Houston Texans minority owner Philip Burguieres dies

Houston Texans minority owner Philip Burguieres, who played a key role in helping owner Bob McNair bring the NFL back to the city, has died.

McNair, the Texans' founder, chairman and CEO, confirmed that Burguieres passed away on Thursday night.

"Philip worked tirelessly with me to bring an NFL franchise back to Houston in the late 1990s," McNair said in a statement Friday. "He was instrumental to the success of the Texans, serving as vice chairman until 2012. Philip also was involved in the McNair Group investment activities. He was a long-time friend of mine and a mentor to many and will be greatly missed."

Burguieres, a Louisiana native, and McNair had been friends and fellow Houston businessmen since the 1970s.