The Houston Texans announced that team Co-founder and Senior Chair Janice S. McNair passed away at the age of 89 on Tuesday, July 14.
Moving to Houston in 1960, Janice and Texans co-founder Bob raised four children and embarked on a lifelong career of giving back to the community.
“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.”
The McNairs were generous philanthropists, making education and medical research the cornerstones of their charitable giving. In total, Bob and Janice contributed more than half a billion dollars to charity.
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.
Last season, Mrs. McNair was inducted into the Texans Ring of Honor, becoming the fourth member all-time alongside Bob McNair, Hall of Fame wide receiver Andre Johnson and three-time Defensive Player of the Year J.J. Watt.
“Janice was an extraordinary mentor, inspirational role model and visionary leader,” Texans CCO and Vice President of the Houston Texans Foundation Hannah McNair said in a statement. “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.”
Raised in Orangeburg, S.C., Mrs. McNair graduated from Columbia College in Columbia, S.C., with a degree in education and later received an honorary doctorate from Columbia College.
She is survived by four children, 16 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren.
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Mrs. McNair,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said in a statement. “She was a remarkable person whose kindness and compassion left a lasting impact on our organization. Her genuine care and the consistent support she constantly showed our players, coaches and staff will be remembered fondly. My thoughts and prayers are with Cal, Hannah and the entire McNair family during this most difficult time.”
“Our Texans family lost a special woman today,” Texans team president Mike Toman said in a statement. “As the matriarch of our organization, Mrs. McNair’s impact on the Texans, across the NFL and the game of football will last forever. It was a privilege to know her and she will be dearly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with the McNairs and all of our fans who loved her.”
The Texans open the 2026 season at Reliant Stadium on Sept. 13 against the Buffalo Bills.
This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Texans co-founder, senior chair Janice McNair dies at age 89
Reporting by Cole Thompson, Texans Wire / Texans Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Cole Thompson, Texans Wire | USA TODAY Network
