The NFL community is in mourning this week following the passing of Janice McNair, the matriarch and co-founder of the Houston Texans. At 89, McNair leaves behind a legacy that stretches far beyond the gridiron, and few have felt the loss more acutely than Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones.
Jones, who has known the McNair family for decades, released a heartfelt statement on Wednesday reflecting on her profound influence. “Janice McNair, alongside her beloved husband Bob and family, brought the NFL back to Houston in the strongest of ways,” Jones said. “She has been a dear friend to Gene and I and we cherish the many years we have known her and admired her so deeply.”
The McNairs were instrumental in returning professional football to Houston after the Oilers relocated in 1996. When the Texans debuted in 2002, it was the culmination of years of determination and vision. Janice McNair took the reins as primary owner from 2018 to 2024, before her son Cal assumed the role of chair and CEO.
Jones, who has navigated his own share of stadium controversies, emphasized that McNair’s impact went well beyond the sport. “Most importantly, she was a shining example of how leadership, character and influence can extend far beyond the field by caring for her community, guiding with integrity and purpose, and establishing a heartfelt philanthropic ethos that is at the core of their franchise operating culture,” he added.
Indeed, McNair’s charitable work was staggering. She donated more than half a billion dollars to various causes, and her efforts inspired the creation of the Houston Texans Foundation, which has raised over $51 million for youth programs across Texas. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell also paid tribute, calling her “a woman of extraordinary generosity, grace and faith.”
The loss resonates especially in Dallas, where Jones has often spoken about the camaraderie among NFL owners. The Cowboys and Texans share a fierce but respectful rivalry, and McNair’s steady hand helped shape the league’s modern era. As Jones put it, “Simply put, Janice McNair has been a gift to all of us and we will miss her greatly.”
Her passing also serves as a reminder of the human side of professional sports. While the league often focuses on roster moves and suspensions, moments like these underscore the enduring bonds that tie the NFL family together. The McNair family has requested privacy during this difficult time, but the outpouring of support from across the sports world has been overwhelming.
Janice McNair is survived by her sons Cal and Bob Jr., along with numerous grandchildren. Her legacy will live on not only in the Texans franchise but in the countless lives she touched through her generosity and leadership.
