Sunday will feature a Texas rivalry with both teams under pressure. The Dallas Cowboys enter Week 4 at 1-2 after a late loss to the Baltimore Ravens, while the Houston Texans are still searching for their first win at 0-3. Both teams entered the season with much higher expectations, making Sunday’s Governor’s Cup an important early-season test.
The Cowboys travel to Houston for the October 4 matchup at Reliant Stadium (NRG Stadium), with kickoff set for 1 p.m. ET. Dallas needs to clean up the mistakes that cost it against Baltimore, while Houston needs more from an offense that produced only 223 yards in its Week 3 loss to Indianapolis.
With both teams trying to turn around their starts, the details around the game are worth watching, too. In this article, we will break down the announcers, the full officiating crew led by referee Brad Allen, and the Texans’ Week 4 jersey combination.
Announcers
- Play-by-play: Kenny Albert
- Color commentator: Greg Olsen
- Sideline reporter: Pam Oliver
There is plenty of experience in this booth. Albert is in his 33rd season with FOX in 2026 and is the network’s longest-tenured NFL play-by-play announcer. He has also called all four major U.S. professional sports namely, NFL, NHL, MLB and NBA — on a regular basis during the 21st century.
Olsen brings a former player’s perspective. The ex-Carolina Panthers tight end was a three-time Pro Bowler and two-time second-team All-Pro. He also won Sports Emmy Awards for his broadcasting work and called Super Bowl LVII alongside Kevin Burkhardt.
Referees
- Head Referee: Brad Allen
- Umpire: Marcus Woods
- Down Judge: Sarah Thomas
- Line Judge: Walter Flowers
- Field Judge: Anthony Flemming
- Side Judge: Chad Hill
- Back Judge: Tyree Walton
The crew also includes Replay Official Jim Van Geffen and Replay Assistant Randy Roseberry.
Allen is in his 13th season as an NFL referee in 2026, making him one of the more experienced officials on the league’s current roster. His career includes multiple postseason assignments; he entered the 2026 season having earned his seventh postseason assignment.
One notable name on his crew is Sarah Thomas, who is working as the down judge. Thomas has been a major figure in NFL officiating history and remains one of the league’s most recognizable officials. She is in her 12th NFL season in 2026.
Jersey Combinations
Houston is going with a look that has some history behind it. The Texans will wear a throwback-inspired combination honoring their 2002 inaugural victory over the Cowboys, when Houston won 19-10 in the first game in franchise history.
- Helmet: Navy blue
- Jersey: White
- Pants: Navy blue
- Socks: Red
