The Houston Texans are mourning co-owner Janice McNair. Her son and team owner Cal McNair is not the only one offering heartfelt words.

In the midst of preparations for the upcoming NFL season, the Houston Texans are sharing some sad news. Co-owner Janice S. McNair passed away on Tuesday, July 14, at the age of 89. She is survived by four children, 16 grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren.

After the death of her husband, Bob McNair, in 2018, she had taken over operations of the youngest of the current franchises, but handed them over to their son, Cal, as early as 2024. The 64-year-old paid tribute to her with these special words: “Mom was extraordinary. She radiated kindness, exuded a zest for life, had boundless hope and love, and lived an incredible life centered on faith, family, charity, and football.”

He continued: “It’s impossible to put into words the deep gratitude that my sisters Ruth and Melissa and I feel for having had her as our mother. Outside of our family, nothing was more important to her than her beloved Texans.” That is why it is also an honor for him to lead the franchise and carry on the foundation laid by his parents.

“My mother had a lasting impact on our family, our team, and our community; her generous spirit will forever remain firmly anchored in the DNA of our organization,” Cal McNair assures us: “Even though I feel deep sorrow, I take comfort in the thought that she is now reunited with my father—her favorite teammate.”

Texans Co-Owner McNair Dies: “Her Influence Will Live On”

Just last year, Janice McNair was inducted into the “Texans Ring of Honor.” She is the fourth member, following her husband and Texans legends Andre Johnson and J.J. Watt.

The statement also mentions the “Houston Texans Foundation,” which was established in 2002 at the start of the franchise at the McNairs’ initiative. More than $51 million has already been raised through this foundation. The announcement also highlights the “McNair Scholars” program, established through the “Robert and Janice McNair Foundation,” which aims to attract outstanding students and scholars to the supported universities and other institutions.

McNair held an honorary doctorate from Columbia College. A major victory in her life: she survived breast cancer.

DeMeco Ryans also speaks in the statement. The head coach says the McNairs “built an organization that felt like a family, and it was a great honor for me to play for them. I will always remember the day I returned to Houston in 2023. Mrs. McNair welcomed me back into the Texans family with open arms and her unmistakable, warm smile.”

Texans President Mike Tomon emphasized: “As the matriarch of our organization, Mrs. McNair’s influence on the Texans, the entire NFL, and the game of football will live on forever. It was a privilege to know her, and we will miss her dearly.”