The Houston Texans are less than 100 days away from kicking off the 2025 season in Los Angeles against the Rams at SoFi Stadium and we’re counting down the days until a victory ensues on the west coast.

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 worn No. 52 since the inaugural season in 2002.

Texans players to wear No. 52

No. 52 currently belongs to new defensive end Darrell Taylor. After a promising season with the Chicago Bears, Taylor inked a one-year, prove-it deal with Houston as a potential No. 3 option on pass-rushing sets. Houston already has its two stars with Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter, but Tayor and Derek Barnett could compete for playing time throughout fall camp.

Over his career in Chicago and Seattle, Taylor has racked up 24.5 sacks, 22 tackles for loss and 43 QB hits. He’s a rotational option, but the upside in the pass-rushing department offers the Texans another punch to a promising defensive line in what could be a record-setting season at NRG Stadium.

Since Taylor is new and technically hasn’t worn the jersey in a game, he can’t be the G.O.A.T. of the jersey. So, who is after two decades of play?

The Texans have options at center following inconsistent play in 2024, so Patterson will need a promising camp tpo prove he’s the right option past this upcoming season.Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle

DE Jerry Hughes (2024)DE Jonathan Greenard (2020-2023)DE Barkevious Mingo (2019)LB Brian Peters (2015-2018)LB Jeff Tarpinian (2013-2014)LB Tim Dobbins (2011-2012)LB Xavier Adibi (2008-2010)LB Kailee Wong (2002-2006)Best Player: Jonathan Greenard

Does recency bias play a role in this selection? Sure, but Greenard’s peak as a rising stud off the edge makes him a more valuable option for the title of G.O.A.T. than a special-teams standout like Peters. Afrer a promising second season, Greenard was expected to take a substantial jump forward under Lovie Smith, an injury sidelined him for half the season.

In DeMeco Ryans’ defense, the 2021 version of Greenard reappeared as the anchor for the Texans’ front seven. Will Anderson received national praise and accolades en route to winning Defensive Rookie of the Year honors, but Greenard was the more productive option, totaling 12.5 sacks and 18 tackles for loss.

Greenard inked a massive four-year deal with the Vikings the following offseason and has continued his reign as a rising pass-rusher in the NFC. The Texans miss his impact, but also lucked into landing Pro Bowler Danielle Hunter, who put up similar numbers after leaving Minneapolis en route to helping Houston secure a second AFC South title.

If Greenard stuck around Houston, he wouldn’t just be the best player to wear No. 52. There’s a chance he’d be the second-best defensive end in franchise history behind J.J. Watt.