Houston – Surrounded by a thick, smoky aroma, Texans principal owner Cal McNair hit the live grill Thursday morning after a joint training camp practice with the Los Angeles Rams.
For the third annual, ‘Cal’s Cookout,’ McNair flipped hamburgers and hot dogs to feed hungry fans as he and his wife, Texans foundation vice president Hannah McNair, greeted them after practice.
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Coming off an AFC South division title and one playoff victory last season after hiring coach DeMeco Ryans, the Pro Football Writers of America’s choice for NFL Coach of the Year, the Texans have emerged as a trendy Super Bowl contender. Optimism is high. And McNair, who shotgunned a beer with Luke Combs on stage during a recent concert at NRG Stadium and participated in an annual Ask Me Anything session on Reddit, has become a popular figure with fans.
On the suggestion of team officials with the encouragement and participation of his wife, McNair has become much more interactive with the fan base.
#Texans owner Cal McNair annual Cookout with Cal, working the grill @KPRC2 pic.twitter.com/yN5cCHrMUf
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) August 22, 2024
Among his answers during the AMA session, McNair, a Cy-Fair and University of Texas graduate who was voted principal owner unanimously by his fellow NFL owners this spring after previously holding the titles of CEO and chairman of the AFC South franchise, stated excitement about a rookie draft class that includes starting cornerback Kamari Lassiter.
“I love watching young players develop, so I’m excited for the rookie class!” McNair wrote.
When asked about the involvement of former players like newly-minted Hall of Fame selection wide receiver Andre Johnson, McNair replied with a lengthy answer.
“Our former players have always been very important to our family,” McNair wrote. “These are the guys that laid the foundation for us. There’s an emphasis on our full Legends program, so they can be a resource for the younger players, and this allows the retired guys to stay around the game. With DeMeco being a former player himself, the connection is better than ever.”
McNair was asked if his wife, Hannah McNair, the team’s foundation vice president, can call plays if offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik got sick and had to miss a game. She replied: “I like this idea, I would blitz all day!”
And McNair replied: “Babe, Bobby’s on offense.”
What does McNair look for from the team during games? “Touchdowns. O-line. Turnovers.”
McNair added that he plans to work the grill again on Thursday, “flippin’ burgers, grillin’ dogs!’ DM me and I’ll send you a Cal’s Cookout shirt.”
McNair encouraged fans to show up in force for a Sept. 16 home opener against the Chicago Bears, a nationally televised Sunday night contest: “Be early and be loud!”
McNair was also asked what’s his favorite restaurant in Houston. In the past, he’s mentioned Steak 48 as one of his favorites.
“I can’t tell ya’ll because then all of you will go and I won’t be able to get in!”
Aaron Wilson is a Texans and NFL reporter for KPRC 2 and click2houston.co
