Houston Texans owner Bob McNair died Friday in Houston, the team announced. He was 81.
"It is with deep sadness that we announce Houston Texans Founder, Senior Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and philanthropist, Robert C. McNair passed away peacefully in Houston today with his loving wife, Janice, and his family by his side," the team said in a statement.
McNair was the reason and driving force for bringing an NFL team back to Houston after the Oilers left in 1996. In October 1999, NFL owners awarded McNair the 32nd NFL franchise. He also helped bring two Super Bowls to NRG Stadium: Super Bowl XXXVIII (2004) and Super Bowl LI (2017).
"Mr. McNair was an amazing man who made tremendous contributions to the NFL and the City of Houston," Texans head coach Bill O'Brien said. "He was a very caring, thoughtful and passionate individual. As much as he cared about winning, I think the thing I will remember most about Mr. McNair is the way he cared about the players. I know how much giving back meant to him, and his loyalty and generosity to the city of Houston and our community will never be forgotten. My thoughts and prayers are with Janice and the McNair Family."
For more than 25 years, McNair chaired The Robert and Janice McNair Foundation, the Houston Texans Foundation and The Robert and Janice McNair Educational Foundation.
According to the Texans, throughout his life, McNair and his foundations donated more than $500 million. McNair was also serving as the chairman of the NFL's Finance Committee.
The Texans' owner was the founder of Cogen Technologies, which became the largest privately owned cogeneration company in the world.
"It is with deep sadness that we announce Houston Texans Founder, Senior Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and philanthropist, Robert C. McNair passed away peacefully in Houston today with his loving wife, Janice, and his family by his side," the team said in a statement.
McNair was the reason and driving force for bringing an NFL team back to Houston after the Oilers left in 1996. In October 1999, NFL owners awarded McNair the 32nd NFL franchise. He also helped bring two Super Bowls to NRG Stadium: Super Bowl XXXVIII (2004) and Super Bowl LI (2017).
"Mr. McNair was an amazing man who made tremendous contributions to the NFL and the City of Houston," Texans head coach Bill O'Brien said. "He was a very caring, thoughtful and passionate individual. As much as he cared about winning, I think the thing I will remember most about Mr. McNair is the way he cared about the players. I know how much giving back meant to him, and his loyalty and generosity to the city of Houston and our community will never be forgotten. My thoughts and prayers are with Janice and the McNair Family."
For more than 25 years, McNair chaired The Robert and Janice McNair Foundation, the Houston Texans Foundation and The Robert and Janice McNair Educational Foundation.
According to the Texans, throughout his life, McNair and his foundations donated more than $500 million. McNair was also serving as the chairman of the NFL's Finance Committee.
The Texans' owner was the founder of Cogen Technologies, which became the largest privately owned cogeneration company in the world.
