The McNair family is a Texas institution known for their unwavering commitment to the city, bringing a new NFL franchise to Houston. With a history of philanthropy and community involvement that spans generations, the McNairs have made a positive impact both on and off the football field.
We had the pleasure of sitting down with the Chair and CEO of the Houston Texans organization, Cal McNair, and his wife, Hannah, who heads the Houston Texans Foundation. The McNairs gave us insight into how they manage an NFL football team, a massive philanthropic organization, and spend time with family, including their four children, Robert (12), Calhoun (11), Michael (9), and Hunter Grace (4).
Commitment to Family
We saw firsthand that Cal and Hannah McNair are down-to-earth, kind, compassionate, and strongly committed to family. When asked how they manage their busy schedules along with their four children and massive extended family, it's "family comes first"!
"Family is important to us and makes us who we are," says Hannah. "It's all that I was surrounded by growing up. If we are strong, our kids feel it, and our family is stronger."
Cal and Hannah McNair both come from large families, with solid values instilled from an early age. Cal grew up with one brother and two sisters, while Hannah has a whopping ten sisters and three brothers. Their upbringing has shaped their commitment to keeping family at the forefront of their lives, personally and professionally.
Cal and Hannah's families are not only close-knit but also geographically close. With dozens of relatives living within a five-mile radius, family gatherings are always lively. Even their weekly spaghetti dinners become mini family reunions, with cars lined up and down the street.
The family also gives back together, having a tradition of volunteering at The Mission of Yahweh every Christmas before heading home to open their presents. Cal and Hannah value philanthropy and community outreach, positively impacting the lives of those around them, which they saw lived out in their own parents' lives.
Texans Foundation
The McNair's desire to give back to the community stems from Cal's father, Bob McNair, wanting to fill the void after the Oilers left for Tennessee.
"Before the team's inception, there was a hole in the heart of the community. My father was told by many of his friends that the Texans were a horrible investment and that he shouldn't do it, but he said, 'no, this community needs it," says Cal. "He was willing to take a risk to bring something to the community himself."
After establishing the Texans in Houston, the McNairs created the Texans Foundation with the mission of investing in the community's youth. The organization works towards positively impacting the lives of people in the Houston community through various charitable programs and initiatives.
"Our main goal is to be champions for youth in the community because if you invest in the youth, you invest in the future," says Hannah.
The Texans Foundation allows the whole organization, including players, coaches, and the business side, to get involved in giving back to the community. Significant others of the players, coaches, and executives, known as the "Lady Texans," focus on women's initiatives.
Several organizations partner with the Texans Foundation, such as the Houston Food Bank, Houston Texas YMCA, and Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Houston. Additionally, the team participates in the United Way's annual drive and sponsors the Texas Bowl benefiting the Depelchin Children's Center.
The 2023 Season
As the 2023 season is gearing up, Cal is optimistic about the team's prospects and believes every season is a new chapter in the "Book of Football."
"The first few pages of the season are starting really well. We expect to compete in every game and play hard for the fans," says Cal.
The recent hiring of DeMeco Ryans as the new head coach has garnered a lot of excitement among fans and the organization alike.
"One of the things DeMeco brings is his passion for this organization," said Hannah. "When you bring somebody in that wants to win, and it's a part of them and a part of who they are, you just get a little more edge."
Ryans has a history with the Texans organization, having played for the team from 2006-2011. His wife is also from the Houston area, which adds a personal connection to the team beyond just his talent as a coach.
"I think that also brings more than just his talent," said Hannah. "He was the top candidate out there. We wanted to bring him home."
Overall, the McNairs and the Texans organization are thrilled to have Ryans on board as they work towards success both on and off the field. His passion for the team and the community perfectly fits the values the McNair family holds dearly.
Cal strongly emphasizes building a team of players with exceptional character and a deep passion for the game. Cal's dedication to building a team of driven players is evident in his leadership of the Texans organization.
"I'm looking for high-character guys that will work hard both on and off the field," says Cal. "Guys with a real love of the game."
With their dedication to giving back to the community and their passion for the game, the McNairs are excited about the upcoming season and look forward to continuing to make a positive impact both on and off the field.
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"Family is important to us and makes us who we are," says Hannah. "It's all that I was surrounded by growing up. If we are strong, our kids feel it, and our family is stronger."
Page 3 Quote
"Our main goal is to be champions for youth in the community because if you invest in the youth, you invest in the future."
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"One of the things DeMeco brings is his passion for this organization. When you bring somebody in that wants to win, and it's a part of them and a part of who they are, you get a little more edge."
