The Houston Texans are parting ways with longtime president Jamey Rootes, who's been one of the team's leading executives since the franchise debuted in 2002.
Rootes, who had been responsible for all of the club's business functions, is resigning after more than 20 years with the team, which credits him for overseeing successful ticket and suite sales campaigns, radio and TV broadcasting partnerships and securing stadium-naming rights and sponsorships.
Texans CEO and chairman Cal McNair in a prepared statement expressed appreciation for Rootes' contributions to the franchise and wished him well in the future.
"We will now build upon this foundation and move forward with a bold and unwavering commitment to winning championships, creating memorable experiences for our fans, and doing great things for Houston," McNair's statement said.
His mother, Texans co-founder and senior chair Janice S. McNair, released a statement saying Rootes will always be part of the Texans family.
“When Bob first met Jamey, he knew immediately Jamey would be the one to help us build this franchise from the ground up," Janice McNair said. "I am so thankful for Jamey, Melissa and the entire Rootes family for their constant dedication to the team since its inception. He’s had a great influence on this organization and we wish him continued success in the future. We respect Jamey’s decision to pursue other opportunities.”
Rootes in an official statement called his experience with the Texans over the past two decades "an amazing blessing" for him and his family.
"I have the McNairs to thank for that,” Rootes said. “It has been an honor to serve them in this capacity for as long as I have. I want to thank my teammates as we could not have had so many successes without their hard work and dedication to the team. I also want to thank the best fans in the National Football League, whom I call ‘Texans Nation.’ Your passionate support created a tremendous homefield advantage, established the best tailgating experience in the NFL and sold out every home game. I will always be a proud Texan and I look forward to continuing to support our team.”
There had been speculation Rootes was on his way out.
Rootes' departure is the latest in various changes for the Texans as CEO Cal McNair moves forward with executive vice president of football operations Jack Easterby, general manager Nick Caserio and head coach David Culley.
"Rootes has been loyal to the McNairs, and he’s helped make the Texans one of the most financially successful franchises in the NFL," Texans insider John McClain wrote for the Houston Chronicle last month. "If Rootes leaves, expect Easterby to be blamed for winning a power play with (CEO Cal) McNair."
Rootes' resignation is effective immediately.
“I think the organization is in a great place from a business perspective,” said Rootes, 54, to McClain on Wednesday morning. “We’ve got a great leadership team. I thought the time was right for me to do something different.
“I’m young enough to find a new opportunity to create something new.”
LISTEN NOW on the RADIO.COM App
Follow RADIO.COM Sports
Twitter | Facebook I Instagram