Jerry Jones Shares Emotional Message After NFL Owner’s Death

The NFL community is expressing deep sorrow following the passing of Janice McNair, a pivotal figure in professional football and longtime leader of the Houston Texans. Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has been among those paying tribute, highlighting her remarkable contributions both on and off the field. Her influence extended well beyond team ownership, touching countless lives through dedication to service and community support.

The Houston Texans organization shared the news on Tuesday, confirming that McNair had died at the age of 89. Together with her husband Bob, she played a central role in restoring an NFL presence to Houston when the franchise launched in 2002.

Their efforts helped reestablish the city as a major hub for the league after years without a team.

McNair stepped into a more prominent position with the Texans in 2018, serving as the primary owner until 2024. At that point, her son Cal assumed the responsibilities of chair and chief executive officer, ensuring the family’s continued stewardship of the organization.

In response to the loss, Jones issued a moving statement on Wednesday that reflected on McNair’s lasting legacy.

“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.”

Jones’ words underscore the personal bond he shared with McNair and her family. Their friendship spanned decades, built on mutual respect for the values that strengthen both sports franchises and the broader communities they serve. Her approach to leadership emphasized compassion and purpose, setting a standard that resonated across the league.

Beyond her achievements in football, McNair demonstrated extraordinary commitment to charitable work. She and her family contributed more than half a billion dollars to various causes over the years. This generosity directly inspired the establishment of the Houston Texans Foundation, an initiative that has generated over $51 million to benefit young people throughout Texas.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell also offered a tribute that captured McNair’s profound influence.

“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,” 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.”

Her tenure as controlling owner after her husband’s death showcased consistent guidance and devotion to the franchise’s foundational principles. McNair balanced family priorities with her professional duties, always maintaining a focus on service and integrity that defined the Texans’ culture.

The outpouring of respect from leaders like Jones and Goodell highlights how McNair’s example transcended game-day results. She embodied a model of ownership rooted in character and community involvement, leaving an enduring mark on the sport.

As the NFL and Houston community reflect on her life, tributes continue to flow in recognition of a legacy built on generosity and vision. The McNair family’s contributions have shaped not only a successful franchise but also meaningful progress for youth and charitable efforts across the region.

Our thoughts remain with the McNair family during this difficult time, honoring a life defined by quiet strength and profound impact.