An Unlikely Connection
----------------------
The story of how Sebastian became Henry To'oTo'o's biggest fan is one of pure authenticity. Watching the linebacker at Alabama, something just clicked.
"People talk, they're comparing him to Brian Cushing. He has that aggressiveness," Sebastian explained to the hosts. "But the only difference is he's a little more on the chill side. But he's got that dog in him."
What started as admiration from afar became something more personal when To'oTo'o's wife, Cheyenne, spotted Sebastian's videos on TikTok. She reached out with a simple message: "We love you, thank you for representing us."
"It was the second year at the time, so she's like, hey, reach out if you see this video. So I reached out and then we message back and forth," Sebastian recalled. What happened next was pure Houston heart: Henry To'oTo'o himself showed up at Sebastian's workplace to personally deliver a signed jersey.
"Yeah, it was amazing," Sebastian said, still marveling at the memory.
Chris's connection to Jake Hansen, an undrafted special teams player, showed a different kind of devotion. "I just love the intensity that linebackers bring. I mean, really, they're bringing back all I see from these linebackers, especially the defense, is H-Town football."
Both had chosen to rep players that most casual fans might overlook—a fifth-round pick and an undrafted player—turning them into walking embodiments of loyalty and belief in the entire roster.
That deep connection to the team and the city is why this duo was chosen as the Texans Fans of the Year presented by Ticketmaster.
The Moment Everything Changed
-----------------------------
The crowd erupted when The Duo Brothers learned the news.
"Let's go! Let's go! Let's go!" The chant built.
"Did you see this coming when you came up here?" Pendergast asked as the commotion settled.
"No, absolutely not!" Sebastian responded, still processing.
"And you're going to the Super Bowl. You're going to the Super Bowl in San Francisco," Pendergast said.
The Duo Brothers exploded in celebration, jumping and shouting, the weight of the moment washing over them. When they finally composed themselves enough to speak, Sebastian's first thought was about family: "I can't wait to tell my mom."
"Tell her you did it," someone encouraged.
"Mom, we did it. We did it."
More Than Just Fans
-------------------
What makes The Duo Brothers special isn't just the elaborate costumes or the social media presence that caught ESPN's attention. It's their genuine love for Houston, their team, and their community.
Chris serves on the Texans Fan Council, helping shape the fan experience at NRG Stadium. Both make it a point to engage with every fan, regardless of which team they support. "We try to show our love for everybody. We try to make sure everybody's equal. We take pictures. We get everybody hyped up," Chris explained. "So really, it's just a family kind of thing here in Houston."
Their story also carries an element of service and sacrifice. With Chris preparing to depart for the U.S. Marines, their Fan of the Year presented by Ticketmaster honor takes on added meaning—a celebration of brotherhood and dedication that extends beyond the stadium.
The Spirit of H-Town
--------------------
As the interview wound down and the reality of their win settled in, Pendergast asked for their prediction for the day's game.
"Houston on top," they responded in unison.
"That's what you become Fan of the Year for," Pendergast laughed.
In that moment, surrounded by the roar of the fans outside NRG Stadium, The Duo Brothers represented everything that makes Houston sports special: unwavering loyalty, infectious energy, and a belief that fandom isn't just about watching—it's about showing up, bringing the love, and repping your city with everything you've got.
From TikTok videos to the Super Bowl, Sebastian Cruz and Chris Alaniz proved that when you rep H-Town, you rep it all the way. And for 2025, they're doing it as the Houston Texans Fans of the Year presented by Ticketmaster—proving that fandom, family, and football are always stronger together.