Houston: A Football-Shaped Hole in the Heart
So, you wanna know how long Houston went without a football team? Well, buckle up, buttercup, because we're about to dive into a tale of heartbreak, resilience, and the sweet taste of redemption.
How Long Did Houston Go Without A Football Team |
The Oilers Take Their Ball and Go Home
Let’s rewind to the 90s. Picture this: Houston, a city brimming with Southern charm and a love for football that ran deeper than the Houston Ship Channel. The Oilers, our beloved gridiron heroes, were a part of the city's fabric. But then, bam, like a sneaky blitzer, the Oilers up and left town in 1997, packing their bags and heading to Tennessee. Can you imagine the collective gasp of horror? It was like your favorite pair of jeans suddenly shrinking in the wash!
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Houston was officially in mourning. The city felt like a deflated football. We were the heartbroken girlfriend who got dumped on national television. But hey, as the old saying goes, "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger." And boy, did Houston come back swinging!
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Rise of the Texans: A Cinderella Story
Fast forward to 1999. Hope was on the horizon. The NFL announced it would grant an expansion team to Houston. It was like winning the lottery after a particularly rough year. The city erupted in joy. We named the team the Texans, a nod to our proud Texan spirit. And let me tell you, those early years were a rollercoaster. We had some rough patches, some questionable draft picks, and more losses than we'd like to remember. But we stuck by our team, through thick and thin.
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Finally, in 2002, the Texans took the field for their first NFL game. It was a moment of pure euphoria. The city was electric. We'd been through the desert and found our oasis. While we haven't hoisted the Lombardi Trophy yet, the journey has been one heck of a ride.
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So, to answer your burning question: Houston went without a professional football team for a heartbreaking five years, from 1997 to 2002. But as they say, absence makes the heart grow fonder, and our love for football burned brighter than ever.
How to Handle Football Withdrawal (Just Kidding!)
- How to avoid talking about football for five years: This one's tricky, but maybe try taking up knitting or birdwatching.
- How to cope with seeing your favorite players in another jersey: Therapy. Lots of therapy.
- How to plan a triumphant return to the NFL: Hire a really good general manager.
- How to support your team through thick and thin: Stock up on snacks and adult beverages.
- How to celebrate a winning season: Well, that's easy. Just let loose and enjoy the ride!
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