79 days until the Texans' 2025 season opener: Who has worn No.79?
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 won No. 79 since the inaugural season in 2002.
Texans players to wear No. 79
No. 79 currently belongs to rookie offensive tackle Aireontae Ersery. The Texans believe he can be the long-term replacement for five-time Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil following his trade to the Washington Commanders earlier this offseason.
Ersery, who was drafted 48th overall, was considered the best offensive lineman prospect of Day 2. During his three years as the Golden Gophers' starting left tackle, the Kansas City native only allowed just five sacks and 11 QB hits in over 1,400 pass-blocking snaps in Big Ten games. Ersery was also named the Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year in 2024 and a third-team AP All-American.
"He's steadily gotten better at the things off the field, of finding his routine, and also on the field, just seeing his footwork, his pad leverage, is getting better, it's improving," Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said earlier this month. "So, I can't wait to see him actually put pads on and have to block [Danielle] Hunter and [Will] Anderson, that's going to be a really good challenge for him."
Since Ersery hasn't played a snap yet, it's hard to envision him as the No. 1 option ever to wear No. 79. That could change in the coming years, but there's really only one option who should be fighting over G.O.A.T. status entering fall camp.
Best Player: Brandon Brooks
Brooks is the only legit option since Allen ended up becoming a bust. While his best years came in Philadelphia, the three-time Pro Bowler was a part of two playoff-bound teams during his tenure in Houston. That's enough to make the list on a short-term.
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