More Texans turnover: Team president resigns after 20 years

Published Feb. 10, 2021 12:40 p.m. ET

Associated Press

HOUSTON (AP) — Houston Texans president Jamey Rootes has resigned after more than 20 years, the team's latest move in an offseason of upheaval.

The announcement was made Wednesday and said that Rootes was leaving to pursue interests as a writer, public speaker, consultant and professor at the University of Houston.

Rootes was hired in 2000 as the Texans began preparations for their expansion season in 2002. He was responsible for all of the team's business functions, including stadium naming rights and sponsorships, ticket sales and coordinating radio and TV broadcasting relationships.

His departure continued the Texans' offseason turnover. The team hired coach David Culley and general manager Nick Caserio last month to replace Bill O'Brien, who held both jobs and was fired after an 0-4 start. The Texans also face uncertainty on the field with star quarterback Deshaun Watson requesting a trade last month.

Houston finished 4-12 last season after reaching the playoffs in the previous two years.

While with the Texans, Rootes created Lone Star Sports and Entertainment and served as its president. The organization has coordinated the many events at NRG Stadium since that time, including the Texas Bowl, the Texas Kickoff and many international soccer events.

“We sincerely appreciate Jamey’s multiple contributions to the Texans franchise over his tenure and look forward to seeing him succeed in his new ventures,” Texans owner Cal McNair said.

“We will now build upon this foundation and move forward with a bold and unwavering commitment to winning championships, creating memorable experiences for our fans, and doing great things for Houston," he said.

Said Rootes: “The past two decades have been an amazing blessing for me and my family and I have the McNairs to thank for that."

“It has been an honor to serve them in this capacity for as long as I have. I want to thank my teammates as we could not have had so many successes without their hard work and dedication to the team," he said.

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