Houston Texans: Top 30 moments in team history

Sep 14, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Houston Texans owner Bob McNair walks on the field before the start of the game against the Oakland Raiders at O.co Coliseum. The Texans defeated the Raiders 30-14. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

1. Franchise awarded

On July 3rd, 1997 the owner of the Houston Oilers, Bud Adams, was given permission to move the Oilers to Tennessee. Eventually the Houston Oilers became the Tennessee Oilers and finally the Tennessee Titans.

More from Toro Times

• Houston Texans: Can Sean Payton really be the next head coach?
• Houston Texans Draft: Michael Mayer should be a no doubter at pick 12
• Houston Texans already telling fans the Davis Mills era is over
• Houston Texans have hand forced, waste no time in firing Lovie Smith
• Houston Texans: Pros and Cons of keeping Head Coach Lovie Smith

Fortunately for Houston football fans Bob McNair was ready to present his plans for an expansion franchise in Houston. His work was praised during the October owner’s meetings that same year.

On October 6th, 1999 McNair and the city of Houston were awarded the 32nd franchise in the league for a record $700 million.

Houston almost didn’t get a franchise, as an original vote went in favor of a group trying to bring football back to Los Angeles, California. There was the stipulation that a feasible stadium and ownership plan needed to be put into place, a process which was never completed.

Eventually, the group backed out and Houston can thank McNair for his ability to present a solid plan to bring football back to the good people of Houston. Then in 2002, the Houston Texans were born. The rest, as they say, is history.