Bob McNair, the owner of the Houston Texans, passed away Friday in Houston at the age of 81. The team announced the passing of McNair on Twitter Friday evening.
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. pic.twitter.com/7J9PWoxKZv
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) November 23, 2018
Robert C. McNair, known commonly as Bob McNair, bought the Texans in 1999 when the NFL expanded to 32 teams. He was born in Tampa Bay and was raised in a small town in North Carolina. After college, McNair moved to Houston, the city where he would later help bring back an NFL franchise.
Some past and current Texans players shared their thoughts and condolences on upon hearing the news.
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.
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) November 24, 2018
My prayers are with the McNair family right now! Thank you for the opportunity to represent your team.
— Tyrann Mathieu (@Mathieu_Era) November 24, 2018
Can’t thank you enough for giving a kid from Miami a chance to live out his dream of playing in the NFL. My deepest condolences goes out to the McNair family. #RIP #houstontexans https://t.co/ZZim0X5oRd
— andre johnson (@johnson80) November 24, 2018
Bob McNair was caught up in controversy last year after comparing the NFL players to “inmates” when speaking at a meeting about player protests against police brutality. McNair later apologized and claimed that he was misunderstood. The team released a statement through Twitter.
Statement from Texans Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Robert C. McNair: pic.twitter.com/EXdwKZ4y4x
— Texans PR (@TexansPR) October 27, 2017
McNair later gave an interview to The Wall Street Journal where he said:
“The main thing I regret is apologizing,”
while maintaining that he was referring to league executives and not the players adding:
“I really didn’t have anything to apologize for.”
Bob McNair is survived by his wife Janice and four children.
