Influential Texans owner McNair dies
Robert “Bob” McNair, billionaire founder and owner of the Texans, died. He was 81.
One of the NFL’s most influential owners, McNair had battled leukemia and squamous cell carcinoma in recent years before dying in Houston on Friday. The team didn’t immediately release a cause of death, but said he died peacefully with his wife Janice and his family by his side.
When Houston lost the Oilers to Tennessee after the 1996 season, McNair made it his mission to return the NFL to the city. He formed Houston NFL Holdings in 1998, and on Oct. 6, 1999 he was awarded the 32nd NFL franchise.
The Texans began play in 2002. After several difficult building years as an expansion team, they won their first AFC South title and first playoff berth in 2011. They also won the division title a year later when they went a franchise-best 12-4.
“During his nearly two decades as an NFL owner, Bob McNair left a lasting mark on his city and our league,” NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement.
McNair came under fire in October 2017 after he said at an owners meeting, “we can’t have the inmates running the prison,” in reference to players’ demonstrations during the national anthem. McNair apologized, saying his comments were about the “relationship between the league office and team owners” and not the players. Josh McCown is stepping in for Sam Darnold again.
And, this matchup will be one for the aged.
The 39-year-old veteran quarterback will start Sunday for the Jets against the Patriots, the second game in a row during which McCown will be under center in place of the injured Darnold. McCown and 41year-old Tom Brady will be the second- oldest QB combo in NFL history at 80 years, 258 days.
Brady was limited during the week with a sore knee and didn’t practice and is listed as questionable, but he’s still expected to play. Only the Panthers’ Vinny Testaverde (44) and Packers’ Brett Favre (38) in 2007 would be older at 82 years, 44 days old.
McCown was a thirdround pick in 2002, two years after Brady went in the sixth round. The two have faced each other as starting QBs just twice, including once last year when the Patriots won 24-17.
“I think as young quarterbacks, you look around the league and talk about guys that you say, ‘Who is the standard or what do you want to model yourself after?’ And, how they go about it,” McCown said Wednesday. “I think Tom has certainly set that mark. So it’s been great to watch him and compete against him over these years because of how consistent he’s been year in and year out.”
Darnold strained his right foot Nov. 4.
QB Marcus Mariota likely will start the Titans’ game against the Texans on Monday. Mariota suffered a stinger during the Titans’ loss to the Colts last weekend. ... WRDoug Baldwin (groin) will be a gametime decision for the Seahawks’ game against the Panthers on Sunday.