Breaking News: Cal McNair’s Alleged Statement on Pride Month Ticket Sales Sparks NFL Controversy

Houston, TX – June 5, 2025 – Cal McNair, the chairman and CEO of the Houston Texans, has reportedly ignited a firestorm within the NFL after allegedly declaring that he “won’t sell tickets to Pride Month worshippers” at NRG Stadium, the home of the Texans. The statement, which surfaced earlier today, has sent shockwaves through the league, prompting immediate backlash from fans, advocacy groups, and NFL officials. McNair, who became the principal owner of the Texans in March 2024, is now at the center of a controversy that threatens to overshadow the team’s recent successes on and off the field.

The alleged comment came during a private event in Houston, according to sources who claim McNair made the remark while discussing the team’s plans for the upcoming season. The full statement reportedly included additional remarks that were cut off in initial reports, leaving many to speculate about the context and intent behind his words. The NFL, known for its efforts to promote inclusivity through initiatives like the “Football is for Everyone” campaign, has yet to issue an official response, but league insiders suggest that the organization is in crisis mode as it grapples with the fallout.

Cal McNair, 63, has been a polarizing figure since taking over the Texans’ daily operations following the death of his father, Bob McNair, in 2018. Under his leadership, the Texans have seen a resurgence, winning back-to-back AFC South titles in 2023 and 2024, largely due to strategic hires like head coach DeMeco Ryans and general manager Nick Caserio. McNair has also overseen significant changes, including the unveiling of new team uniforms in 2024, a move that was widely praised for reflecting fan input. However, his tenure has not been without controversy. In 2021, McNair faced criticism after using the term “China virus” to describe COVID-19 during a charity golf event, a remark that drew accusations of racial insensitivity. McNair issued an apology at the time, but the incident left a lingering stain on his public image.

The alleged Pride Month comment marks a new low for McNair, whose family has deep ties to the Houston community. The McNair family has long been involved in philanthropy, supporting causes ranging from youth development to cancer research through the Robert and Janice McNair Foundation. However, critics argue that McNair’s latest statement undermines the NFL’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, particularly during Pride Month, a time when the league has historically celebrated the LGBTQ+ community through events, merchandise, and public statements of support.

Advocacy groups were quick to condemn McNair’s alleged remarks. “This kind of rhetoric is not only discriminatory but also alienates a significant portion of the NFL’s fanbase,” said a spokesperson for Equality Texas, a leading LGBTQ+ advocacy organization. “The Houston Texans and the NFL must take immediate action to address this and reaffirm their commitment to inclusivity.” Social media platforms have also erupted with reactions, with hashtags like #BoycottTexans and #NFLPride trending as fans express their outrage and call for accountability.

The timing of the controversy could not be worse for the Texans, who are in the midst of planning a major renovation of NRG Stadium, a project McNair has publicly supported. In a letter to season-ticket holders in March 2025, McNair emphasized the importance of modernizing the stadium to enhance the fan experience, a move that requires cooperation with Harris County and other local stakeholders. However, this latest scandal could jeopardize those efforts, as community leaders may hesitate to align with a franchise embroiled in such a public relations crisis.

McNair’s history of controversial statements raises questions about his leadership and the culture within the Texans organization. His father, Bob McNair, also faced backlash in 2017 for referring to NFL players as “inmates running the prison” during discussions about player protests, a comment that was widely criticized as racially insensitive. While Cal McNair has positioned himself as a forward-thinking owner, his alleged Pride Month remark suggests a disconnect between his actions and the NFL’s broader values.

As the story continues to unfold, all eyes are on the NFL and the Houston Texans to see how they will address this crisis. Will McNair issue an apology, as he did in 2021, or double down on his stance? And how will the league respond to a controversy that strikes at the heart of its inclusivity efforts? For now, the Houston Texans, a team that has worked hard to rebuild its reputation, find themselves at a crossroads, with Cal McNair’s leadership under intense scrutiny.