First Texans team president Rootes dies at 55: 'A dedicated Houstonian who loved his city and touched so many lives'

Longtime Houston sports executive Jamey Rootes died at the age of 55 on Sunday, per Houston-based media outlets’ reports.

The passing of Rootes, who was best known as the Houston Texans’ first team president, was announced via social media by his wife, Melissa, who said he lost his “battle with mental health issues,” Houston CBS affiliate KHOU reported.

Rootes’ family has asked for privacy and will make an announcement pertaining to details for a celebration of life at a future date, according to the station. 

"Jamey was a dedicated Houstonian who loved his city and touched so many lives through his professional, academic and philanthropic work," Melissa Rootes posted on Facebook.

Texans Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Cal McNair – along with his mother, Janice, and spouse, Hannah – mourned Rootes in a team-issued statement.

“We are heartbroken to learn that former Houston Texans President Jamey Rootes has passed away,” the McNairs said in the statement. “For two decades, Jamey led our business operations with an unwavering commitment to Houston and the Houston Texans. We are grateful for his steadfast leadership and immeasurable contributions to our team. Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with Jamey's wife, Melissa, and their two children during this extremely difficult time.”

The late businessman Bob McNair founded the Texans as the National Football League's (NFL) 32nd club in 1999.

He brought in Rootes to serve as team president, which the latter did from just before the franchise’s inaugural season in 2002 to last year.

Houston ABC affiliate KTRK reported that Rootes oversaw the Texans’ business operations with enthusiasm.

Following his departure from the team in February 2021, the station reported, Rootes joined the Houston Dynamo’s leadership team for a short while.

According to KTRK, Rootes transitioned into the world of academia after leaving professional sports, having taught at Sam Houston State University (SHSU) in Huntsville.

He was set to teach at Rice University at the time of his death.

Houston NBC affiliate KPRC reported that Rootes graduated from Clemson University in South Carolina where he was a member of the men’s soccer team.

Before the Texans hired him, he was the general manager of the Columbus Crew of Major League Soccer (MLS), per KPRC.

If you or a loved one has suicidal thoughts, please call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline immediately at 1 (800) 273-8255.