“It’s really important as we move forward through the season because each week it changes,” said McNair.
After their team’s much-needed 26-15 victory over the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, Houston Texans principal owner Cal McNair, team foundation vice president Hannah McNair, and players were out in the community on Tuesday celebrating National First Responder Day.
They partnered with Chevron to donate $5,000 to the Houston Police Foundation and the Houston Firefighter Foundation.
“It is just right for us to recognize them and thank them for their service,” said Cal McNair.
Even though the McNairs and players were out acknowledging First Responders in Houston, they took the time to discuss how the Texans have responded to adversity this season after a 0-3 start, with the offense looking lethargic at times.
“We are early in the season, so we are still sorting through it,” Cal McNair responded when asked about the team throughout the first eight weeks of the regular season. “Had sort of a slow start, and now we’re picking up the pace.”
One week after embarrassing themselves on national television against the Seattle Seahawks, Houston rebounded with a commanding win over San Francisco, racking up 475 yards of offense. Quarterback C.J. Stroud spearheaded the effort with 348 total yards and two passing touchdowns.
The Texans dominated time of possession, with over 41 minutes on the field, while limiting the 49ers’ offense to just under 19 minutes.
Sunday’s win demonstrated how Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans has managed to keep the team afloat during a rough start to the season.
It was the first time in his three-year tenure that the team faced such adversity, but the McNairs were confident Ryans could navigate this turbulent period. The team has since won three of their last four games, bringing their record to 3-4.
“It’s really important as we move forward through the season because each week it changes,” said McNair. “This week’s message is that he spends a lot of time internally talking to the team, which is different from last week’s, and so it’s interesting to see how that evolves over time.
“I think we’re in a really good spot as a team. Sometimes, when you start 0-3, teams can split apart. Ours didn’t. The team has been really strong. He’s been really strong, and we’re really happy with where we are and what’s in front of us.”
With the Denver Broncos heading to NRG Stadium on Sunday, the Texans hope to get some of their offensive weapons back, as wide receivers Nico Collins (concussion) and Christian Kirk (hamstring) missed the last game due to injuries.
“We would love to see all of our players,” Hannah McNair said. “We’re missing quite a few due to injuries. We’re hoping to get them back. But we’re just focused on Sunday and Denver, and trying to get that win.”
Those attending the Broncos game will have the chance to witness Texans co-founder Janice McNair being inducted into the Texans Ring of Honor. She and the late Bob McNair played key roles in restoring football to Houston in 2002 after the Houston Oilers moved to Nashville, Tennessee.
Texans Owner Cal McNair and his wife Hannah, join Texans co-founder Janice McNair on the field. Photo/ Maria Lysaker - Imagn Images“Are you going to make me cry,” said Cal McNair jokingly when asked about what his mother has meant to him throughout his life. “She has been everything. She’s been who we model so much of what we do.”
He also wanted everyone to know that, just like the others who have been inducted here before, including her late husband Bob, former wide receiver Andre Johnson, and defensive end J.J. Watt, she was voted in on the first ballot.
“It was unanimous,” said a smiling Cal McNair.