Jerry Jones Pays Tribute to Former Texans Owner Janice McNair

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones is mourning the loss of Houston Texans co-founder Janice McNair. The Texans announced on Tuesday that McNair passed away at the age of 89. Janice and her husband, Bob, brought an NFL franchise back to Houston in 2002. She was the primary owner for the Texans from ...

by Chris Rosvoglou

Jul 15, 2026

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones on the field.

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones is mourning the loss of Houston Texans co-founder Janice McNair.

The Texans announced on Tuesday that McNair passed away at the age of 89. Janice and her husband, Bob, brought an NFL franchise back to Houston in 2002. She was the primary owner for the Texans from 2018-2024 before her son, Cal, took over as the team’s chair and CEO.

Jones released a heartfelt statement this Wednesday regarding McNair and the impact she made on the NFL.

"Janice McNair, alongside her beloved husband Bob and family, brought the NFL back to Houston in the strongest of ways," Jones said. "She has been a dear friend to Gene and I and we cherish the many years we have known her and admired her so deeply. Most importantly, she was a shining example of how leadership, character and influence can extend far beyond the field by caring for her community, guiding with integrity and purpose, and establishing a heartfelt philanthropic ethos that is at the core of their franchise operating culture. Simply put, Janice McNair has been a gift to all of us and we will miss her greatly."

Dec 15, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans co-founder and former owner Janice McNair looks on with son and Texans chief executive officer Cal McNair in the background before a game against the Miami Dolphins at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

She made quite an impact for the NFL.

In addition to being the founder of the Texans, McNair donated more than a half billion dollars to charity. Her work off the field inspired the creation of the Houston Texans Foundation, which has raised more than $51 million for the youth in the Lone Star State.

“Janice McNair was a woman of extraordinary generosity, grace and faith, whose impact on the Houston community and the NFL will be felt for generations,” NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said. “Alongside Bob, she helped bring the NFL back to her beloved Houston and played an essential role in building the Texans into an organization that reflects the values they held dear-service, integrity, and commitment to community. Following Bob’s passing, Janice served as controlling owner for six years and continued to provide steady leadership while remaining devoted to their family, Texans, their fans, and countless charitable causes. On behalf of the entire NFL family, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the McNair family, the Texans organization, and the Houston community.”

Our thoughts are with the McNair family.