Texans head coach Bill O'Brien began his NFL career with the Patriots in 2007. He started as an offensive assistant and left the Patriots as offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach in 2011 to become the head coach at Penn State. 

Texans DE J.J. Watt and Patriots RB James White were teammates for one season at Wisconsin in 2010.

Texans DT Vince Wilfork played 11 seasons (2004-14) with the Patriots and helped them capture two Super Bowl victories.

Texans linebackers coach Mike Vrabel played in 157 games over eight years for the Patriots, including four Super Bowls. Vrabel helped the Patriots capture three Super Bowls in four years from 2001-04. Vrabel lined up at tight end and caught touchdown passes in two of those victories.

Texans QB Brian Hoyer was signed by the Patriots as a rookie free agent in 2009 and spent three years with the team. 

Patriots WR Keshawn Martin played in all 48 games of his three-year career (2012-14) as a Houston Texan and caught 38 passes for 416 yards and three touchdowns. Martin has 10 catches for 148 yards and a touchdown since New England traded for him on Sept. 16.

Texans defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel had two stints with the Patriots coaching staff. Crennel first served as the defensive line coach from 1993-96. He returned to the team in 2001 as the defensive coordinator. In his four years as the Patriots defensive play caller, New England captured three Super Bowl titles (2001, 2003 and 2004).