Cal McNair reflected on the legacy of his late father, Bob McNair, the Texans' original owner and co-founder, during a day of service, Texans Founder's Day, at the American Cancer Society Hope Lodge in Houston.
Bob McNair was known for his philanthropy in Texas, his native South Carolina and around the country throughout his ownership of the Texans. McNair died on Nov. 23, 2018 at age 81 after battling cancer for several years.
"I think he would really be proud of how the organization has all come together and been a part of this," Cal McNair said Wednesday during the second annual Founder's Day. "Today it's Hope Lodge, but it's a lot of other things that they do, the whole organization does. Players get involved. I think he would be smiling down. I know mom (Texans owner and co-founder Janice McNair) is excited. She was going to be here today, but sends her best wishes to Hope Lodge and all that we're doing."
The American Cancer Society Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation Hope Lodge, which will provide free lodging and support for those traveling to the Houston area for cancer treatment and is the largest facility of its kind in the United States. The 64-suite facility will be open all year and included a shared kitchen, dining areas, pantry, daily linen services, laundry facility, library and computer access. It will include support groups and computer access and opens in a few days. McNair was joined by his wife, Texans foundation vice president Hannah McNair, Toro and cheerleaders during a tour of the facility and delivered hygiene and welcome kits for residents with players, coaches, executives and staff writing letters of encouragement.
"It's exciting for us to be here on Founder's Day, celebrating dad's vision and mom's vision for giving back to the community," Cal McNair said. "There's no other place we would rather be today than Hope Lodge, which is going to open in the next few days and provides places for people that are receiving cancer treatments a place to say. Hopefully, making the world a better place and it's exciting for us to have this beautiful facility open up."
Aaron Wilson has covered the NFL for 20 years and has previously written for The Houston Chronicle and The Baltimore Sun. He’s on Twitter: @AaronWilson_NFL and Instagram: @aaronwilson7128