Talk with Bob McNair

Bob McNair, full name Robert C. McNair (1937-2018), was an American businessman and sports team owner, most notably recognized as the owner of the Houston Texans, a National Football League (NFL) team. McNair was instrumental in bringing the NFL back to Houston after the city's previous team, the Houston Oilers, moved to Tennessee in 1997, becoming the Tennessee Titans.

Bob McNair founded the Texans in 1999, and the team began playing in 2002. His efforts were pivotal in establishing a new NFL franchise and building the NRG Stadium (initially known as Reliant Stadium), a state-of-the-art sporting facility in Houston. Beyond football, McNair was also involved in other business ventures, particularly in energy, through his company Cogen Technologies, which was sold in 1999.

McNair was known for his philanthropic efforts, contributing to a variety of educational, scientific, and cultural organizations. He and his family have been significant donors endorsing a range of causes, including medical research, higher education, and the arts.

Bob McNair was well-known for his philanthropic efforts, particularly in the areas of education, medical research, and the arts. Some notable contributions include:

1. Education: McNair was a significant supporter of educational initiatives. His philanthropy included substantial donations to his alma mater, the University of South Carolina, where the McNair Center for Aerospace Innovation and Research was named in his honor. He also contributed to programs aimed at improving educational opportunities for underprivileged youth.

2. Medical Research: McNair and his wife, Janice, contributed generously to medical research. They were major donors to the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas, where the Janice and Robert McNair Hall is located. They also supported the creation of the McNair Medical Institute, which aims to advance understanding of various diseases and to expedite the development of treatment.

3. Arts and Community: The McNairs were known for their contributions to the arts and broader community initiatives. They supported the Houston Zoo, the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, and various other cultural and public service organizations.

4. Disaster Relief and Recovery: After events like Hurricane Harvey, McNair contributed millions toward relief and recovery efforts, demonstrating a commitment to aid in the immediate needs of affected communities.

Clearly, Bob McNair's philanthropic efforts spanned a diverse array of fields, emphasizing his commitment to improving society and supporting his community in various meaningful ways.

Bob McNair was involved in several businesses throughout his career, besides his most famous role as the founder, owner, and chairman of the Houston Texans NFL team. He made his initial fortune in energy, founding Cogen Technologies, which was one of the largest privately-owned cogeneration companies in the world before he sold it in 1999. He also was involved in other ventures; including real estate, and technology investments through his private investment firm, Palmetto Partners, and later, the McNair Group. These diverse business interests contributed significantly to his reputation as a successful entrepreneur.

Bob McNair, as the founder and owner of the Houston Texans, made several significant decisions that shaped the franchise. One of his most crucial decisions was successfully securing the NFL franchise for Houston in 1999 after the city's previous team, the Houston Oilers, moved to Tennessee. This was a pivotal moment not only for McNair but also for the city of Houston, restoring NFL football to a community that had felt its loss deeply.

McNair also played a key role in the construction of NRG Stadium (originally named Reliant Stadium), which opened in 2002. This state-of-the-art facility was the first NFL stadium with a retractable roof, setting a precedent for future stadium designs.

In terms of team management, McNair was involved in the hiring of key personnel, including general managers and head coaches, throughout his tenure. He hired Charley Casserly as the first general manager, who then helped select Dom Capers as the first head coach. These decisions were foundational in building the team's competitive structure and culture.

Additionally, McNair’s commitment to the Texans and the NFL was reflected in his involvement in league affairs, particularly in committees such as the NFL's Finance Committee and the Audit Committee, where he influenced broader league policies and financial decisions.

Overall, McNair's major decisions revolved around establishing the Texans as a competitive and viable NFL team, focusing heavily on infrastructure, leadership, and organizational culture.

Bob McNair, the founder and owner of the Houston Texans, was known for his thoughtful and business-savvy approach to team management and leadership. He emphasized stability, integrity, and character in building the team's management and staff. McNair believed in hiring competent people and giving them the autonomy to do their jobs, though he was also involved in major decisions.

McNair valued community involvement and the role of the team in fostering a positive community spirit. He set a tone for the organization that reflected his own values of hard work, respect, and philanthropy. Under his ownership, the Texans were known for their family-friendly environment and their commitment to charity and community service.

In terms of team performance, McNair strived for long-term success and was patient with results, focusing on building a consistently competitive team. However, his approach also faced criticism, particularly concerning decisions around personnel continuity versus needed changes to achieve better results on the field.

Bob McNair established the Houston Texans due to his strong desire to bring NFL football back to Houston after the city lost the Houston Oilers to Nashville, where they became the Tennessee Titans. McNair saw an opportunity when the NFL expressed interest in adding new teams. He successfully led a bid to secure an NFL franchise for Houston, which included a significant financial commitment, culminating with the NFL owners voting in favor of granting him the franchise rights in 1999. This decision was fueled by both McNair's passion for football and his intent to revitalize the local sports scene and economy. Thus, the Houston Texans were founded and began play in the 2002 NFL season.

Bob McNair, as the former owner of the Houston Texans, made many public statements and addresses to the team over his tenure. However, one of his most controversial comments came in 2017 during an NFL owners meeting. He used the phrase "we can't have the inmates running the prison" when discussing player protests during the national anthem. This comment was widely criticized for its insensitivity and perceived implications. McNair later apologized, stating that he was not referring to the players, but rather to the relationship between the league office and team owners and that he regretted the choice of words.

Bob McNair passed away on November 23, 2018, at the age of 81. He was the founder and owner of the Houston Texans, an NFL team, and a notable philanthropist. His wife, Janice McNair, is still involved with the Houston Texans and their philanthropic efforts, continuing the legacy and community activities they both valued.

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