Janice S. McNair, co-founder and Senior Chair of the Houston Texans, passed away peacefully on Tuesday afternoon at the age of 89, the team announced. She is survived by her four children, 16 grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren.
Her son, Cal McNair, who is the Texans Chair and CEO, released a statement expressing profound gratitude for his mother. He highlighted her life, centered on faith, family, philanthropy, and football, and noted that nothing mattered more to her than her beloved Texans outside of her family. Cal McNair also stated his honor in leading the franchise and building upon the foundation his parents established when they brought football back to Houston.
A Legacy of Philanthropy and Community Impact
Janice and her late husband, Bob McNair, moved to Houston in 1960 and dedicated their lives to community giving. Together, they contributed more than half a billion dollars to charity, primarily focusing on education and medical research. These contributions were channeled through various organizations, including The Robert and Janice McNair Foundation, the Houston Texans Foundation, and The Robert and Janice McNair Educational Foundation in Forest City, N.C. Janice McNair served as a director for each of these foundations.
The Houston Texans Foundation, established in 2002 at the inception of the franchise, was a testament to Janice and Bob’s desire to positively impact Houston, particularly its youth. Since its creation, the foundation has raised over $51 million to foster hope in the community, utilizing the power of football to strengthen youth development and provide access to fundamental resources.
Through The Robert and Janice McNair Foundation, the McNairs initiated McNair Scholars programs. These programs aim to attract talented students and faculty to institutions such as the University of South Carolina, Rice University, Baylor College of Medicine, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, and Texas Children’s Hospital. A significant gift in 2007 to Baylor College of Medicine supported medical scientists in developing innovative disease treatments, leading to the naming of the McNair Campus in recognition of their generosity. In 2015, they also established programs at universities nationwide to equip students with an understanding of free enterprise systems and entrepreneurial skills, with the McNair Institute for Entrepreneurism and Free Enterprise at the University of South Carolina serving as a model.
Remembering the Matriarch of the Texans
In 2025, Janice McNair was inducted as the fourth member of the Texans Ring of Honor. During a halftime ceremony, fans acknowledged her role in bringing football back to Houston and her lasting impact. Her name was placed in the rafters alongside her late husband, Bob, and team legends Andre Johnson and J.J. Watt.
Hannah McNair, Chief Community Officer and Vice President of the Houston Texans Foundation, described Janice McNair as an extraordinary mentor, inspirational role model, and visionary leader. She emphasized that giving back was always at the core of the organization, a principle initiated by Janice, and expressed her commitment to carrying forward this legacy of love for sports and community.
Houston Texans Head Coach DeMeco Ryans shared his sentiments, remembering Mrs. McNair as an incredible woman who built an organization that felt like a family. He recalled her warm welcome upon his return to Houston in 2023 and affirmed his dedication to achieving the shared vision of elevating the organization. Nick Caserio, Texans Executive Vice President and General Manager, also expressed deep sadness, highlighting her kindness, compassion, and consistent support for players, coaches, and staff. Texans President Mike Tomon noted her lasting impact on the Texans, the NFL, and the game of football, calling her the matriarch of the organization.
Janice McNair grew up in Orangeburg, S.C., where she was active in sports, choir, and student government, serving as president of the South Carolina Association of Student Councils and governor of the South Carolina Girls’ State. She graduated from Columbia College in Columbia, S.C., with a degree in education and later received an honorary doctorate from the institution. She was also a breast cancer survivor.
Following the passing of her husband, Bob, in 2018, Janice McNair served as the primary owner of the team before transferring the role to her son, Cal, in 2024. Her presence at team practices, including just a few weeks prior to her passing, was noted, where she would cheerfully greet those around her while making notes on the roster.
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Source: click2houston.com
Mason Reed
Sports reporter covering football, basketball and international competitions.