BREAKING: Cal McNair’s missed high-five becomes a team-bonding moment, and a window into the Texans’ plan
The Houston Texans walked out of Kansas City with a 20 to 10 road win. In the tunnel, owner and CEO Cal McNair reached for a high-five from quarterback C.J. Stroud. Stroud, busy greeting fans, missed it. That near-miss turned into a playful moment, and the Texans leaned into it. The club filmed McNair waiting in his winter coat, hand still raised, until Stroud swung back and delivered the high-five with a smile. The point was clear. This team is close, and McNair is comfortable being part of the fun.
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The moment, and what it really means
I watched McNair stand in the tunnel, patient and grinning. Staff tried to tag in, but he waved them off. He wanted the quarterback. Ninety seconds later, Stroud reappeared, slapped McNair’s palm, and pulled him in for a hug. Laughter followed. The Texans cut a tidy 71-second video of the sequence and shared it inside the building. No drama. No distance. Just a leader willing to be the punchline, because the punchline ended with a win.
This is not small. NFL locker rooms read gestures. Players notice if an owner stays behind to dap up linemen and rookies after a cold, physical game. They notice when the boss is present, but not overbearing. McNair, in year two as the league-approved principal owner, has made a point to show up. It is not performative. It has become part of the Texans’ weekly rhythm.
There is no rift between C.J. Stroud and Cal McNair. They connected after the game, on camera and off it.
Football first: why Houston beat Kansas City
Houston’s defense won the line of scrimmage. Four-man pressure forced hurried throws. The back end tackled clean and squeezed windows. Kansas City settled for field position too often. Ten points will not beat a calm quarterback.
Stroud played grown up football. He took what the Chiefs gave him, moved chains with timing routes, and protected the ball. The Texans leaned on a balanced plan, quick-game throws and a steady run sheet. Pass protection held up enough for Houston to stay on schedule. This is the style that travels in December, simple and ruthless.
When you pair that with a locker room that feels connected, you get staying power. That is where McNair’s presence matters. Culture is not a slogan on a wall. It is a thousand tiny choices, from a handshake in a tunnel to a roster built to express the quarterback’s strengths.
The bigger picture under Cal McNair
The high-five made for a joyful clip, but it reflects a deeper track. McNair’s leadership has moved from quiet to hands on, and it is showing up in infrastructure and hiring.
- Facility momentum is real, including upgrades to NRG’s videoboard, sound, and roof, plus a push toward a new headquarters and practice center.
- The Texans hired president Mike Tomon to lead long-term venue decisions, a sign of intent on the heavy lifts ahead.
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McNair was approved as the principal owner on March 26, 2024. Since then, he and his wife Hannah have broadened the team’s local footprint. Their purchase of Houston’s League One Volleyball franchise shows a bet on women’s sports and the city’s wider sports culture. That club is slated to begin its 2026 home season, adding another touchpoint with Houston families and young athletes.
These moves tie back to the team you watched win in the cold. Better facilities attract free agents. Better daily spaces sharpen practice habits. A leader who is seen, steady, and approachable helps keep messages aligned from the owner’s suite to the quarterback room.
Small, human moments can carry through a long season. They build trust when the schedule tightens and the hits add up.
What’s next for Houston
The Texans have a playoff push to finish. The offensive line needs to keep Stroud upright. The defense must continue to limit explosives. Off the field, eyes in league circles are on the NRG project timeline. Inside the building, the mood is light but focused. That high-five was fun. The goals are bigger.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Did C.J. Stroud snub Cal McNair after the game?
A: No. Stroud initially missed the high-five while greeting fans. He came back, high-fived McNair, and they shared a laugh.
Q: What was in the team’s video?
A: A playful 71-second cut showed McNair waiting in a winter coat with his hand raised, turning down stand-ins until Stroud returned to finish it.
Q: Why does this moment matter?
A: It shows a healthy, open relationship between ownership and players. That can boost trust and keep a locker room aligned.
Q: What investments are the Texans pursuing at NRG?
A: Plans include a new videoboard, upgraded sound, and roof work, plus a modernized headquarters and practice facility.
Q: What is the McNairs’ role in local sports beyond football?
A: They acquired Houston’s League One Volleyball franchise, which aims to start its 2026 home season and grow the city’s sports community.
The Texans did not just beat the Chiefs. They showed who they are becoming, tough on the field and loose enough to laugh together off it. Cal McNair’s hand stayed up until his quarterback found it, a simple gesture that tells you plenty about a franchise that is learning how to win and how to connect. That mix travels, and in December, that is gold.
