The Astros weren’t the same without Dusty Baker, and Houston didn’t have any major titles to celebrate in 2024. However, there were still a number of thrilling moments as the Rockets and Texans appeared to be improving. Simone Biles probably solidified her position as the most accomplished gymnast in history, while Andre Johnson gave the city cause for pride. Check out the fantastic collegiate and professional sporting events that Houston had to offer in 2024.
Andre Johnson first Texan to enter Hall of Fame
As the Texans’ first player to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, receiver legend Andre Johnson led the team one final time. It has great significance. Johnson, who was informed of his admission into the Hall of Fame this past January after failing the previous two years, stated, “I don’t think this was just for me.” This was, I believe, for the entire city of Houston. It’s for the entire company.
Simone Biles claims sixth Olympic gold medal
After earning her sixth Olympic gold medal and her ninth overall Olympic medal in Paris, Houstonian Simone Biles is attempting to become one of the greatest athletes of all time, building on her reputation as the most decorated gymnast in history. Following an incredible floor routine in the Olympics in Paris, the 27-year-old won the gold medal for all-around performance.
Texans break through to playoffs, win opening round game
For the first time since 2019, the Texans made it to the AFC playoffs in January following a number of seasons without a postseason appearance. In DeMeco Ryan’s first season as coach, the Texans were ahead of schedule, winning the AFC South and then defeating the Cleveland Browns in the first round of the playoffs with rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud leading the offense. After going 3-13-1 the season before under Lovie Smith, the Texans finished the regular season with a 10-7 record before losing to Baltimore in the second round of the playoffs.
Michael Strahan, 23 others inducted into TSU Sports Hall of Fame
Along with 23 other former athletes, coaches, administrators, and athletic department supporters, Michael Strahan, who was already inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame after 15 largely successful NFL seasons, was once again a shining star for his alma institution as he entered the Texas Southern Sports Hall of Fame.
Azeez Al-Shaair gets three-game suspension for hit on Trevor Lawrence
After what seemed to be an illegal hit on Jacksonville quarterback Trevor Lawrence during their early December matchup, Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair was the focus of the NFL and nearly every national talk show. Lawrence was trying to slide at the first-down marker. Shaair received a three-game suspension from the NFL. And the debate began about whether or not Al-Shaair is a dirty player.
Texans complete trade for four-time Pro Bowl receiver Stefon Diggs
For a 2025 second-round draft pick, the Texans acquired four-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Stefon Diggs from the Buffalo Bills in the season’s biggest transaction. After the Texans also signed running back Joe Mixon from the Cincinnati Bengals, the move now serves as the centerpiece of an offseason full of offensive changes, providing second-year quarterback C.J. Stroud with a better ground attack and receiving corps for the next year.
Rockets begin 2024-25 season amid high expectations
The Rockets and their youthful core began this season with high expectations after ending the 2023–24 season with a 41–41 record, just missing out on the playoffs. It s playoffs or bust for Ime Udoka and his young, talented group that includes Jalen Green, Tari Eason, Alperen Sengun and Jabari Smith, along with veterans Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks. With the second-best record in the Western Conference at the beginning of December, the Rockets appeared to be on track.
Texas Southern hires Cris Dishman as new coach
Cris Dishman, a former standout defensive back for the Houston Oilers, was appointed as Texas Southern’s new football coach in lieu of Clarence McKinney. Dishman,a two-time Pro Bowler, was hired by TSU after a 13-year NFL career and20 years of coaching experience at the college and professional levels.
Texans QB C.J. Stroud, DE Will Anderson Jr. AFC Rookies of Year
First, Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud and defensive end Will Anderson Jr. became forever linked when the team picked them No. 2 and No. 3, respectively, in the 2023 NFL Draft. When Stroud and Anderson were named the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year and Defensive Rookie of the Year by the Pro Football Writers Association in January, that connection was reinforced.
Prairie View A&M parts ways with Bubba McDowell
In one of the more surprising moves, Prairie View A&M decided not to renew the contract of football coach and former Houston Oilers star Bubba McDowell one season after he guided the Panthers to the SWAC West title and an appearance in the SWAC Championship Game. McDowell and the Panthers were coming off a disappointing 5-7 overall and 3-5 SWAC record this season, but he was 17-18 overall and 14-10 in the SWAC in his three seasons as the head coach of Prairie View.
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