Former Houston Texans Playing in the Super Bowl

Some former Texans have moved on to bigger and better things

Three players on the Kansas City Chiefs and one Philadelphia Eagle have sported the Battle Red and Deep Steel Blue in their past. All four were former draft picks of the Texans and span the entire gamut of the Houston Texans’ experience.

Today we’ll rewind the clock on each of the four players and how they got to the Super Bowl. It’s a nice little rooting interest for you during the Big Game on Sunday too.

DeAndre Hopkins

Someday, I’ll show my kids DeAndre Hopkins highlights and tell them that this is who I grew up watching. My own budding Texans fandom emerged through the Hopkins era. I can tell you where I was when he got drafted and I sure as hell can tell you where I stood when he was traded.

Hopkins endured the quarterback carousel Houston underwent from 2013 to 2017. From Brock Osweiler to Ryan Mallett to Brian Hoyer to Case Keenum to T.J. Yates to Ryan Fitzpatrick to Case Keenum. Hopkins went through it all until he fell out of favor with former coach Bill O’Brien and was subsequently and appallingly traded to the Arizona Cardinals.

After a short stop in Tennessee, the Titans traded the wide out to the Kansas City Chiefs mid season for a 2025 fourth round pick.

Since being traded, Hopkins has recorded four touchdowns and over 40 receptions this season. However, he has been a non-factor in the two playoff games for Kansas City. Expect Hopkins to play in the Super Bowl, but he is not the same dynamic magician when he was on Houston.

Justin Reid

Reid was the first of three third round picks in 2018, which was the draft after Houston traded up for Deshaun Watson. Reid played four season in Houston and was an impact starter on defense. He suffered several injuries which would hold him out of a handful of games each season, but when he was on the field he was one of the most consistent defensive backs Houston possessed.

Reid was ready to move on after his rookie contract expired. He set his sights to Kansas City who made him one of the highest paid safeties in the league. Kansas City has been in three straight Super Bowls with Reid leading from the secondary. He is one of the best players on their defense and has started in every regular season game. Reid is a free agent after this game and will be intriguing if he decides to return to Kansas City.

Charles Omenihu

Former Texas Longhorn and Houston native Charles Omenihu is a perfect example of untapped potential being realized in another uniform.

The Texans tried to move Omenihu to defensive end and it was not a fit. Omenihu is much better playing inside as a three or four-technique rather than having to maintain an edge against the run. He also was swept up in the O’Brien turmoil, then he was duly traded to the 49ers for a bag of peanuts (sixth round pick). Houston then turned around and traded that pick for LB Blake Cashman, who turned out to be a fantastic linebacker.

Anyway, Omenihu left on fairly bad terms… and by bad terms I mean the type of terms when you ASK to leave the team. He gave a tell-all exposé in November explaining his fall from grace an subsequent trade to the 49ers.

When Omenihu made it to San Francisco, everything finally came together in 2022. He racked up 4.5 sacks. That led him to make his way in free agency to Kansas City. In 2023 he was one of their marquee pass rushers leading with seven sacks in 11 games. This year he has only suited up for six games in the regular season, but he’s been a force in the playoffs.

If you think you abhor the Texans David Culley and Lovie Smith era, it pales in comparison to Charles Omenihu’s temperament.

Thomas Booker IV

Drafted in the fifth round of the 2022 draft, Thomas Booker IV was caught up in the whirlwind of coaching changes in his short stint in Houston. Booker was known for being more run-oriented defensive tackle and more of a developmental project for the Texans. His rookie season was uninspiring as he was used sparingly on defense. Heading into his second year, the Texans signed an onslaught of defensive tackles including Kurt Hinish, Maliek Collins, Hassan Ridgeway, and Sheldon Rankins. Most notably, Booker was beaten out by Hinish; an undrafted rookie free agent.

After one year on the sidelines, Booker landed with the Philadelphia Eagles. The Eagles are known for elite level talent across their defensive line, so a role on their team was not expected. He miraculously made their 53 man roster, something even he was surprised about.

While his contribution has been minima sitting behind two first round picks in Jordan Davis and Jalen Carter, he’s slowly begun to etch out a role for himself.

If Houston gave Booker enough time and opportunities, they wouldn’t be looking for another DT early in the draft. Alas, all’s far in love and chaos.

Have fun watching the Super Bowl this weekend and manifest a Houston Texans Super Bowl soon.