Robert C. McNair was a Houston businessman, philanthropist and sports executive whose influence spanned business, professional sports and charitable endeavors. He was the founder, senior chairman and CEO of the NFL’s Houston Texans, bringing professional football back to Houston in 2002 and helping host Super Bowls XXXVIII and LI at NRG Stadium. Under his leadership, the Texans won multiple AFC South titles and achieved several franchise records. McNair also served on NFL committees, including the Finance Committee, Audit, Compensation and Chairman’s Committees.
McNair made his mark in business as the founder of Cogen Technologies, which became the world’s largest privately owned cogeneration company. He later managed McNair Interests and private investment firms, Palmetto Partners and RCM Financial Services, overseeing diverse equity portfolios. He was inducted into the Texas Business Hall of Fame in 1997 and the Houston Hall of Fame in 2010.
A dedicated philanthropist, McNair and his wife, Janice, led the Robert and Janice McNair Foundation, the Houston Texans Foundation and the Robert and Janice McNair Educational Foundation. Their charitable work supported medical research, education, the arts and community development in Houston and beyond. Initiatives included the McNair Medical Institute at Baylor College of Medicine, scholarship programs and contributions to schools, hospitals, arts organizations and disaster relief efforts.
McNair also found success in Thoroughbred horse racing as owner of Stonerside Stable, producing multiple graded stakes winners, including Derby winner Fusaichi Pegasus. He served on the boards of the Breeders’ Cup and Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association, and was a member of the Jockey Club.McNair received numerous honors recognizing his business, sports and philanthropic contributions, including the Texas Sports Hall of Fame Lamar Hunt Lifetime Achievement Award in 2018.
