Houston Texans honor Bob McNair’s legacy with Founder’s Day

FILE - Houston businessman Bob McNair, left, and NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue smile during a press conference in Atlanta, in this Wednesday, Oct. 6, 1999, file photo. Houston rejoined the NFL, paying a record $700 million for an expansion franchise. During Paul Tagliabue’s 17-year stint as commissioner, the NFL experienced labor peace, saw skyrocketing television deals, construction of new stadiums across the nation and expansion to the current 32-team makeup. Despite those credentials that continued pro football’s surge to the top of American sports, it took until a special centennial class in 2020 for Tagliabue to be voted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame after retiring in 2006. (AP Photo/W. A. Harewood, File) (W A HAREWOOD, 1999 AP)

HOUSTON – In honor of the late Bob McNair, the owner of the Texans who died in 2018, the franchise is holding its third annual Founder’s Day to commemorate his legacy.

The NFL awarded its 32nd franchise to the city of Houston and Bob and his wife, Janice McNair, on Oct. 6, 1999, so the team marks Oct. 6 as the day to recognize him.

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The Texans’ players, coaches, executives, and staff are partnering with Family Houston, a United Way agency that provides counseling to children across the region.

On Oct. 11, Texans players and coaches will host children from Family Houston-supported schools at NRG Stadium.

“Oct. 6 will always be one of the most memorable days for our family,” Texans senior chair and co-founder Janice McNair said. “No one was more excited for football to return to Houston than Bob. I’m so proud of our entire Texans family for coming together to honor his legacy each year in such a meaningful way.”

“One of my dad’s greatest joys was giving back to our community, especially the United Way,” Texans Chair and CEO Cal McNair said. “He and mom saw a need and jumped in to help solve it, forming an incredible partnership that has lasted more than 20 years. Being able to honor his legacy by celebrating Founder’s Day in this way is special and his dedication to the service of others continues to inspire our organization and our family today.”


Aaron Wilson is a Pro Football Network reporter and a contributor to KPRC 2 and click2houston.com


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