2006 Regular Season

Lore & Background

The Texans earned the first selection in the 2006 NFL draft after a 2–14 record in 2005. Despite speculation they would select Reggie Bush or Vince Young, they chose defensive end Mario Williams, a decision that shocked and angered fans and was criticized by national media. Williams was signed to a six-year, $54 million contract. With the first selection in the second round, they drafted linebacker DeMeco Ryans, who was named Defensive Rookie of the Year. The draft class was later considered one of the best in 2006 by most experts.

In Their Own Story

The air inside Reliant Stadium was thick with anticipation as the fourth quarter ticked away. David Carr wiped sweat from his brow, scanning the field for Andre Johnson, who had been the bright spot all season. The crowd roared not for a victory yet, but for the sheer effort of staying alive in a game that felt like it could go either way. This wasn't the glory of a championship run; it was the gritty, hard-fought battle of a team proving it belonged.

Reader's Guide

The Texans wore five different uniform combinations in 2006. They wore blue jerseys and blue pants for the first time during a week 16 win over the Indianapolis Colts, and wore white jerseys and white pants together for the first time in franchise history in the season opener against the Philadelphia Eagles.

Did You Know?

• The Texans finished 6–10, a four-game improvement over their 2–14 record in 2005.
• Mario Williams was selected first overall in the 2006 draft, ahead of Reggie Bush and Vince Young.
• DeMeco Ryans, drafted in the second round, was named Defensive Rookie of the Year for 2006.
• The Texans' week 3 game against the Washington Redskins featured a tackle by Glenn Earl on Rock Cartwright.