team.”

Stadiums

NRG Stadium

NRG Stadium, located in Houston, Texas, is home to the Houston Texans, one of the two NFL teams based in the state.

The venue serves as a multi-purpose stadium, hosting events like the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, the Texas Bowl, and various soccer matches.

Apart from these events, the stadium is known for its unique retractable roof, making it one of the few stadiums in the NFL to have this feature.

AT&T Stadium

AT&T Stadium, situated in Arlington, Texas, is the home of the Dallas Cowboys, the second NFL team in Texas. This modern stadium has a seating capacity of around 80,000, making it one of the largest in the league.

Its state-of-the-art facilities include a retractable roof and an enormous center-hung video board for an enhanced fan experience. AT&T Stadium has hosted various events, including the Super Bowl, college football games, and concerts, making it a popular destination for sports and entertainment in the region.

Fan Bases

Texas is home to two NFL teams: the Dallas Cowboys and the Houston Texans. Both of these teams have garnered substantial fan bases, contributing to the immense popularity of football in the state.

The Dallas Cowboys, often referred to as “America’s Team,” have a massive and widespread fan base.

Their fans are not limited to Texas but stretch across 392 counties throughout the United States, as evidenced by a study conducted by SeatGeek. As a highly successful and iconic team in the NFL, the Cowboys have attracted generations of fans that passionately follow their games, purchase merchandise, and attend events.

This large-scale support has helped solidify the Cowboy’s spot as one of the most valuable franchises in the NFL.

On the other hand, the Houston Texans, being a relatively new expansion team, have a fan base primarily concentrated in the Houston metropolitan area.

While their fan reach might not be as extensive as that of the Cowboys, the Texans have still managed to garner a loyal and committed following. Fans in the region show their dedication by attending games and supporting the team both on and off the field.

In terms of demographics and political leanings, fan bases of the NFL teams can vary. While it’s challenging to accurately depict every individual who supports the Cowboys or the Texans, it’s essential to recognize the diversity that exists within each fan base.

From different age groups, ethnicities, and backgrounds, fans come together to share their love for their chosen NFL team.

Clear communication and straightforward information are crucial in catering to these diverse fan bases. Both the Cowboys and the Texans prioritize fan engagement by creating content that appeals to their supporters and keeps them informed about the latest team updates, changes, and events.

Rivalries and Competitions

In Texas, there are two NFL teams—the Dallas Cowboys and the Houston Texans. These teams engage in intense rivalries with other football teams, fostering a competitive spirit and continuing well-established traditions.

The Dallas Cowboys are part of the NFC East. Their primary rivals include the Washington Football Team, Philadelphia Eagles, and New York Giants. These rivalries date back to the early years of the NFL and are fueled by the teams’ frequent face-offs and geographical proximity.

Another significant rivalry is with the San Francisco 49ers, mainly due to intense playoff clashes during the 1980s and 1990s.

The Houston Texans compete in the AFC South and have local and regional rivalries. The Texans’ main rivalries include the Indianapolis Colts, Tennessee Titans, and Jacksonville Jaguars, a result of numerous matchups as AFC South opponents.

Though newer to the league, the Texans have established a competitive atmosphere among their division rivals.

Texas has a rich history in sports, and the storied rivalries surrounding its NFL teams only add to the excitement and passion that fans already have for football in the Lone Star State.

These rivalries and competitions have helped shape the identity of both the Dallas Cowboys and Houston Texans, contributing to the overall experience of NFL football in Texas.

Economic Impact on Texas

The presence of NFL teams in Texas undoubtedly has a significant economic impact on the state. With two franchises, the Dallas Cowboys and the Houston Texans, Texas benefits from an influx of revenue and job opportunities created by the teams and their games.

Firstly, the NFL contributes to the local economy through job creation. Thousands of people are employed by the NFL across various departments, such as stadium workers, team staff, and media personnel.

This provides a stable source of income for many Texas residents and fosters economic growth in the state.

Another notable aspect is the increase in sales of merchandise related to the NFL teams. Fans enthusiastically purchase hats, scarfs, football jerseys, and other apparel, helping to keep local businesses vibrant and profitable.

This boom in sales further benefits the state’s overall economy.

Additionally, the games draw in large crowds, leading to increased revenue for local businesses in the hospitality and food industry.

Bars and restaurants near the stadiums typically witness a surge in patronage, especially on game days, as fans gather to watch and celebrate their teams. This contributes positively to Texas’ economic landscape.

Furthermore, the two Texas-based franchises also impact the state’s tourism industry. Fans from all over the country, and even internationally, flock to Texas to attend NFL games and support their favorite teams. This influx of tourists translates to increased revenue for hotels, transportation services, and local attractions.

In summary, the presence of NFL teams in Texas has a multifaceted positive effect on the state’s economy. Through job creation, merchandise sales, increased revenue for local businesses, and a boost to the tourism industry, the NFL significantly contributes to the economic well-being of Texas.

Conclusion

In summary, there are two NFL teams in the state of Texas. These teams are the Dallas Cowboys and the Houston Texans. Both franchises have their own unique strengths and weaknesses, which reflects in their respective fan bases and success rates on the field.

The Dallas Cowboys, established in 1960, are part of the NFC East division, while the Houston Texans, established in 2002, belong to the AFC South division. Both teams have passionate fan bases and continue to grow in popularity across the state.

Although Texas is home to multiple professional sports franchises, the Dallas Cowboys and Houston Texans hold a special place in the hearts of their fans. It is evident that Texas has a strong football culture and the support of two NFL teams contributes to this enthusiasm. NFL remains a popular and thriving competition in both Texas and the wider United States.