The Houston Texans Foundation was created in 2002 at the inception of the franchise. It was born out of Janice and Bob McNair's desire to do great things for Houston, especially Houston's youth. Since its inception in 2002, more than $51 million has been raised. The Texans Foundation leverages the power of football to strengthen community, support youth development and break down barriers to fundamental resources.

"Janice was an extraordinary mentor, inspirational role model and visionary leader," Texans chief community officer Hannah McNair said. "Giving back has always been the heartbeat of our organization and that started with Janice. I'm honored to carry her legacy and love of sports and community forward. She will be sorely missed and remain a shining example for us all."

Through The Robert and Janice McNair Foundation, Janice and Bob established McNair Scholars programs which recruit ttop students and faculty to the University of South Carolina, Rice University, Baylor College of Medicine, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston and Texas Children's Hospital. Their contributions to academic medical research, including a transformational gift in 2007 to Baylor College of Medicine support medical scientists who are innovating treatments for disease. The McNair Campus was named in recognition of their generosity. In 2015, the McNairs established programs at universities across the country to empower students with an understanding of free enterprise systems and with the entrepreneurial skills to create new enterprises. The McNair Institute for Entrepreneurism and Free Enterprise at the University of South Carolina serves as a model for entrepreneurism centers in higher education.

Janice McNair grew up in Orangeburg, South Carolina and participated in sports, choir and student government, president of the South Carolina Association of Student Councils and governor of the South Carolina Girls' State. She graduated from Columbia College in Columbia, S.C. with a degree in education and later received an honorary doctorate from Columbia College. She was a breast cancer survivor.

"Mrs. McNair was an incredible woman who will be deeply missed," Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said. "As a player, she and Mr. McNair built an organization that felt like a family and it was a true honor to play for them. I will always remember the day I came home to Houston in 2023. Mrs. McNair welcomed me back into the Texans family with open arms and her signature warm smile. We shared the same vision of bringing the organization to new heights and I will continue to work every day to accomplish that goal. My thoughts and prayers are with Cal, Hannah and their family during this time."

Janice McNair was joined on the field last season by Cal McNair, his wife, Hannah McNair, and Johnson, who presented her with a framed portrait of her and Bob McNair, was saluted for helping to bring back football to Houston.

McNair helped bring the NFL back to Houston in 2002 after the Oilers moved to Tennessee after the 1996 season.

“I could not have been asked to be drafted to a team with better ownership and that starts with Bob and Janice,” retired Texans linebacker Brian Cushing said at the time. “More so just from the personal relationship side and what they brought to the team and the players and the community. It was huge for them to bring football back to Houston. They were very passionate about it, but not only that, they were passionate about growing the community and making it a tighter-knit city. Everything they hoped to do, they’ve done and succeeded.”

Watt recognized Janice McNair on his social media account. Watt was in Pittsburgh working for CBS Sports as he called the Steelers’ game against the Indianapolis Colts.

“Mrs. McNair is one of the sweetest, kindest souls this great world has to offer,” Watt wrote. “I’m incredibly thankful that our paths have crossed and for all she’s done and continues to do for Houston. I wish I could be there today to celebrate her. Please give her a warm hug for me.”

Janice McNair was selected to receive the 2025 Houston Sports Awards Lifetime Achievement Award which recognizes individuals who have made a positive impact on the sports world and the Houston community. By receiving this honor, she joined a distinguished group of trail blazers whose contributions have shaped the city’s rich sports legacy and inspired future generations.

"We are deeply saddened by the passing of Mrs. McNair. She was a remarkable person whose kindness and compassion left a lasting impact on our organization," Texans general manager Nick Caserio said. "Her genuine care and the consistent support she constantly showed our players, coaches and staff will be remembered fondly. My thoughts and prayers are with Cal, Hannah and the entire McNair family during this most difficult time."

Janice McNair was been instrumental in the Texans’ charitable foundation launched in 2002 when the franchise was started. Since its inception, they have raised more than $50 million to help the community.

"Our Texans family lost a special woman today," Texans team president Mike Tomon said. "As the matriarch of our organization, Mrs. McNair's impact on the Texans, across the NFL and the game of football will last forever. It was a privilege to know her and she will be dearly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with the McNairs and all of our fans who loved her."

Aaron Wilson is a Texans and NFL reporter.

Chris Gordy