It was supposed to be about brotherhood. Instead, it became a punchline that has survived over a decade of NFL history. If you mention the houston texans letterman jacket to any die-hard fan in H-Town, you’ll probably see them wince. It is the ultimate "what were they thinking" moment in Houston sports.
The Night the Swag Backfired
December 10, 2012. Monday Night Football. The Texans were 11-1. They were the talk of the league. J.J. Watt was turning into a literal god on the defensive line. Matt Schaub was clicking. To celebrate their camaraderie, the team decided to roll into Foxboro wearing custom-made varsity jackets.
Shaun Cody, the team’s nose tackle at the time, came up with the idea. He and linebacker Connor Barwin wanted something that felt like a high school or college team—something that screamed "we’re in this together." They weren't just jackets; they were symbols. Each one had the player’s number and position group (like LB or DL) on the sleeve.
The plan was for the whole team to wear them on the plane and the bus. They even pushed for a "uniform" look: khakis, white shirts, and blue ties under the jackets.
"It feels like we’re on a college team," Barwin told reporters back then. Honestly, the vibes were immaculate. Until the game actually started.
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The New England Patriots, led by Tom Brady and a very motivated Bill Belichick, didn't care about the fashion statement. In fact, they seemed insulted by it. Former Patriots players have since admitted they saw the jackets as a sign of disrespect—like the Texans thought they were just heading to a "cakewalk" in Foxboro.
By the early second quarter, the Texans were down 21-0. The final score was a brutal 42-14. The "varsity" team got taken to school by the professionals.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Houston Texans Letterman Jacket
People think this was a one-off gimmick for that specific game. It wasn't. The team actually had big plans for these jackets.
There were supposed to be patches. Barwin mentioned that they wanted to add patches for division titles, conference championships, and even a Super Bowl. They wanted the jackets to grow with the players—the longer you were on the team, the more "awards" you'd have on your sleeve.
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It was meant to be a tradition, not a curse. But after that 42-point shellacking, the tradition died a swift, painful death.
The Breakdown of the Original Design
- Color: Predominantly "Deep Steel Blue."
- Logo: The iconic Texans bull logo over the left breast.
- Sleeves: White lettering with a red outline.
- Personalization: Player number stacked over the position group on the right sleeve.
- Future Plans: Empty spots on the left sleeve reserved for those never-to-be-seen championship patches.
Why You Can Still Buy One (And Why You Might Not Want To)
Despite the "curse," the houston texans letterman jacket remains a weirdly popular item for collectors and fans who love the irony. You can find modern versions on the official Texans shop or through brands like Starter and Mitchell & Ness.
Today’s versions are much sleeker. You can get them in satin, wool, or even "H-Town Red" variants. Some fans wear them as a badge of honor, a "you had to be there" piece of history. Others avoid them like they’re made of bad luck.
J.J. Watt himself was asked about his original jacket back in 2026. His response? "I don't even want to THINK about the letterman jackets." He’s not even sure if he still owns his. He probably buried it in the backyard of his Wisconsin ranch just to be safe.
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The Cultural Legacy in Houston
The jacket incident basically marked the end of the "Old Texans" era. It was the peak of their hubris before a slow decline that eventually led to the rebuilding years.
But look, fashion in sports is a gamble. If the Texans had won that game 42-14, every team in the league would be wearing varsity jackets today. We’d be talking about the "genius" of Shaun Cody. Instead, it’s a cautionary tale about "sniffing your own farts" (as one Reddit user eloquently put it) before playing a dynasty.
If you’re looking to pick one up today, you’re looking at a price tag anywhere from $120 for a satin starter jacket to nearly $300 for a high-end wool and leather version. Just maybe don't wear it to a game in Foxboro.
If you’re planning to buy a Houston Texans letterman jacket, keep these tips in mind:
- Check the Material: Most high-quality "authentic" styles use a wool body and synthetic or real leather sleeves. Satin versions are lighter and better for Houston’s humidity.
- Size Up: Varsity jackets are traditionally cut a bit short and boxy. If you want to wear a hoodie under it, go one size larger than your usual jersey size.
- Check the "H-Town Red" Variants: The 2024 rebrand introduced new colors that look much sharper than the 2012 originals.
- Know the History: Be prepared for older fans to give you a hard time. It's a conversation starter, for better or worse.