HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Jamey Rootes, the former longtime president of the Houston Texans, has died, his wife said Monday night.
In a Facebook post, Melissa Wildgen Rootes said her husband died Sunday after “a battle with mental health issues.”
“Jamey was best known for his devotion to his family and friends, but was also a former Houston Texans president who retired in 2021,” she wrote.
Rootes was a fixture in Houston sports for two decades as president of the Texans. Rootes ran the business as right-hand man to team founder Bob McNair.
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He was known for his upbeat approach and enthusiasm for the Texans, the college bowl game hosted at NRG Stadium, and the city of Houston in general. Rootes left the organization in February last year and briefly joined the Houston Dynamo in an executive position.
After leaving the football franchise, Rootes taught under Sam Houston and just last week joined Rice’s faculty to teach.
He was 55.
Rootes remembered
The Texans organization released a statement Monday night regarding the death of their former leader, reflecting on his long ties to the city and the NFL team.
“We are heartbroken to learn that former Houston Texans President Jamey Rootes has passed away. Jamey ran our business for two decades with an unwavering commitment to Houston and the Houston Texans. We are grateful for his unwavering leadership and immeasurable contribution to our team. Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with Jamey’s wife, Melissa, and their two children at this extremely difficult time,” Janice, Cal and Hannah McNair said in a statement.
Former Texans cornerback Justin Reid remembered Rootes as a building member of the team.
“So sad to hear the news about Jamey Rootes. Was a great man and was always positive in the building. Prayers for his family,” Reid tweeted.
Retired Houston Chronicle NFL writer John McClain recalled meeting Rootes and sadly lamented his time after leaving the Texans.
“I met Jamey Rootes 22 years ago after (Texan founder) Bob McNair hired him to lead the Texans’ marketing department on the recommendation of Lamar Hunt. Bob soon promoted Jamey to president, a role he held until his retirement in 2021. He always regretted leaving the Texans,” McClain tweeted.
Reid Ryan, Roote’s counterpart as Houston Astros president, also recalled the moment he met his Crosstown colleague.
“When I joined the Astros in 2013, Jamey Rootes was one of the first to welcome me. His ‘can do’ attitude was contagious. He loved Houston and worked hard to promote the city. I valued his opinion and he pushed me to do better. Prayers for Melissa and his family,” Ryan tweeted.
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