The Houston Texans are rolling, and the vibes in the building are matching the win streak. After knocking off the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday night, the Texans have now rattled off five straight wins, pulling within just one game of the 9-4 Jacksonville Jaguars in the AFC South. It’s been a remarkable midseason surge, and the energy around the team is unmistakable - even at the ownership level.
Following the win, a lighthearted moment between quarterback C.J. Stroud and team owner Cal McNair went viral.
As the team celebrated, McNair extended his hand for a high five - and Stroud, caught up in the moment, completely missed it. The internet did its thing, and the clip quickly made the rounds.
But McNair wasn’t about to let the moment go unfinished.
Three days later, the Texans posted a video showing McNair walking through the team facility with his hand still raised, playfully searching for Stroud to complete the high five. The mission ended in success, and when the two finally connected, Stroud’s grin said it all - a perfect blend of humor and camaraderie during a season that’s been full of surprises.
But while the viral moment was fun, the real story continues to be the Texans’ resurgence - and the fingerprints of head coach DeMeco Ryans are all over it. In his first year at the helm, Ryans has transformed the culture and identity of this team. What was once a rebuilding franchise is now a legitimate playoff contender, playing with confidence, grit, and a rookie quarterback who looks anything but inexperienced.
Stroud has been the catalyst, showing poise beyond his years and delivering in big moments. But this turnaround is bigger than just one player. The defense is flying around, the offensive line has steadied, and Ryans has this team believing - and executing - on both sides of the ball.
Looking ahead, the Texans have a very real shot at finishing the regular season on a nine-game winning streak. Their final stretch includes matchups against the Arizona Cardinals, Las Vegas Raiders, Los Angeles Chargers, and Indianapolis Colts - all winnable games if Houston continues to play at this level.
No one’s handing out playoff spots in December, but the Texans are putting themselves in position to make a serious run. And if they keep stacking wins, that missed high five might end up being the only thing this team doesn’t connect on this season.