Texans owner Bob McNair has died

By Aaron Wilson, Houston Chronicle

Updated 6:19 pm CST, Friday, November 23, 2018

NASHVILLE, TN - DECEMBER 3: Owner Robert McNair of the Houston Texans on the field before a game against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium on December 3, 2017 in Nashville, Tennessee. The Titans defeated the Texans 23-14. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
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NASHVILLE, TN - DECEMBER 3: Owner Robert McNair of the Houston Texans on the field before a game against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium on December 3, 2017 in Nashville, Tennessee. The Titans defeated
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Photo: Wesley Hitt/Getty Images

Photo: Wesley Hitt/Getty Images

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NASHVILLE, TN - DECEMBER 3: Owner Robert McNair of the Houston Texans on the field before a game against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium on December 3, 2017 in Nashville, Tennessee. The Titans defeated the Texans 23-14. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)

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Photo: Wesley Hitt/Getty Images

Texans owner and founder Bob McNair died Friday afternoon, the team announced.

McNair was 81 years old.

McNair had dealt with skin cancer for several years and spent time in a hospital this year. He had been away from the team for several months.

McNair's son, Cal McNair, is the chief operating officer and has been a fixture at practice and games for years.

McNair is survived by his wife, Janice, sons Cal and Cary, daughters Ruth and Melissa and 15 grandchildren and two great grandsons.

"Mr. McNair was an amazing man who made tremendous contributions to the NFL and the City of Houston," Texans coach Bill O'Brien said in a statement. "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 was awarded an expansion franchise on Oct. 5, 1999 by unanimous vote. The Texans' inaugural season was in 2002.

McNair was chairman of the NFL finance committee and a member of the audit, compensation and chairman committees.

McNair was a leading philanthropist, giving more than $500 million to scientific, literary, educational and faith-based organizations.

"We lost an incredible man today," Texans team president Jamey Rootes said. "Bob McNair had a positive impact on so many people's lives. 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.

"He was an amazing champion for Houston and worked hard to make sure our city received maximum value from the presence of the Texans and the NFL. Bob gave me an opportunity 19 years ago to be part of the creation of the Texans and he became my mentor, hero and father figure. We will all miss him dearly. Our thoughts and prayers are with the McNair family during this difficult time."

McNair founded Cogen Technologies and was senior chairman of McNair Interests, Palmetto Partners, Ltd. and RCM Financial Services, L.P. He was inducted into the Texas Business Hall of Fame in 1997 and the Houston Hall of Fame in 2010. Earlier this year, McNair became the sixth recipient of the Texas Sports Hall of Fame's Lamar Hunt Lifetime Achievement Award.

"I will forever be grateful to Mr. McNair for believing in me and caring about me as player and a person," former Texans Pro Bowl middle linebacker Brian Cushing wrote on social media. "It
was an honor to know him and witness all that he did to give back to our community. My thoughts are with Mrs. McNair, Cal and the entire McNair family."

McNair was a 1958 South Carolina graduate who moved to Houston in 1960.

"Today is a difficult day for the Houston Texans family and the entire NFL," Texans general manager Brian Gaine said in a statement. "Mr. McNair did so much for our organization and the City of Houston throughout his time as owner of the Texans. 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.

"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. My thoughts and prayers are with the McNair Family during this time."