Founder McNair to receive Lifetime Achievement Award

Texans founder Bob McNair will receive the 2020 Lifetime Achievement Award at the Houston Sports Awards Presented by Insperity induction banquet Jan. 21 at Hilton Americas.

McNair, who died in November after a five-year battle with cancer, will be honored with the Houston Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2020 featuring Rudy Tomjanovich, Mary Lou Retton and Carl Lewis.

McNair, who was inducted into the Texans’ Ring of Honor at NRG Stadium earlier this month, will be the third recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award after former Rockets owner Leslie Alexander and President George H.W. Bush and Barbara Bush.

After the Oilers moved to Tennessee in 1997, McNair worked to return the NFL to Houston. He was the only person to pursue a team to replace the Oilers, and he was rewarded with an expansion franchise in 1999. The Texans debuted in 2002. McNair played an instrumental role in the construction of NRG Stadium, and his influence among NFL owners led to Houston getting Super Bowl XXXVIII in 2004 and Super Bowl LI in 2017.

McNair and his wife, Janice, moved to Houston from South Carolina in 1960. They were among Houston’s most generous philanthropists, giving more than $500 million to various charitable, medical and educational institutions through the decades.

After McNair’s death, Janice became the Texans’ controlling owner. Cal, one of her two sons, oversees the day-to-day operation of the franchise.

Tight end Fells making an impact

When the Texans signed veteran tight end Darren Fells in March, it wasn’t regarded as a big headline addition.

Known primarily for his 6-7, 270-pound size and blocking, Fells wasn’t initially considered a lock to make the roster.

Fells has defied expectations and started every game and already has 17 catches for 186 yards and three touchdowns.

“I wouldn’t say it surprised me,” Texans offensive coordinator Tim Kelly said. “He’s a very talented player, and his basketball background kind of gives him some unique talents. He’s doing a good job of going out there and playing well and catching the balls that Deshaun’s throwing to him.”

Raiders look forward to Johnson’s return

It’s been a rough start for Raiders rookie cornerback Isaiah Johnson.

A fourth-round draft pick from the University of Houston, Johnson suffered a facial bone fracture and a concussion during the season.

On injured reserve designated to return, Johnson won’t be playing against the Texans, but the Raiders like Johnson’s upside.

“He’s got great size,” Raiders coach Jon Gruden said. “We liked him a lot. We coached the Senior Bowl, saw him every day, competed against him. He and

Trayvon Mullen, the two kids that we drafted, are going to get an opportunity here in the second half of the season.”

QB McGough has upgraded salary

The Texans value having quarterback Alex McGough on the team. Although he is not on the active roster, they are paying him the upgraded practice squad salary since re-signing him Saturday.

McGough is being paid $320,298 for the remainder of the season at a rate of $29,118 per week, according to NFL Players Association records.

McGough was previously paid the standard practice squad rate of $20,000 per week.