Janice S. McNair, co-founder and chair of the Texans, dies at 89

Janice S. McNair, who co-founded the Houston Texans with her husband Bob, has died, the team announced Tuesday. She was 89.

"It is with profound sadness that we announce Houston Texans Co-Founder and Senior Chair Janice S. McNair passed away peacefully in Houston this afternoon with her family by her side," the Texans said in a statement.

Janice McNair was born and raised in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, but spent most of her life in Houston as her husband's right hand. Following the Houston Oilers' move to become the Tennessee Titans, the McNairs were granted an expansion franchise by the NFL in 1999, with the franchise official co-founded by both Bob and Janice.

She took over the Texans' organization in 2018, after Bob McNair's death. The McNairs' son, Cal McNair, was approved as the primary owner of the team in 2024.

"Mom was exceptional. She exuded kindness, radiated joy, had an endless amount of hope and love, and lived an incredible life centered around faith, family, philanthropy and football," Cal McNair said in the statement. "I remain honored to lead this franchise and build on the foundation my parents set when they brought football back to Houston. Mom leaves an indelible mark on our family, our team and our community, and her giving spirit will always be embedded in the fabric of our organization. While I'm heartbroken, I take great comfort in knowing she is now reunited with my dad, her favorite teammate."

Since their inaugural season in 2002, Houston has made the playoffs nine times and won the AFC South eight times. Janice McNair was inducted into Houston's Ring of Honor in 2025.

She is survived by four children, 16 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren, per the team.