The Houston Texans will be this year's team on HBO's "Hard Knocks."

This marks the first time the Texans are the subject of the show, which dates back to 2001.

J.J. Watt and the Texans made a cameo on the show last season when the Atlanta Falcons were the team on the show.

The show has featured the Ravens, Chiefs, Jets, Dolphins and Falcons one time each. The Cowboys and the Bengals have each been featured twice.

The Houston Texans have signed Whitney Mercilus to a four-year, $26 million extension. The deal has $10.5 million in guaranteed money.

Mercilus has 18 sacks in three seasons, although he hasn't been a consistent pass rusher.

Mercilus was a first rounder in the 2012 NFL Draft.