The Los Compas were honored as the Tailgaters of the Game before the win over the Colts on October 27. For them, it's their favorite memory as a tailgate.
But let's rewind it a few years to the humble beginnings of what's become a rocking party on Texans gamedays.
"A few friends were just having fun out of the back of a truck before a game, not realizing this would be the start of something bigger," Yoni Leal said. "By 2019, we knew we wanted to make it a tradition, so four of us bought season tickets. We called our tailgate "Los Compas" — a term we used daily, meaning "The Homies" in English. The name felt right, capturing the friendship and camaraderie at the heart of our group."
Now in 2024, the group has expanded to more than 30 members, with some as young as 4 years of age, and they all get going as early as 7 a.m. for noon kickoffs.
The Los Compas are unique for a variety of reasons, including their banner.
"In 2021, we officially branded our tailgate by creating a banner featuring an iconic image of Hall of Famer Andre Johnson giving Cortland Finnegan the business," Leal said. "It's become our symbol, representing the fierce loyalty and passion of Texans fans."
That fierce loyalty is fed in large part by H-E-B, and Leal described which of his favorites go into fueling the Los Compas Tailgate.
"It's hard to pick just one favorite H-E-B product because they have so many good ones," Leal said. "But if I had to choose, it would be their Texas Style BBQ Sauce. It's the perfect finishing touch for all our BBQ! An honorable mention goes to H-E-B's jalapeño kettle-cooked potato chips. They're a must-have!"
The Los Compas Tailgate will compete for the H-E-B Tailgater of the Year Award, which will be presented on Christmas Day, before the Texans host the Ravens.
