Texans owner Bob McNair dies

Houston Texans owner and founder Bob McNair died Friday, the team announced.

"It is with deep sadness that we announce Houston Texans founder, senior chairman, and chief executive officer and philanthropist Robert C. McNair passed away peacefully in Houston today with his loving wife, Janice, and his family by his side," the Texans said.

McNair lobbied the NFL to bring a team back to Houston after the Oilers departed to Nashville and became the Tennessee Titans. After the city of Los Angeles failed to put a viable plan together for a new franchise, McNair's private company, Houston NFL Holdings, offered a $700-million bid for a new team, which the league's owners approved unanimously in October 1999.

"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, built a magnificent stadium that hosted two Super Bowls, and his beloved Texans are in the midst of another successful season are again contending for a place in the postseason," NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement.

McNair's son, Cal, who serves as the Texans' chief operating officer, is expected to take over ownership duties, according to NFL.com's Judy Battista.

Team president Jamey Rootes released a statement in the wake of McNair's death.

"We lost an incredible man today," Rootes said in the statement. "Bob McNair had a positive impact on so many people's lives. He was a role model as a father, husband, philanthropist, and businessman. 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."

McNair, born in 1937, made his fortune with Cogen Technologies, which he later sold to Enron in 1999 for $1.5 billion.