Janice McNair, Co-Founder and Senior Chair of the Houston Texans, is set to be inducted into the team’s Ring of Honor during halftime of the game against the Denver Broncos at NRG Stadium. This momentous occasion marks her as the fourth individual to receive this prestigious recognition, joining the ranks of her late husband, Bob McNair, and former team legends Andre Johnson and J.J. Watt.
Janice McNair has played an instrumental role in shaping the Texans’ identity since the franchise’s inception. Alongside her late husband, Bob, she was pivotal in transforming Houston’s football landscape, contributing not just to the team’s success but also to the community. After relocating to Houston in 1960, the McNairs dedicated themselves to building a sports franchise that would bring pride to the city and create a legacy of philanthropy.
In expressing her excitement about the induction, McNair stated, “I’m thrilled to join Bob, Andre and J.J. in the Ring of Honor. It means so much to me to be inducted alongside three of my favorite Texans. I have cherished every gameday since 2002, and I’m so proud of our team. It will be such a blessing to celebrate this special occasion with our amazing fans in November. Go Texans!”
Janice McNair’s impact extends far beyond the field. Through the Houston Texans Foundation, she and Bob have raised over $50 million for various local charities, strongly focusing on youth and community development. The couple’s total charitable contributions have exceeded half a billion dollars, benefitting education, medical research, and numerous local initiatives.
A breast cancer survivor, McNair remains a dedicated advocate for education and health-related philantropy. Her support has been instrumental in enhancing numerous Houston institutions, including the Houston Zoo, Discovery Green, San Jacinto Girl Scouts, United Way, and the Houston Symphony.
The McNairs’ generosity was especially evident during the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey when they donated $3 million to the United Way of Greater Houston for disaster relief efforts. In honor of their contributions, Baylor College of Medicine named its McNair Campus after the family.
This year, Janice McNair’s remarkable legacy was further acknowledged when she received the Houston Sports Awards Lifetime Achievement Award, which celebrates her significant influence on the city’s sports and philanthropic community.
The Houston Texans Ring of Honor stands as the highest honor awarded to individuals who have made a significant impact within the organization and the greater Houston area. Induction into this exclusive group recognizes the lasting contributions of former players, coaches, and executives, and Janice McNair is a quintessential example of such an impactful leader.