Houston sports fans have no shortage of gratitude to dish out this Thanksgiving.
The Texans are coming off an electric defensive showcase in front of a national prime time audience and Davis Mills has delivered a jolt with three straight wins during CJ Stroud’s absence. Be thankful the franchise finally has real depth at the position that matters most and a defense trending toward historic territory that might eclipse a few categories even the 1985 Bears once owned. I would vote to make the Battle Red jerseys permanent at home. Two remain with the Colts. Anything can happen. And above all be thankful you are not the Titans.
Across the street the [Rockets](https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nba/houston-rockets) are off to a fast start. They are learning how to win convincingly without Kevin Durant in the lineup which will pay off later. What Houston needs next is for Tilman Fertitta to greenlight the Fertitta Dome downtown which would provide a modern replacement for the aging Toyota Center that is now more than twenty years old. If you need proof it is time for an upgrade take a look at what the [Clippers](https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nba/los-angeles-clippers) just opened in Inglewood. Be thankful Houston has an owner who could build and finance an arena of that scale on his own.
College football fans in the Bayou City also have reason to celebrate. Year to year improvement under Willie Fritz has Houston eyeing a December date with USC in the Alamo Bowl. Across the state the Aggies and Red Raiders have proven they belong in the national top five. When the playoff bracket is revealed expect a Lonestar feel even in a season without the Longhorns.
On the diamond the Astros appear to be headed toward a more unified clubhouse. Moving on from Framber Valdez should remove distractions and the news on Josh Hader’s shoulder is encouraging. Add that to the long term belief in Cam Smith’s impact and the outlook for 2026 should have fans excited. Dana Brown has already shown he is willing to make the moves needed to keep Houston contending. Opening day on March twenty sixth cannot arrive fast enough.
And finally you cannot talk about March or March Madness without mentioning Kelvin Sampson. Like the old Vanessa Williams lyric we truly saved the best for last. Sampson’s group might not lose until February in Provo. Treasure this era of Cougar basketball and treasure its dominance. And when you think of Houston hoops remember the great Elvin Hayes whose legend still echoes every time you pass the Astrodome and recall his historic performance against UCLA.
Happy Thanksgiving to the Big E and to all of Houston.
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