Texans Co-Founder Janice S. McNair Dies at 89

The Houston Texans have announced that franchise co-founder and Senior Chair Janice S. McNair died Tuesday afternoon at the age of 89.

Texans Chair and CEO Cal McNair released a statement after the passing of his mother.

"Mom was exceptional. She exuded kindness, radiated joy, had an endless amount of hope and love, and lived an incredible life centered around faith, family, philanthropy and football," McNair said. "It's impossible to describe the profound gratitude that my sisters, Ruth and Melissa, and I feel for having her as our mom. Outside of our family, nothing mattered more to her than her beloved Texans. I remain honored to lead this franchise and build on the foundation my parents set when they brought football back to Houston. Mom leaves an indelible mark on our family, our team and our community, and her giving spirit will always be embedded in the fabric of our organization. While I'm heartbroken, I take great comfort in knowing she is now reunited with my dad, her favorite teammate."

McNair and her husband, Houston entrepreneur Bob McNair, brought the Texans to Houston in 1999 when the NFL awarded the city its 32nd franchise. They replaced a professional football void after the Oilers left Houston for Tennessee in 1997 and eventually became the Titans.

The Texans began play in 2002 and are currently enjoying a three-year run of success featuring a trio of postseason wins and AFC Divisional Round appearances.

McNair is one of four people to be inducted into the Texans' Ring of Honor alongside her husband and a pair of Texans legends in wide receiver Andre Johnson and edge-rusher J.J. Watt.

"Mrs. McNair was an incredible woman who will be deeply missed," Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans said.

"As a player, she and Mr. McNair built an organization that felt like a family and it was a true honor to play for them. I will always remember the day I came home to Houston in 2023. Mrs. McNair welcomed me back into the Texans family with open arms and her signature warm smile. We shared the same vision of bringing the organization to new heights and I will continue to work every day to accomplish that goal. My thoughts and prayers are with Cal, Hannah and their family during this time."

McNair is survived by four children, 16 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren.