HOUSTON — Cal McNair is now officially the principal owner of the Houston Texans, according to a statement released Tuesday morning.
“The Houston Texans mean so much to our family and I’m extremely proud that Cal will continue to lead the franchise moving forward.” Texans Co-Founder and Cal’s mother Janice McNair said. “He has done such a terrific job as our CEO and we believe this move is what’s best for everyone involved with the organization to secure our future under Cal’s leadership.
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Bob McNair, who served as the founder, senior chairman, and chief executive officer, since the NFL awarded Houston with a new franchise in 1999., died in November 2018.
Cal McNair has served as the Chair and CEO of the Texans since he assumed the role of chair in July 2018 and the role of chief executive officer in January 2019, according to the team’s website.
Prior to that, he had served as the franchise’s vice chairman since 2008 and its chief operating officer from 2012 through 2018. He has held a limited partner interest in the Texans since 2001.
Janice McNair said her late husband would support the move.
“I know how pleased Bob would be to see this and our fans should be incredibly excited about the direction we are headed,” she said. “I will continue to support Cal and the team in every way that I can and, of course, be rooting for us each and every week.”
Cal McNair also released a statement acknowledging his mother's contributions.
“I first want to acknowledge the incredible work my mom has done over the last five years since taking over,” he said. “She has been an inspirational leader for our family, our team and our community. I can’t thank her enough for the foundation she has helped build and her countless contributions both on and off the field.”
Cal McNair said it was an exciting time to be a Texans fans and that he is honored to lead the franchise.
“This move ensures the long-term stability of our franchise and we will continue to operate the way we have been over the last couple years, pursuing a championship for the City of Houston while doing great things in the community and for our fans,” he said.
The news came on the same day the team announced they would be playing in the Hall of Fame Game against the Chicago Bears on Aug. 1 to open the NFL preseason.
The Texans will also be celebrating the enshrinement of Texans legend Andre Johson, who will be the first Texans player inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.