- May 21, 2026
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Janice McNair, the co-founder and Senior Chair of the Houston Texans, has died. She was 89.
The Texans announced Mrs. McNair's passing on Tuesday afternoon.
She founded the NFL's 32nd franchise in 2002 with her husband, Bob. The Texans brought the NFL back to Houston, following the relocation of the Oilers to Tennessee in 1997.
Bob McNair passed in 2018, at the age of 81. Janice served as primary owner of the team following Bob's death. She transferred the role to her son, Cal, in 2024.
"Mom was exceptional," Cal said in a statement issued by the team." 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. 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.”
She is survived by four children, sixteen grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren.
We extend our condolences to the McNair family and the Texans organization.
The Texans announced Mrs. McNair's passing on Tuesday afternoon.
She founded the NFL's 32nd franchise in 2002 with her husband, Bob. The Texans brought the NFL back to Houston, following the relocation of the Oilers to Tennessee in 1997.
Bob McNair passed in 2018, at the age of 81. Janice served as primary owner of the team following Bob's death. She transferred the role to her son, Cal, in 2024.
"Mom was exceptional," Cal said in a statement issued by the team." 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. 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.”
She is survived by four children, sixteen grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren.
We extend our condolences to the McNair family and the Texans organization.