Four Texans stars shine on the Pro Bowl roster, highlighting a dominant defense and an offensive weapon. Their elite play fuels Houston's playoff push.
The Houston Texans (10-5) have a talent laden roster this season. It has manifested itself in what looks to be a playoff appearance, and perhaps some success in the postseason ahead.
On Tuesday, we learned that the Texans were rewarded for their season with four pro bowl selections. Perhaps the players that were chosen are no surprise to Texans' fans.
Interestingly the Houston defense is represented at all three levels of defense, a reflection of just how complete the unit has been so far this season. Star defensive end Will Anderson Jr., linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair and cornerback Derek Stingley were all named to the AFC's all-star team in the pro bowl selections.
Anderson has had quite the season at edge this year with 11.5 sacks and 17 tackles for loss. Since being drafted in 2023, Anderson has quickly become a franchise cornerstone player that has become difficult if not impossible to replace.
Anderson's success has likely been aided by a strong secondary providing ample time and opportunity to get to the quarterback. Stingley's inclusion is certainly warranted, though some might suggest more Texans defensive backs than Stingley should have made the pro bowl.
Houston Texans cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. (24) celebrates his interception against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the first half at NRG Stadium. Troy Taormina-Imagn ImagesHouston's lone defensive back selection displayed his football savvy on Sunday baiting Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith into an interception. Stingley craftily began to peel off to defend a tight end moving down field on a vertical route before turning back toward the running back to jump in front of a passing attempt in the flat. He then proceeded to take the interception to the end zone for what would end up being a game deciding score in Sunday's 23-21 win.
Al-Shaair got the nod at linebacker thanks to strong season at the second level of the Texans' defense. He has compiled 96 tackles and broke up eight passes in 2025, and has fortified the Houston defense at linebacker.
Texans' wide receiver Nico Collins got the nod at receiver giving Houston its only offensive pro bowl selection. Collins put up another impressive season giving the Texans a third straight 1,000-yard season through the air. Collins has six touchdowns this season and has proven to be one of the top vertical threats in the league.
Whether or not the Texans deserved more than four pro bowlers is up for debate. There aren't many teams who have played better football over the past several games than Houston. Nevertheless, Texans fans will generally agree that the selections they did get were more than deserving of pro bowl honors.