sports
Houston Texans co-founder Janice S. McNair dies at 89; son Cal becomes principal owner
Janice S. McNair, co-founder and senior chair of the Houston Texans, died Tuesday in Houston at age 89. She became principal owner after her husband Bob McNair's death in 2018 and helped return the NFL to the city.
Jul 14, 8:47 PM·1m read3 sources
AD
profootballtalk.nbcsports.comAudio version
Tap play to generate a narrated version.
Developing·Limited corroboration so far. This page will refresh as more sources emerge.
Houston Texans co-founder and senior chair Janice S. McNair died Tuesday in Houston at age 89, the team announced. She passed away peacefully with her family by her side. McNair became the team's principal owner after her husband Bob McNair died in November 2018.
She and Bob played a pivotal role in bringing an NFL franchise back to Houston after the Oilers departed in 1996. The Texans began play in 2002 and hold a record of 174-214-1 with seven playoff wins and eight AFC South titles. In March 2024, NFL owners approved her son Cal McNair as the new franchise principal owner.
"Janice McNair was a woman of extraordinary generosity, grace and faith, whose impact on the Houston community and the NFL will be felt for generations," NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said. " Texans chair and CEO Cal McNair said she exuded kindness and radiated joy. "Outside of our family, nothing mattered more to her than her beloved Texans," he said.
Head coach DeMeco Ryans called her an incredible woman who built an organization that felt like a family. Former player J.J. Watt posted that all who were graced with her presence and kindness are better for it.
McNair is survived by four children, 16 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.
