Brian T. Smith: Houston is a better city because of McNair.
Franchise will be a lasting gift to the community from a generous benefactor
Bob McNair was so perfectly right.
We need the Texans. Houston isn’t the same without an NFL team.
In our public lives and private conversations. To watch, follow, love, yell at, wonder about and constantly obsess over.
Turn on your television and the Texans are staring back at you daily. Flip through the radio during the offseason and three stations are discussing the intricacies of the same team. Football city. Football state. Houston without an NFL identity after the Oilers? Unthinkable.
McNair saw, knew and felt that. We have the Texans because of his grand vision.
He was so much more than just an NFL team owner. Business leader, philanthropist, community man, husband, father. McNair and his charitable foundations gave more than $500 million to a wide assortment of scientific, literary, edu-
cational and faith-based organizations.
But the reason you know his name so well?
The powerful imprint that will be transferred to future generations, connecting millions of lives that otherwise would never share a single thought?
Houston’s Texans. “During his nearly two decades as an NFL owner, Bob McNair left a lasting mark on his city and our league. His leadership and determination brought the NFL back to Houston,” NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said Friday night in a statement, after McNair passed away at 81.
NRG Stadium and an NFL franchise on Kirby Drive. Two Super Bowls (XXXVIII and LI) in 14 years — the latter an instant, all-time classic — and international praise for the fourthlargest city in America. J.J. Watt, Deshaun Watson, DeAndre Hopkins and Andre Johnson. A resilient 7-3 team that has won seven consecutive games, leads the AFC South and will soon represent Houston versus the Tennessee (Oilers) Titans on “Monday Night Football.”
McNair played a pivotal role in all of the above. The football team that plays such a central role in our busier-than-ever lives was one of his proudest accomplishments.
“We lost an incredible man,” Texans president Jamey Rootes said. “Bob McNair had a positive impact on so many people’s lives. He was the reason professional football returned to Houston and he stewarded our franchise with a laser focus on honesty, integrity and high character. He was an amazing champion for Houston and worked hard to make sure our city received maximum value from the presence of the Texans and the NFL.
“Bob gave me an opportunity 19 years ago to be part of the creation of the Texans and he became my mentor, hero and father figure. We will all miss him dearly. Our thoughts and prayers are with the McNair family during this difficult time.”
We saw less of McNair during recent seasons, as he battled health issues. When the Texans began training camp for the 2018 season at The Greenbrier in West Virginia, McNair was noticeably absent. After years of taking an increased role in the Texans’ daily operations, McNair’s son, Cal, has been the primary figure this season in between coach Bill O’Brien and first-year general manager Brian Gaine.
But Bob McNair was also heavily involved in offseason discussions that led to O’Brien’s return and shaped the 2018 squad. And when the team started a new year in Week 1, there was a growing sense it was playing for more than just weekly victories.
“Mr. McNair was an amazing man who made tremendous contributions to the NFL and the city of Houston,” O’Brien said. “He was a very caring, thoughtful and passionate individual. As much as he cared about winning, I think the thing I will remember most about Mr. McNair is the way he cared about the players. I know how much giving back meant to him, and his loyalty and generosity to the city of Houston and our community will never be forgotten.”s
McNair badly wanted a true, lasting winner between the lines. He didn’t micromanage but was also more involved than most gave him credit for.
You can say the Texans are 117-149 since their 2002 debut. Point out they have three playoff wins in 17 seasons.
That would be completely missing the big-picture point.
The 2018 Texans are loaded with highly likable, charismatic stars. The franchise will win a Super Bowl one day. When the silver trophy is raised, McNair should be the first person fans and the organization thank.
“Can’t thank you enough for giving a kid from Miami a chance to live out his dream of playing in the NFL,” Johnson posted Friday. “My deepest condolences goes out to the McNair family.”
“Rest In Peace Mr. McNair,” Watt tweeted. “Thank you for giving myself and so many others an opportunity here in Houston. My thoughts are with Janice, Cal and the entire McNair family.”
“My prayers are with the McNair family right now! Thank you for the opportunity to represent your team,” tweeted Tyrann Mathieu, who decided the Texans were the right team for him this season.
McNair understood what we needed and saw what we were missing.
Houston is a better, bigger city because of McNair’s belief in the NFL and the Texans.