Houston, TX — In a headline-grabbing development that has sparked national debate, Houston Texans Chairman and CEO Cal McNair has broken his silence after the franchise was fined by the NFL for refusing to publish a Pride Month message on social media.

The five-word message McNair delivered in response to the controversy has since gone viral, drawing both fierce criticism and passionate support:

“We stand by our values.”

The NFL’s fine was issued after the Texans chose not to join other teams in publicly recognizing Pride Month, which began on June 1. While 30 out of 32 NFL teams posted messages of support for the LGBTQ+ community across platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, the Texans were notably absent — igniting backlash from fans and advocacy groups.

The NFL’s Pride Month Push

As part of its ongoing efforts to promote inclusivity and diversity, the NFL encouraged every franchise to acknowledge Pride Month publicly. In previous years, the Texans participated through logos, community events, and outreach.

However, 2025 marked a stark departure. The Texans’ social media accounts remained unchanged on June 1, with no acknowledgment of Pride Month or messages of solidarity for LGBTQ+ fans and staff.

After days of public questioning and growing backlash, the NFL issued a statement announcing a formal fine against the Texans for “non-compliance with league-wide inclusion directives.”

Cal McNair’s Defiant Response

Amid mounting pressure, Cal McNair responded with a statement to reporters gathered outside NRG Stadium, delivering his now-famous five words:

“We stand by our values.”

He continued:

“The Houston Texans organization believes in treating everyone with respect, on and off the field. But we also believe that true support must be sincere — not something done out of pressure or obligation.”

McNair emphasized that the decision not to post a Pride message was made after thoughtful internal discussion and was not intended to disrespect any community.

“We support all fans, employees, and players, regardless of background. But how we express that support is our choice,” he added.

Mixed Reactions from Fans and Advocacy Groups

McNair’s remarks have provoked a firestorm of reactions, both within Houston and across the nation.

Supporters of the Texans’ decision praised McNair’s “integrity” and “commitment to principles,” especially among conservative fanbases.

“You can’t force people to make political statements,” one fan posted on social media. “The Texans are staying true to themselves.”

Critics, however, called the silence and the follow-up response “a slap in the face” to the LGBTQ+ community and a step backward in the league’s push for inclusive representation.

“When you stay silent, you send a message,” said Robyn Alexander, director of Houston’s Pride Outreach Coalition. “Visibility matters. The Texans chose exclusion over inclusion.”

Local LGBTQ+ groups have begun organizing peaceful demonstrations outside NRG Stadium and are calling for a formal apology and future commitment to the league’s inclusion standards.

Players Remain Quiet

As of this writing, no Houston Texans players have commented publicly on the controversy. However, several players were seen wearing rainbow accessories — such as wristbands and cleats — during recent practices, potentially as a quiet show of solidarity.

According to team sources, discussions in the locker room have been “respectful but intense,” with a range of opinions expressed privately.

NFL Reaffirms Its Stance

The NFL released a follow-up statement defending the fine and reaffirming its commitment to diversity:

“Every franchise has a responsibility to uphold our shared values. Pride Month is a time to affirm the dignity and humanity of all people. Silence is not a neutral act.”

While no additional penalties have been announced, league officials have hinted that continued non-compliance in future campaigns could result in escalating consequences, including larger fines and community funding restrictions.

What’s Next for the Texans?

The team’s decision and McNair’s response have now become a national flashpoint in the ongoing debate over free expression vs. corporate responsibility in professional sports. With the rest of Pride Month still ahead, activists and fans are watching closely to see if the Texans will change course.

For now, though, Cal McNair’s five-word message stands as a defining moment — one that has placed the Texans at the center of a culture clash playing out in stadiums, boardrooms, and living rooms across America.