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By Scott McDonald
Deputy Night Editor
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Bob McNair, owner of the Houston Texans, died peacefully in his sleep Friday in Houston. He was 81.
McNair is credited with bringing the National Football League back to Space City after the longtime tenant Oilers left the Lone Star State for Tennessee, and eventually become the Titans.
Though embroiled in recent controversy regarding the national anthem, McNair's bringing back NFL football to Houston meant building NRG Stadium, which has hosted two Super Bowls (2004 and 2017), college bowl games and meaningful events for the Houston Rodeo.
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"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 Texans organization said in a statement.
The Houston Oilers left Texas for Tennessee in 1996, and McNair spearheaded the effort to bring the NFL back to town. As fate would have it, the Texans host the Tennessee Titans on Monday night.
Players and coaches, both past and present, chimed in to pay their respects for McNair.
"Mr. McNair was an amazing man who made tremendous contributions to the NFL and the City of Houston," Texans 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."
McNair and his foundations — the Houston Texans Foundation and The Robert and Janice McNair Educational Foundation — donated more than $500 million over the last 25 years. McNair was most recetly 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.
At an NFL owners meeting in 2017, McNair said, "We can't have the inmates running the prison," in reference to player protests to the national anthem. McNair later said his comments were about the "relationship between the league office and team owners," and not protests or the players.
Texans all-pro defensive end J.J. Watt, who himself has become quite philanthropic in the Bayou City, was quick to share his thoughts and emotions.
"Rest In Peace Mr. McNair. Thank you for giving myself and so many others an opportunity here in Houston. My thoughts are with Janice, Cal and the entire McNair family."
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said this about McNair in a statement:
"He cared deeply about the league and was generous with his time and willingness to share his insights as an exceptional businessman. But above all, Bob was a family man. I extend my heartfelt condolences to Janice, their family, the Texans, and the entire Houston community."
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