Texans owner Bob McNair in good health, plans to honor Andre Johnson
Houston Texans owner Bob McNair says he's in good health after fighting off cancer last year.
McNair was ruled cancer-free last August, after being diagnosed with skin cancer and leukemia. The Texans' owner was diagnosed with skin cancer two decades ago, and received news of his leukemia in 2008.
"I have checkouts periodically, had one a couple of weeks ago, and I'm in good health," McNair said to the Houston Chronicle's John McClain. "Everything's clean at this point, so that's good news."
McNair was instrumental to bringing a franchise back to Houston, with the Texans playing their inaugural season in 2002.
Andre Johnson, along with McNair, was one of the staples of the organization since its infancy. However, after reportedly balking at a reduced role in the team's offense, Johnson signed with the Texans' AFC South rival Indianapolis Colts.
Although Johnson directly stands in the way of the Texans' playoff goals, McNair plans to honor the team's franchise receiving leader in a ceremony.
"Certainly, at some point we'll bring Andre back and honor him and recognize what he did for our team," McNair said. "He'll always be remembered as a Texan. I think he's happy with the way it worked out. We wish him well and hope he's successful."
McNair also gave Texans head coach Bill O'Brien a vote of confidence entering his second season with the club. O'Brien steered the Texans to a 9-7 record in 2014, a seven-win improvement from the 2013 campaign where they finished a league-worst 2-14.
"I thought Bill and the staff did a superb job last season," he said. "We've got a strong staff, and I'm really proud of them."
The Texans' owner said he expects the team to make the playoffs next season.
"He holds his coaches and players accountable. Sometimes loyalty can make a coach overlook poor performance, and Bill has a clear understanding that everybody has to perform, and it doesn't matter who you are. If you aren't performing, he'll make a change."