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Bob McNair, the owner of the Houston Texans since 1999 who brought professional football back to the city in 2002, has died,the team confirmed. He was 80.
Shortly after his passing, the Texans released a statement on Twitter and confirmed the news.
In addition to the team, Texans Head CoachBill O’Brien, General ManagerBrian Gaine, and PresidentJamey Rootesall issued a statement on behalf of the man who “did so much for our organization” and helped “build a winning” program.
“Today is a difficult day for the Houston Texans family and the entire NFL. Mr. McNair did so much for our organization and the City of Houston throughout his time as owner of the Texans,” Gaine said. “He cared deeply about the players, coaches and staff, and he gave all of us unwavering support to be successful. I remain humbled and honored for the leadership opportunity he provided me here in Houston.”
“He was a true family man and his sincerity and kindness extended to the families of this organization,” Gaine continued. “I will always remember the support he gave to the vision both Coach O’Brien and I share to help build a winning organization the City of Houston deserves.”
“It was a privilege to know and work for Mr. McNair and his impact on our organization as well as our sport will last forever,” Gaine finished.
Bob McNair.Dustin Bradford/Getty
Rootes echoed Gaines’ sentiments about the NFL team owner, who he referred to as his “mentor, hero, and father figure.”
“We lost an incredible man today. Bob McNair had a positive impact on so many people’s lives,” Rootes wrote. “He was a role model as a father, husband, philanthropist and businessman. He was the reason professional football returned to Houston and he stewarded our franchise with a laser focus on honesty, integrity and high character.”
O’Brien added in a separate statement: “Mr. McNair was an amazing man who made tremendous contributions to the NFL and the City of Houston. 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,” O’Brien continued.
Not only did figures in the organization pay tribute to the owner, but so did former president George H.W. Bush, who lived in the same city as McNair and considered him to be a close friend.
Aaron M. Sprecher/AP
Under McNair’s leadership, the Texans became the 32nd NFL franchise in 2002 and brought the 2004 and 2017 Superbowls to his NRG Stadium in Houston, according to theteam’s website. He first came up with the idea to bring the NFL back to Houston in 1999.
His philanthropy extended into the city of Houston and beyond, establishing The Robert and Janice McFair Foundation, The Robert and Janice McNair Educational Foundation, and Houston Texans Foundation, serving as a chair for over 25 years.
With all three organizations combined, McNair gave away more than $500 million to scientific, literary, educational, and faith-based charities, including $100 million to build the Baylor College of Medicine McNair Campus, the Texans said. The school later presented him with their first Pink Ribbon Hero Award for his commitment to fighting cancer.
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From the business side, McNair founded Cogen Technologies, the largest privately-owned cogeneration company in the world. For his work, he was inducted into the Texas Business Hall of Fame in 1997 and the Houston Hall of Fame in 2010, the Texans reported.
He was also behind a 1,947-acre thoroughbred horse farm and racing stable in Kentucky called Stonerside Stable, which housed over 275 racehorses, broodmares, yearlings, and weanlings. The successful stable went on to breed the winners of more than $50 million and 72 Graded Stakes, the Texans said.
Most recently, in 2018, McNair became the sixth recipient of the Texas Sports Hall of Fame’s Lamar Hunt Lifetime Achievement Award.
source: people.com
