TEXANS OWNER BOB MCNAIR DIES
Robert “Bob” McNair, owner and founder of the Houston Texans, has died.
McNair fought leukemia and squamous cell carcinoma for several years, before his death on Friday, at the age of 81.
The Houston Texans issued a statement late Friday afternoon, saying he “passed away peacefully in Houston with his loving wife, Janice, and his family by his side”.
Janice McNair will assume ownership of the Texans, and their son D. Cal McNair, who is chairman and chief operating officer, will take over daily operations.
When the city lost the Oilers to Tennessee following the 1996 season, McNair worked to bring football back to Houston. In 1998, he formed Houston NFL Holdings, and he was awarded the 32nd NFL franchise on October 6, 1999.
Players, coaches, and public officials mourned his death Friday. Former President H.W. Bush said in a statement that McNair was “one of the kindest and most generous people anywhere”. Texans defensive end J.J. Watt sent out a tweet thanking McNair for giving him and others an opportunity in Houston. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said McNair “left a lasting mark on his city and our league”.
The Texans currently have a 7-3 record, and will host Tennessee in Houston Monday night. KWHI will air the game beginning at 6:45 p.m.