Texans eliminate Deep Steel Thunder Brass and switch to drums only

The Texas football experience is legendary not only for the football, but also for the bands that play at the games. While only two NFL teams have their own marching bands, the Washington Commanders and the Baltimore Ravens, many have drum lines and pep bands. But it looks like the Houston Texans are making a change to theirs. According to a Change.Org petition seen on Facebook, it appears the Houston Texans’ Deep Steel Thunder pep band will be getting rid of the brass line and moving to just the drum line.

“Unfortunately, as of May 8, 2024, the leadership decided to eliminate the brass line and keep only the drum line. The decision was made “in the spirit of change”, “change for the sake of change “.”

– DST Petition Thunder Change.Org

It’s a strange decision to say the least. After a playoff campaign led by CJ Stroud, Will Anderson Jr and head coach DeMeco Ryans, a good free agency period, a uniform launch and a draft, you would think the team would want this much pep and of hype in everything moving forward.

This is not me trying to denigrate drumlines in any way. The Deep Steel Thunder have been a part of the franchise since day one, attending tailgates, community events, training camps, draft nights and so much for the Houston Texans and the Houston community that removing the brass seems like a flashback. The drum lines bring a lot of hype and energy, but the horns add to it.

As we prepare for training camp and potentially the 2024 season, it feels like this news dampens the hype a bit. We want NRG Stadium to be as loud as possible. We should want to have every opportunity to bring energy to the stadium, tailgating and the entire Houston community with what the Texans hope to achieve in 2024 and beyond. The future is bright and we should be happy and incredibly loud about it.

If you would like to sign the petition asking the organization to reconsider removing the Deep Steel Thunder copper line, you can find it here.