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Jerry Jones donates $1 million in response to Bob McNair's challenge

Joe Nicholson / USA TODAY Sports

The Dallas Cowboys and Houston Texans are in-state rivals, but off the field, their owners are teaming up for a good cause.

Texans owner Bob McNair, who announced he had been battling cancer last summer, started an initiative to build an American Cancer Society Hope Lodge in Houston. Hope Lodge covers the cost of people travelling to Houston to receive cancer treatments.

McNair then issued a challenge that will run until the end of this year. For every $2 donated to the project, The Robert and Janice McNair Foundation would donate $1, up to $4 million.

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones stepped up to the plate in a big way, donating $1 million to the cause on behalf of The Gene and Jerry Jones Family Foundation.

"Cancer is already daunting enough, but worrying about travel, lodging, and other necessities while enduring treatment can be a huge burden," Jones told the Houston Chronicle. "Gene and I are proud we can help by joining Bob and Janice McNair and President George and Barbara Bush as they work to bring a Hope Lodge to Houston."

McNair is thankful to have the support of a fellow owner.

"We are grateful to our friends, Gene and Jerry Jones, for recognizing the need and helping us reach our campaign goal this year," McNair said. "By coming together and supporting a project like Hope Lodge Houston we are able to make a greater impact for deserving cancer patients."

- With h/t to Pro Football Talk

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