How J.J. Watt is helping Will Anderson Jr. become a star

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After the Texans' loss to Tampa Bay earlier this season, Will Anderson Jr. asked J.J. Watt for help. What followed was a 50-text, 2-hour session that offered tips on technique and the simple advice to just “be Will Anderson.” It was the start of a growing relationship between Houston’s former and future stars. Sam Warren has the story.

Please scroll down for the rest of this morning’s headlines.

Photo of Reid Laymance

Reid Laymance, Sports Editor

reid.laymance@houstonchronicle.com


Texans / NFL

Houston Texans defensive end Will Anderson Jr. (51) reacts to a sack with defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins (90) in the fourth quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars at NRG Stadium in Houston on Sunday, Nov. 9, 2025. Houston Texans won the game 36-29.

Photo by: Elizabeth Conley, Houston Chronicle

How J.J. Watt is helping Will Anderson Jr. reach new heights for Texans

Former Texans star J.J. Watt gives Will Anderson Jr. advice ranging from the technical to the simple. 'Go out there and be Will Anderson'

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  • Mailbag: The Texans could be getting a few key players back into their lineup on Monday against the Steelers in their playoff game.  Read More
  • The history: Monday's game is just the ninth between the Texans and Steelers and their first playoff matchup. Read More
  • The undefeated: Aaron Rodgers has gone nearly 20 years without losing to the Texans as he makes his sixth start against Houston when the playoffs begin in Pittsburgh. Read More
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Rockets / NBA

Tari Eason's tip-in was ruled to have come after time expired, sealing the Rockets' 103-102 road loss to the Portland Trail Blazers.

Photo by: Tom Hauck, Getty Images

Rally falls short

Houston had a shot to win at the buzzer in Portland but Kevin Durant's 20-footer missed and Tari Eason's putback was ruled too late.

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  • Too many breakdowns: Rockets coach Ime Udoka laments his team's "horrendous" defensive discipline that led to a loss in Portland. Read More
  • Injury report: Rockets center Alperen Şengün has made progress in his recovery from a sprained ankle, coach Ime Udoka said, and may return sooner than expected. Read More

College Basketball

Houston forward Kalifa Sakho (14) and center Chris Cenac Jr. (5) go after a rebound with Texas Tech forward JT Toppin (15) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game at Fertitta Center in Houston, Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026.

Photo by: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

'It's not for the faint of heart'

Houston won Round 1 against Texas Tech on Tuesday in another game defined by grit and toughness on both sides

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  • Ejections: After a battle for the basketball between UH and Kansas State players, a fight broke out and five players were ejected. Read More
  • Pardon the interruption: Texas A&M and Auburn played one of the wildest college basketball games of the year, then upset Auburn fans made it tough on Bucky McMillan to do his postgame interview. Read More

College Football

Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian looks at the scoreboard in the fourth quarter of the Longhorns’ game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Darrell K Royal Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Nov. 22, 2025.

Photo by: Sara Diggins, Austin American-Statesman

How A&M and Tech are beating UT in the portal, plus CFP picks | A Texas take

Nearly one week into the transfer portal and it's been Texas Tech and Texas A&M making the biggest signings. Plus, who will win CFP semis?

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  • UH tracker: The Cougars have started signing players to make up for those moving on in the transfer portal. Read More
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Golf

Mao Saigo, of Japan, celebrates her birdie putt on the 18th green during a playoff of the Chevron Championship LPGA golf tournament Sunday, April 27, 2025, in The Woodlands, Texas. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

Photo by: Ashley Landis, Associated Press

LPGA's Chevron Championship moving to Memorial Park from The Woodlands

The Chevron Championship, the first major of the LPGA Tour, will be played at Memorial Park after three years at Carlton Woods in The Woodlands.

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Chevron Houston Marathon

Spectators hold up signs near the finish line during the Chevron Houston Marathon Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025 in Houston.

Photo by: Michael Wyke, Contributor

What to know before you attend this weekend

The Chevron Houston Marathon is this Sunday in downtown and here's what to know about road closures, arrival times, parking and weather.

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  • Road closures, parking and how to get around: Street closures for the annual Chevron Houston Marathon will affect downtown and nearby areas Jan. 9–11. Here’s what drivers should know. Read More

Worth a read

• Jerry Jones’ desire to win hasn’t wavered. That’s evident in owner’s lofty retirement goal. (Dallas Morning News)

• Take a bow, college sports. You are broken in almost every way possible. (Yahoo!Sports)

• Lane Kiffin is cementing his weasel reputation in the Demond Williams Jr. saga. (Sports Illustrated)

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