The Texans announced McNair's death Tuesday afternoon, noting McNair "passed away peacefully." Houston also changed its social-media photo to honor McNair with a JSM logo.
"Mom was exceptional. She exuded kindness, radiated joy, had an endless amount of hope and love, and lived an incredible life centered around faith, family, philanthropy and football," Texans Chair and CEO Cal McNair said in a statement Tuesday. "Outside of our family, nothing mattered more to her than her beloved Texans. I remain honored to lead this franchise and build on the foundation my parents set when they brought football back to Houston.
"While I’m heartbroken, I take great comfort in knowing she is now reunited with my dad, her favorite teammate."
McNair, a Houston resident since 1960, was married to Bob McNair for 61 years until he died in 2018. The McNairs won a bid to own the NFL's 32nd franchise in October 1999, and the Texans then began their inaugural season at the newly built Reliant Stadium in 2002.
The McNairs are responsible for bringing the NFL back to Houston after the Oilers' move to Tennessee after the 1996 season. But the couple were also celebrated philanthropists, who contributed more than half a billion dollars to charity through The Robert and Janice McNair Foundation, the Houston Texans Foundation and The Robert and Janice McNair Educational Foundation, per the Texans. Janice was the director of each foundation.
"Janice was an extraordinary mentor, inspirational role model and visionary leader," Hannah McNair, the Chief Community Officer and Vice President of the Houston Texans Foundation, said in a statement Tuesday. "Giving back has always been the heartbeat of our organization and that started with Janice. I’m honored to carry her legacy and love of sports and community forward. She will be sorely missed and remain a shining example for us all."
McNair became the fourth inductee into the Texans Ring of Honor in 2025. Her name now sits in the rafters at Reliant Stadium alongside her Bob McNair and Texans Legends Andre Johnson and J.J. Watt.