Brandyn White of the Houston Texans on the Reverence of the Team’s Rebrand

And the mysticism of Michael Jordan

Brandyn has over 15 years of experience in multiple disciplines, including product, channel/partner and brand marketing across the software, telecom and sports industries. He is currently senior director of marketing for the Houston Texans. The NFL team recently completed its first rebrand.

We spent two minutes with Brandyn to learn more about his background, his creative inspirations and recent work he’s admired. 

Brandyn, tell us …

Where you grew up, and where you live now.

I was born in the New Orleans area but moved to Southern California as a kid. That’s where I spent the majority of my life before I moved to Houston two years ago for the Texans.

Your earliest sports memory.

Although I played sports and watched games on TV, the first professional event I attended was an L.A. Lakers game as a kid with my family. I remember Magic Johnson hitting a half-court shot at the buzzer right before halftime and the crowd went wild. It probably had no impact on the game, but that was my first experience seeing how much of an emotional impact sports has on people.

Your favorite sports team(s).

Houston Texans, of course!

Your favorite athlete(s).

I’ve gotten to meet quite a few current and former Texans players, and I have become a fan of them as unique individuals. However, as a kid growing up in the ’80s and ’90s, there was something mystical about Michael Jordan. He was almost superhuman in what he could do. I remember being amazed at his dunking ability and clutch performances.

Your favorite sports show or podcast.

30 for 30. This ties sports, life, relationships and so many other areas together in an engaging way.  

Your favorite sports movie and/or video game.

Madden. I used to play as a kid and as young adult. Now, my son has now gotten into the game and I play against him. The only drawback is that he always insists on being the Texans, so I never get to pick the team I work for.

A recent project you’re proud of.

Our 2024 rebrand. I have been part of rebrands in the past, but nothing compares to this. With sports, and especially an NFL team, there is so much emotion tied to changing anything related to the brand, the colors and the logo. As an organization, we handled this with the utmost reverence to ensure we respected the team and fans while also enhancing our identity.

Someone else’s project that you admired recently.

I’m a big fan of the new Uber Eats “Football Is for Food” campaign.

Play

What sports can do that nothing else can.

Sports has a unique ability to connect with people on a deep level. Not only do fans have a special emotional attachment to their team, but there is so much that can change on a week-to-week basis. Fans may feel low after a tough loss. Then, the next week, they’re riding high after an impressive win. Nothing else matches this.

What you’d be doing if you weren’t in the sports world.

I’d want to stay in the creative space. Maybe something in the music industry.