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| Photo - Maria Lysaker - Imagn Images |
The late Bob McNair’s vision to bring the NFL back to Houston after the Houston Oilers’ departure to Tennessee in 1997 began as a dream fueled by the advice of one of his biggest supporters, his wife, Janice.
“Dad wanted to be sure he was doing the right thing by bidding for a franchise to bring back to Houston, and mom told him, ‘Go for it,’” said Houston Texans Chair and CEO Cal McNair exclusively to Big Sarge Media in 2024.
Having been married to him for 40 years at the time, Janice knew that when her husband set his mind on a goal, he usually achieved it, and her love for football fueled that passion.
In October 1999, the NFL awarded a franchise to founder Bob McNair and co-founder Janice McNair, and the Houston Texans’ inaugural season began in 2002.
On Tuesday, the Texans organization lost the matriarch of the franchise as the team announced that Janice McNair had passed away at the age of 89, from natural causes.
“Mom was exceptional,” said Cal McNair through a team press release. “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.
“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.”
As the Texans prepare for their 25th season as an NFL franchise, players and fans will never forget the impact Janice McNair had throughout the city of Houston, using her ability to bring about positive change in the community through various philanthropic efforts.
Contributions were made through The Robert and Janice McNair Foundation, the Houston Texans Foundation, and The Robert and Janice McNair Educational Foundation in Forest City, N.C. Janice served as a director of each foundation.
“Janice was an extraordinary mentor, inspirational role model, and visionary leader,” said Chief Community Officer and Vice President of the Houston Texans Foundation Hannah McNair about her mother-in-law. “Giving back has always been the heartbeat of our organization, and that started with Janice. I’m honored to carry her legacy and love of sports and community forward. She will be sorely missed and remain a shining example for us all.”
Inside Reliant Stadium, fans, family, and friends will always remember the McNair’s for helping revitalize the city through football.
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Houston Texans former player Andre Johnson (left) and chairman and chief operating officer D. Cal McNair (right) look on as senior chair Janice McNair (middle) addresses the crowd as late owner Bob Mc... Troy Taormina-Imagn Images |
In 2025, she became the fourth member of the organization to be inducted into the Texans Ring of Honor at a halftime ceremony in early November. Her name was placed in the rafters next to her late husband, Bob’s, and alongside Legends Andre Johnson and J.J. Watt.
Former Houston Texans linebacker and current head coach, DeMeco Ryans, had very kind words for Mrs. McNair at his weekly press conference last season, ahead of the ceremony in early November.
“I would say my fondest memory of Mrs. Janice is anytime I talk to her, she says, ‘Anytime you need a linebacker, I’m ready to go,’” said Ryans with a smile. “She loves football. She loves the Texans and she’s done everything in her power to make sure we have everything that we need as a team to be as successful as possible.”
Many current and former players for the Texans, the Houston Rockets, and the Astros organization, NFL owners, and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell took to their social media outlets to express their condolences to the McNair family and the Texans organization.