Texans announce death of owner Bob McNair

Houston Texans owner Bob McNair passed away on Friday, the team announced.

The announcement was accompanied by statements from president Jamey Rootes, general manager Brian Gaine, and coach Bill O’Brien, all of whom paid tribute to the owner.

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

McNair is the only owner in Texans history. In recent years, he was known for his controversial statements about protesting NFL players. He will be remembered, however, for spearheading efforts to bring the NFL back to Houston, which he successfully did in 1999. He oversaw their rise from expansion team into four-time AFC South champions, with a fifth division title looking like a real possibility this season.