- May 21, 2026
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NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell is remembering Texans co-founder Janice McNair for her role in brining pro football back to Houston and her leadership during the quarter-century since the Texans joined the NFL.
McNair, who died on Tuesday at the age of 89, founded and owned the Texans expansion franchise along with her late husband, Bob McNair.
"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," Goodell said. "Alongside Bob, she helped bring the NFL back to her beloved Houston and played an essential role in building the Texans into an organization that reflects the values they held dear-service, integrity, and commitment to community. Following Bob's passing, Janice served as controlling owner for six years and continued to provide steady leadership while remaining devoted to their family, Texans, their fans, and countless charitable causes. On behalf of the entire NFL family, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the McNair family, the Texans organization, and the Houston community."
The NFL accepted the McNairs' bid to make Houston the home of the league's 32nd team in 1999, and the Texans began play in the 2002 season. Bob and Janice McNair's son Cal McNair now serves as the Texans' Chair and CEO.
McNair, who died on Tuesday at the age of 89, founded and owned the Texans expansion franchise along with her late husband, Bob McNair.
"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," Goodell said. "Alongside Bob, she helped bring the NFL back to her beloved Houston and played an essential role in building the Texans into an organization that reflects the values they held dear-service, integrity, and commitment to community. Following Bob's passing, Janice served as controlling owner for six years and continued to provide steady leadership while remaining devoted to their family, Texans, their fans, and countless charitable causes. On behalf of the entire NFL family, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the McNair family, the Texans organization, and the Houston community."
The NFL accepted the McNairs' bid to make Houston the home of the league's 32nd team in 1999, and the Texans began play in the 2002 season. Bob and Janice McNair's son Cal McNair now serves as the Texans' Chair and CEO.