The First Lady of Houston has passed away.
Janice McNair, the co-founder of the Houston Texans along with her late husband Bob McNair, died on Tuesday at the age of 89.
“Mom was exceptional. 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,” Texans Chair and CEO Cal McNair said in a statement. “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.”
Players and coaches have expressed their emotions since the news was released by the team on Tuesday afternoon, including Pro Bowl quarterback C.J. Stroud. Drafted No. 2 overall in 2023, Stroud posted on his social media his affection for the woman who brought football back to Houston.
“One of the sweetest souls I’ve ever been around!” Stroud wrote on his Instagram story. “Thank you for your kind words and sweet smiles every time I seen you!”
According to the Houston Chronicle, McNair died of natural causes at 89 years old. Alongside Bob, who passed away in 2018, Janice spent $700 million to secure a bid for the expansion franchise after the then-Houston Oilers left the city following the 1997 season.
“Mrs. McNair was an incredible woman who will be deeply missed,” Texans coach and former Pro Bowl linebacker DeMeco Ryans said in a statement released Tuesday. “As a player, she and Mr. McNair built an organization that felt like a family and it was a true honor to play for them. I will always remember the day I came home to Houston in 2023. Mrs. McNair welcomed me back into the Texans family with open arms and her signature warm smile. We shared the same vision of bringing the organization to new heights and I will continue to work every day to accomplish that goal.”
This fall will mark the team’s 25th season. The Texans open the season against the Buffalo Bills and likely will honor the matriarch of the Texans in Week 1.
This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: QB C.J. Stroud reacts to the passing of Texans co-founder Janice McNair
Reporting by Cole Thompson, Texans Wire / Texans Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Cole Thompson, Texans Wire | USA TODAY Network
