Logo

Texans Chairman Issues Official Announcement: Fans Can Watch Sunday’s Game vs. the Patriots for Free at NRG Stadium — What Texans Fans Need to Know

Houston, Texas – January 14, 2026

Just days after their dominant 30-6 Wild Card victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Houston Texans have delivered another major boost to their fanbase. Team leadership has officially announced a free watch party at NRG Stadium, giving Texans fans the chance to come together and support the team as it competes on the road in the AFC Divisional Round.

According to the announcement, the event will take place on Sunday, January 18, 2026. Gates at NRG Stadium will open at 12:30 p.m. local time, with kickoff for the Texans’ matchup against the New England Patriots scheduled for 2:00 p.m. CT. Admission is completely free, with tickets distributed on a first-come, first-served basis through the Texans’ official Ticketmaster system. Each account may claim up to four tickets, and availability is limited.

The watch party is open to fans of all ages and is designed to recreate a true playoff atmosphere inside the Texans’ home stadium. Team officials noted that tailgating will not be permitted, and fans will be asked to enter the stadium directly to ensure safety and a smooth experience.

Speaking about the decision, the Texans chairman emphasized the deep connection between the organization and its supporters:

“I want every Texans fan — whether they’re able to travel with us on the road or not — to stand together and share this moment as one. This team is built on the love and belief of our fans. Every win, every playoff game belongs to them, and NRG Stadium will always be the home where Texans Nation experiences this journey together.”

The watch party is viewed as a direct gesture of appreciation to Texans fans following the franchise’s historic Wild Card win in Pittsburgh, while also serving as a rallying point ahead of a daunting challenge at Gillette Stadium. Previous Texans watch parties have sold out quickly despite being free, underscoring the growing excitement surrounding football in Houston.

As the Texans prepare for one of the biggest games in franchise history, Sunday’s event represents more than just watching an away game. It is a chance for Texans Nation to unite, turning NRG Stadium into a powerful emotional home base as the team fights for a spot in the AFC Championship Game.

15 views
Heart-Warming: Unable to return to EverBank Stadium, the former Jaguars offensive standout chooses a different path to “protect Jacksonville one more time”
Jacksonville, Florida — For many NFL players, not getting another chance to return to a former team often leaves a sense of unfinished business. But for Chris Thompson, the story does not end in disappointment. After no longer receiving an invitation to continue with the Jacksonville Jaguars, Thompson chose to quietly hang up his cleats — without resentment, without noise — true to the image of a player who always put the team and responsibility above all else. Thompson spent just the 2021 season with the Jaguars, brought in to add depth to the backfield. Although his time in Jacksonville was brief, he quickly assumed a familiar role: a third-down back, a reliable pass-catcher, and a stabilizing presence for the offense. Thompson was not a highlight-driven player, but he was someone who kept the system running smoothly when certainty was needed more than risk. Statistically, Thompson’s contributions were not eye-catching. But his value lay in experience and discipline. “He always knew where he needed to be and what he needed to do — that gave the quarterback peace of mind,” one assistant coach once said. In the locker room, Thompson was viewed as a professional example, someone who quietly guided younger players on how to prepare and compete at the NFL level. After the 2021 season, Thompson was not retained by the Jaguars. He considered continuing his career, but accumulated injuries and a shrinking role made the decision to retire increasingly clear. “Some journeys don’t end under bright lights, but they are still worth honoring,” a person close to Thompson shared. Without clinging on or complaining, he chose to step away from the NFL with calm acceptance. When Chris Thompson officially closed the book on his career, the Jaguars did not lose a star — they parted ways with a standard. From Washington to Jacksonville, Thompson was always a symbol of resilience, composure, and reliability. For Jaguars fans, he may not have left behind explosive moments, but he left something just as valuable — peace of mind, a quiet commodity that is rare and precious in the NFL.