The Houston Texans will hold a moment of silence for former team president Jamey Rootes Thursday night in the preseason finale against the San Francisco 49ers at NRG Stadium.
Rootes, who was the franchise’s first team president until Feb. 2021, passed away at the age of 56.
In addition to the moment of silence, the Houston Texans Foundation has partnered with Rootes’ family to establish the Jamey Rootes Leadership Scholarship Fund. The fund will help honor his legacy of supporting and shaping leaders, according to a team release.
The fund will provide scholarships to high school and college students who exemplify leadership qualities to further their education. Donations can be made online at www.HoustonTexans.com/JRLeadershipFund.
Janice, Hannah and Cal McNair will match the first $50,000 contributed to the fund in memory of Rootes and his leadership and contributions to the Texans.
“A 20-year-old friendship, Jamey led the Houston Texans business department at a very high level for two decades,” chairman and CEO Cal McNair told reporters on Aug. 23. “He was also really involved with Houston and giving back, and one of his favorites was United Way. He’ll be missed by his Texans family, he’ll be missed by the Houston community and our sincere condolences go to his family, his wife Melissa and kids, as we all work through a difficult time.”