On November 19th, 2017, former Houston Texans wide receiver Andre Johnson became the very first inductee into the Texans Ring of Honor. This weekend, the ring will finally bear its second member, in the late owner and founder of the Texans, Bob McNair.
The Texans will hold a ceremony during halftime of Sunday’s home game against the Atlanta Falcons, to honor Mr. McNair and the indelible mark and legacy he left on his beloved city of Houston.
As with Johnson’s induction, the voice of the Houston Texans Marc Vandermeer will host the McNair family at mid-field to present them with a framed red blazer. Johnson will be standing alongside the McNairs during this ceremony which will conclude with Mr. McNair’s name being unveiled on the northwest 800-level Ring of Honor ribbon.
The organization has also revealed that they plan to celebrate Mr. McNair’s life and legacy every year from here on in on October sixth. This date will be known from now on as Founder’s Day at NRG Stadium.
The city of Houston was left without a team to call their own following the 1996 season when Bud Adams moved the Houston Oilers to Nashville, Tennessee. The now Tennessee Titans haven’t looked back since, but the city of Houston was left looking for a new start.
Mr. McNair was the man who gave the city another chance. On October sixth, 1999, the NFL returned to the deep south. Mr. McNair’s vision had been approved, and the Houston Texans were born.
Debuting in 2002, the Texans have gone on to win five division championships, while the purpose-built home of the franchise, NRG Stadium, has held two Super Bowls (XXXVIII and LI).
Sadly Mr. McNair never got to see his side don a Super Bowl ring. On November 23rd, 2018, Mr. McNair passed away at the age of 81.
Subsequently, it is only appropriate that 20 years to the day that Mr. McNair gave Houston its team back, becomes the day we remember all he did for the city, its people, and Houston’s future NFL legacy.
