To help celebrate the various barbecues that inevitably will be happening all throughout Labor Day, I thought it fitting to acknowledge the various smoky cuisines that would be prepared on such a day.
As such, I was also faced with a thematic question when considering how to make a connection between all the sweet, smokey and savory grilling fixtures and the Houston Texans. Specifically, the defensive side of the football. And then, like a blitzing linebacker on a 3rd & long pass play, the concept hit me:
If I had to match them up, which backyard barbecue item would each Houston defender be if a list was made? And with that, here's that list!
If the Houston Texans defenders were barbecue items, which would they each be?
Beef Brisket: The powerhouse of the barbecue (Will Anderson Jr., DE)
For all native Texans, the Brisket is the crown jewel of any true pitmaster's barbecuing toolbelt. When smoked to perfection, it's known for its pull-apart tenderness, smoky flavor, perfectly-browned coloring and ability to completely define anyone's backyard barbecue event or store front success. It's the king of all tailgating meats.
In the same way, Will Anderson Jr. is the crown jewel of Houston's defensive line, and one of the most impactful players in the NFL regardless of position. Like the game-changing impact of a well-prepared brisket, Anderson changes the complexion and trajectory of Houston's Super Bowl aspirations, and is a must-have for any real chance of maximizing the "barbecue" that is Houston's 2026 campaign.
Barbecue chicken: An underrated component to any successful barbecue (Danielle Hunter, DE)
Besides all beef and/or pork-based products, the barbecued chicken wing is a staple in many backyard cookout event plan layouts. However, I would say it's an underrated component, as many hungry individuals arrive looking for the aforementioned brisket, some burgers, probably some hotdogs and even the potato salad if its prepared the correct way (no raisins).
In the same way, Danielle Hunter is one of the most underrated pass rushers of this generation. He's a five-time Pro Bowler, a two-time All-Pro, has the sixth-most sacks amongst active players (114.5) and is the youngest defender in NFL history to reach 50 career sacks. And yet, Hunter is rarely discussed among the overall best in the NFL, even in spite of having double-digit sacks in seven of his 11 NFL seasons (while currently on a streak of four seasons in a row).
He may not be the "brisket" of the defense, but Hunter packs just as much of a flavorful punch to a defense that would be all the lesser for not having him.
Barbecue Ribs: A whole rack of flavor, why have just one? (Houston's secondary)
The ribs are synonymous with any event that's truly serious about marketing itself as being an authentic "barbecue destination". Known for being tender, immensly flavorful and coming in a complete set of smoky deliciousness, the ribs are a fixture for any legitimate pitmaster.
Like ribs, the Texans' defense has a "rack" of secondary playmakers that have become a staple in their elite defense. Full of All-Pro's (Derek Stingley Jr.), Pro Bowlers (Kamari Lassiter, Calen Bullock) and Super Bowl Champions (Reed Blankenship), Houston has a collection of impact performers that are a vital piece to what the team wants to cook up in 2026.
Even if you avoid one of them in coverage, you'll still have to deal with 5-6 more coming for the football in the event of any tips and overthrows. Or, Jalen Pitre would just be hunting you over the middle of the field if one dared to try and catch a last-minute emergency throw from their quarterback.
Macaroni & Cheese: THE comfort food at the cookout, usually in the middle of the plate (Houston's linebacking group)
In the event that someone takes on the tall task of preparing the macaroni & cheese for the cookout, be warned that large portions of it will be gone if done the right way. Normally sitting in the middle of anyone's plate, mac & cheese is a mandate for those who want the full experience of the spectrum of flavors that should be present at a barbecue. Again, if done correctly, the mac & cheese could make that "one" family member responsible for providing it at all future gatherings.
Occupying the same middle positioning as the mac & cheese, Azeez Al-Shaair and Henery To'oTo'o patrol the middle of every football field that the Texans play at. If positioned well enough--along with knowing the proper coverage responsibilities in passing situations--the two form one of the most effective tandems on the entire team. With Al-Shaair's leadership, and To'oTo'o's immensly high motor, they can help flip a drive on its head with their collective playmaking in the short to intermediate portion of the field.
Plus, if you got to know any of these two guys, they're both very down home guys who enjoy their families, the community and are two of the nicest guys you could meet (off the football field, that is).
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