Chicago Bears issue statement on death of beloved NFL icon

The NFL lost a leading figure in the sport on Tuesday, and the Chicago Bears have joined the community in mourning.

The family of Janice McNair announced on Tuesday that the Houston Texans co-founder and senior chair had passed away at the age of 89.

“Mom was exceptional. She exuded kindness, radiated joy, had an endless amount of hope and love, and lived an incredible life centered around faith, family, philanthropy and football,” Texans chair and CEO Cal McNair said. “It’s impossible to describe the profound gratitude that my sisters, Ruth and Melissa, and I feel for having her as our mom. Outside of our family, nothing mattered more to her than her beloved Texans.”

Janice co-founded the Texans in 1999 with her late husband, Bob McNair. She became the principal owner of the team in 2018 when her husband died. Janice, in turn, transferred the ownership to her son, Cal, in 2024.

Last year, Janice was inducted into the Texans Ring of Honor to celebrate her legacy in the organization and the city of Houston.

Houston Texans co-founder and former owner Janice McNair looks on with son and Texans chief executive officer Cal McNair in the background.

Chicago Bears mourn the death of Houston Texans co-founder Janice McNair

The Bears took to social media to issue an official statement on McNair’s passing.

“The Chicago Bears are deeply saddened by the passing of Mrs. Janice S. McNair,” the statement read. “Through her foundational support in the creation and leadership of the Houston Texans, and her trailblazing work in her community, Mrs. McNair created a legacy comprised of grace, kindness and love that permeated throughout the National Football League. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the entire McNair family, the Houston Texans and all who mourn the loss of Mrs. McNair.”

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The Texans have never won a Super Bowl since the McNairs established the team in 2002. However, they have been to the playoffs nine times. This includes three consecutive trips to the Divisional Round over the past three seasons.

Last year, Houston defeated Aaron Rodgers and the Pittsburgh Steelers in the Wild Card Round. However, they fell to the New England Patriots in the Divisional Round, 28-16.