Several months after leaving the Houston Texans in February 2021, Rootes served briefly as CEO of the two major soccer teams in Houston, the Dynamo and the Dash. After leaving those organizations, Rootes made the decision to get involved in education, serving on faculties at Sam Houston State and the University of Houston in their kinesiology departments. More recently, Rootes had joined the faculty at Rice to help start up their sports analytics program.Melissa Wildgen Rootes, wife of former Texans President Jamey Rootes, posted the following about her late husband tonight on Facebook: pic.twitter.com/b66SCnS5FO
— Mark Berman (@MarkBermanFox26) August 23, 2022
As the team's first president since 2002, Rootes led a Houston Texans business department that sold out 185 consecutive contests, and oversaw a Houston Texans Foundation that raised tens of millions for numerous local charities. On a more personal level, Rootes always said he saw the McNairs as a sort of surrogate family of his. In a statement Monday night, the McNairs said they are "heartbroken" over Rootes' passing:
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) August 23, 2022On social media, there was an understandable outpouring of emotion and condolences from peers and friends of Rootes:
When I came to the Astros in 2013, Jamey Rootes was one of the first people to welcome me. His “can do” attitude was infectious. He loved Houston and worked hard to promote the city. I valued his opinion and he pushed me to be better. Prayers for Melissa and his family.
— Reid Ryan (@robertreidryan) August 23, 2022
Every time I spoke with Jamey, he would ask, “How can I help you?” There’s countless people he has connected me with and things he has done for me. That’s the person he was and will be remembered for. I’m hurting for his family and those who loved him. RIP, Jamey. Thank you. https://t.co/BPILiru6iy
— Armen Williams (@ArmenWilliams) August 23, 2022
Rootes' success n the sports business world started before he arrived in Houston, when he helped start up Columbus' MLS franchise, serving as the team's president and general manager. Soccer was a passion of Rootes', as he was a member of the men's soccer team at Clemson University and was one of the key people in making Houston a destination for high profile international soccer matches, a trend that eventually helped Houston land a 2026 World Cup bid.So sad to hear the news about Jamey Rootes. Was a great man and was always positive around the building. Prayers for his family 🙏🏾
— Justin Reid (@JustinqReid) August 23, 2022
Rootes is survived by his wife, Melissa, and their two children, Chris and Caroline.
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