Watson isn’t only making his first trip back to Houston since an offseason trade to the Cleveland Browns. He’s also making his first regular-season appearance on any professional field after serving an 11-game suspension for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy. Watson, who received a suspension after lawsuits were filed against him from more than two dozen women alleging sexual misconduct and assault, will likely be met with plenty of boos from the Houston crowd. But his performance on the field Sunday will remain of significance nonetheless.
So, with all eyes turned to NRG Stadium on Sunday, let’s take a brief trip into the time machine to remember a few of the most highly-anticipated returns in Houston sports history.
Bum Phillips – November 1981
The legendary coach was dismissed by Oilers owner Bud Adams in December of 1980, and there was plenty of emotion on hand at the Astrodome when Phillips made his return as the coach of the Saints 11 months later. New Orleans delivered for its coach in the highly-anticipated reunion, as Saints running back George Rogers scampered for 142 yards in a 27-24 victory.
Toronto Raptor Hakeem Olajuwon waves to the crowed while as he recieves a standing ovation while being introduced before the NBA game against the Houston Rockets at the Compaq Center 05 March 2002 in Houston, Texas. AFP PHOTO/James NIELSEN (Photo credit should read JAMES NIELSEN/AFP via Getty Images)
JAMES NIELSEN/AFP via Getty ImagesHakeem Olajuwon – March 2002
The greatest player in franchise history played just one season in Toronto to close out his legendary career, and Houston fans didn’t exactly see the best of their former star when he returned in March 2002. Olajuwon tallied just seven points in 25 minutes, one of many muted campaigns in his final season.
Carlos Beltran #15 of the New York Mets waits on deck at Minute Maid Park on May 15, 2011 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
Bob Levey/Getty ImagesCarlos Beltran – August 2005
The fight between the Astros and Mets for Beltran’s services in January 2005 remains one of the fiercest free agency battles of the 21st century. Beltran spurned Houston to sign a seven-year, $119 million deal with the Mets, a contract in which Beltran earned five All-Star appearances across seven seasons in Queens. Beltran struggled in his initial return to Houston in August 2005, and ultimately, he became a fan favorite at Minute Maid Park as a member of the 2017 championship team. However, he was also reported to be an integral part of the club’s infamous sign-stealing scandal.
Andre Johnson #81 of the Indianapolis Colts runs past Johnathan Joseph #24 of the Houston Texans after completeing a catch at NRG Stadium on October 8, 2015 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
Bob Levey/Getty ImagesAndre Johnson – October 2015
The seven-time Pro Bowler was well past his prime by the time he suited up against Houston in 2015, but Johnson was still able to turn back the clock as he faced his former squad. Johnson hauled in six catches for 77 yards, adding a pair of scores in a 27-20 Indianapolis Colts victory.
Eric Gordon #10 of the Houston Rockets defends as Chris Paul #3 of the Oklahoma City Thunder drives the ball during the third quarter in Game Six of the Western Conference First Round during the 2020 NBA Playoffs at AdventHealth Arena at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 31, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
Mike Ehrmann/Getty ImagesChris Paul – October 2019
The Chris Paul-James Harden partnership never delivered Houston a championship, and the end of the duo’s run together ended in ugly fashion in a loss to the Warriors in the 2019 playoffs. But there wasn’t much animosity apparent when Paul returned as a member of the Thunder early in the next season. The Point God received a standing ovation from the Houston crowd, and he subsequently revived his career in Oklahoma City before a trade to Phoenix.
James Harden #13 of the Brooklyn Nets controls the ball ahead of Josh Christopher #9 of the Houston Rockets during the first half at Toyota Center on December 08, 2021 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
Carmen Mandato/Getty ImagesJames Harden – March 2021
Harden’s ugly exit from Houston created a bit of an awkward situation when he returned to the Toyota Center as a member of the Brooklyn Nets in March 2021. Many in the crowd cheered Harden in acknowledgement of his brilliant eight seasons with the franchise, but there was a notable number of spectators looking to jeer the former MVP. Harden didn’t seem to mind too much, registering his 53rd career triple-double in a Brooklyn victory.
Carlos Correa #4 of the Minnesota Twins walks out of the dugout in his first visit back to Minute Maid Park to face the Houston Astros on August 23, 2022 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
Carmen Mandato/Getty ImagesCarlos Correa – August 2022
The shortstop’s return in 2022 wasn’t met with the mixed emotions that marred Harden’s trip back to Houston. Correa received a flood of applause from the Houston crowd when he appeared at Minute Maid Park on Aug. 23, and he registered a hit in his first game back. Correa could now join his third franchise in the last three seasons this winter as he enters free agency. Regardless, expect Correa to continue receiving a hearty ovation from the Houston crowd whenever he returns next.
