Smith: Texans, NFL are Bob McNair's lasting gifts in Houston

Bob McNair was absolutely right.

We need Texans.

Houston is not the same without an NFL team.

In our public lives and our private conversations. Watch, follow, love, scream, marvel and be constantly obsessed.

Turn on your television and the Texans are watching you every day. Flip through the radio during the off-season and three stations discuss the intricacies of the same team.

Football town. State of the football.

Houston without identity in the NFL after the Oilers? Unthinkable.

McNair saw, knew, and felt that. We have Texans because of his great vision.

He was so much more than a mere owner of an NFL team. Business leader, philanthropist, community man, husband, father. McNair and his charitable foundations have donated more than $ 500 million to a wide range of scientific, literary, educational and faith-based organizations.

But why do you know his name so well?

The powerful footprint that will be transferred to future generations, connecting millions of lives that would otherwise never share a single thought?

Houston Texans.

"For nearly two decades as an owner of the NFL, Bob McNair has left a lasting mark on his city and league. His leadership and determination have brought the NFL back to Houston, "NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said on Friday when McNair died at the age of 81.

NRG Stadium and an NFL franchise on Kirby Drive. Two Super Bowls (XXXVIII and LI) in 14 years – the last being an instant and unprecedented classic – and international praise for the fourth largest city in America. J.J. Watt, Deshaun Watson, DeAndre Hopkins and Andre Johnson. A resilient 7-3 team that has won seven straight games, leads the AFC South and will soon represent Houston against the Tennessee Titans (Oilers) in "Monday Night Football".

McNair played a vital role in all of the above. The football team that plays such a central role in our busier lives than ever has been one of its greatest achievements.

"We lost an incredible man," said Texan president Jamey Rootes. "Bob McNair has had a positive impact on the lives of many people. He was the reason why professional football came back to Houston and he managed our franchise with a laser focus on honesty, integrity and high character. He was an incredible champion for Houston and was working hard to ensure that our city receives the maximum benefit from the presence of the Texans and the NFL.

"Bob, 19 years ago, gave me the opportunity to be part of the creation of the Texans and he became my mentor, my hero and my father figure. We will all miss him tremendously. Our thoughts and prayers are with the McNair family in these difficult times. "

We have seen less McNair in recent seasons as he struggled with health problems. When the Texans started their training camp for the 2018 season at the Greenbrier in West Virginia, McNair was visibly absent. After years of increased role in the Texans' day-to-day operations, McNair's son, Cal, was the mainstay of the season between his coach Bill O'Brien and his freshman general manager, Brian Gaine.

But Bob McNair was also very involved in the post-season discussions that led to O'Brien's return and the formation of the 2018 team. And when the team entered the new year of the first week, we felt more and more that she was playing for more than weekly wins.

"Mr. McNair was an extraordinary man who made tremendous contributions to the NFL and the city of Houston," O'Brien said. "He was very caring, thoughtful and passionate. to win, I think what I will remember most about Mr. McNair is how he cared about the players, and I know how important it was for him. his generosity to the city of Houston and our community will never be forgotten. "

McNair wanted a real sustainable winner between the lines. He did not micromanage, but was also more involved than most people who deserved it.

You can say that the Texans are 117-149 since their debut in 2002. Point out that they have three playoff wins in 17 seasons.

This would completely miss the big picture point.

The 2018 Texans are filled with very friendly and charismatic stars. The franchise will win a Super Bowl one day. McNair should be the first person that the fans and the organization thank.

"I can not thank you enough for giving a child in Miami the opportunity to fulfill his dream of playing in the NFL," Johnson said Friday. "My deepest condolences go to the McNair family."

"Stay in peace, Mr. McNair," tweeted Watt. "Thank you for giving me and so many others an opportunity here in Houston. My thoughts are with Janice, Cal and the whole McNair family. "

"My prayers are going to the McNair family right now! Thank you for this opportunity to represent your team, "tweeted Tyrann Mathieu, who decided the Texans were the right team for him this season.

McNair understood what we needed and saw what was missing.

Houston is a bigger and better city because of McNair's belief in the NFL and Texans.