NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has paid tribute to Texans co‑founder Janice McNair, highlighting her pivotal role in bringing professional football back to Houston and her quarter‑century of leadership since the team’s NFL debut.
McNair, who passed away on Tuesday at the age of 89, established and owned the franchise alongside 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. “Together with Bob, she helped return the NFL to Houston and built the Texans into an organization embodying service, integrity and community commitment. After Bob’s death, she served as controlling owner for six years, providing steady leadership while remaining devoted to her family, the team, its fans and numerous charitable causes. On behalf of the NFL family, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the McNair family, the Texans organization and the Houston community.”
The NFL approved the McNairs’ proposal to locate the league’s 32nd team in Houston in 1999, with the Texans commencing play in the 2002 season. Their son, Cal McNair, now serves as the team’s Chair and CEO.
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