In the National Football League (NFL), the term "youngest team" refers to the franchise most recently established as an expansion team.
The Youngest NFL Franchise
The Houston Texans are definitively the youngest team in the NFL.
- Founded: 2002
- First Season: 2002 NFL Season
- Background: Created as an expansion team to replace the Houston Oilers, who relocated to Tennessee and became the Titans after the 1996 season.
Context
The Texans are the last team to enter the league via expansion. While the Cleveland Browns resumed play in 1999 after a hiatus, they are considered a reactivated franchise rather than a new one. Similarly, the Baltimore Ravens began play in 1996 but were the relocated Cleveland Browns franchise.
Therefore, among the current 32 NFL teams, the Houston Texans, having started play in 2002, hold the distinction of being the youngest.
