51 days until the Texans' 2025 season opener: Who has worn No.51

USA Today

3 days ago

The Houston Texans are less than 100 days away from kicking off the 2025 season in Los Angeles against the Rams at SoFi Stadium and we're counting down the days until a victory ensues on the west coast.
Texans Wire will each day tell you which player has worn the number of the day leading up to kickoff and pick the player who ensured the number best during their time at NRG Stadium. As for today, let's take a look at who has worn No. 51 since the inaugural season in 2002.
Texans players to wear No. 51
No. 51 currently belongs to third-year Pro Bowl defensive end Will Anderson Jr. After a breakout Defensive Rookie o the Year campaign in 2023, Anderson took control in Year 2 under DeMeco Ryans, totaling career-highs in sacks (11), tackles for loss (16), pressures (43) and starts (14).
The Texans know that with another year of similar production, Anderson will be expensive entering an offseason worth an extension. He's expected to be the face of the defense long-term and a foundation for Ryans' defense as the opposite of C.J. Stroud on offense. Two seasons into his tenure with the Texans, Anderson has been better than advertised.
Does that make Anderson the G.O.A.T. of No. 51 after just two years?
Best Player: Will Anderson Jr.
Is it crazy to have a player who's still on his rookie contract considered the G.O.A.T.? In some ways, yes, but Anderson is one of three players to win Defensive Rookie of the Year in franchise history. He also stepped up in several signature games that catapulted Houston from bottom-dweller to potential AFC threat.
During his rookie season, Anderson's two second-half sacks against the Denver Broncos guaranteed the Texans would finish with a .500 record or better. He also secured a sack on third-and-long against the Cleveland Browns, signaling a win in the wild-card round at home.
In 2024, Anderson notched his first three-sack game of his career against the New England Patriots. He also posted 3.5 sacks and 4.5 tackles for loss in the playoffs, including two third-down stops against Justin Herbert in the wild-card round. His ability to pressure quarterback has also led to a slew of interceptions for a secondary that finished top-five in turnovers.
While the Texans' second-year star is still coming into his own, his 18.5 sacks mark the second-most for a defensive end over two years in franchise history. General manager Nick Caserio isn't planning on cutting ties with Anderson after his deal expires in 2027. Expect Houston to ensure that the Terminator isn't leaving Area 51 or NRG Stadium anytime soon.