NFL Teams in Texas: A Complete Guide

Introduction

Texas, the second-largest state by area in the United States, is no stranger to professional sports. One of the most prominent franchises in the National Football League (NFL) can be found here. In this comprehensive guide, we explore the current NFL teams in Texas, their histories, and the rich tapestry of American football that the state has to offer.

NFL Teams in Texas

Texas currently has two NFL teams, both competing at the highest level of the sport:

Dallas Cowboys

The Dallas Cowboys are one of the most well-known and successful franchises in the NFL. Based in Arlington, the Cowboys have a rich history and a large fan base. The team has won five Super Bowl championships, making them one of the most successful teams in the league. They compete in the National Football Conference (NFC) East division, which includes the New York Giants and the Philadelphia Eagles, among others.

Houston Texans

The Houston Texans were established in 2002 and are the newest team in the NFL. Representing Houston, they have a relatively shorter history compared to the Cowboys, but have developed a dedicated fan base. The Houston Texans compete in the American Football Conference (AFC) South division, which includes the Indianapolis Colts, the Jacksonville Jaguars, and the Tennessee Titans.

History and Tenure

Both teams have their own unique stories and histories:

Dallas Cowboys - Originally known as the Dallas Texans, they moved to Kansas City in 1961 and became the Kansas City Chiefs. The Cowboys returned to Texas in 1966 and have been one of the most dominant teams in the league ever since. Houston Oilers - The Houston Oilers were a long-standing NFL team until they were moved to Nashville, Tennessee, and renamed as the Tennessee Titans in 1997. The Oilers had their heyday in Houston, where they were a cornerstone of the city’s sports culture before their relocation.

Women’s Football Teams in Texas

Around professional American football, Texas is also making waves in the women's football scene. The Women’s Football Alliance has several teams based in Texas:

Women's Football Alliance Teams

Arlington Impact Austin Outlaws Dallas Elite Mustangs Houston Energy Houston Power Sun City Stealth El Paso

These teams showcase the growing popularity and potential of women's football in Texas, alongside the successful NFL franchises.

Additional Professional Football Teams in Texas

Texas is not limited to the NFL; it has a rich history in other professional football leagues as well:

USFL Teams

The Houston Gamblers competed in the United States Football League (USFL) for a brief period.

Indoor Football League Teams

The Frisco Fighters represent Texas in the Indoor Football League.

Conclusion

Texas is a hub for professional American football, with a mix of established NFL teams and burgeoning women's football organizations. From the Dallas Cowboys and Houston Texans to a variety of women's teams, the state continues to contribute to the rich and evolving landscape of American football.