Jamey Rootes  Houston Texans

TRAGIC END Jamey Rootes dead at 56: Former Texans president mourned by team with heartbreaking post by wife about her sudden lo

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Rootes was President of the NFL team for more than two decades before retiring in 2021, and has been a fixture in the Houston community for many years.

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His wife, Melissa Wildgen Rootes, confirmed the sad news in a Facebook post on Monday night.

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"Our family is heartbroken to confirm that after a battle with mental health issues, Jamey Rootes passed away on Sunday, August 21, 2022," the post begins.

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Jamey was a dedicated Houstonian who loved his city and touched so many lives through his professional, academic, and philanthropic work.

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The family is requesting privacy at this time and noted that a celebration of life will be held in the future.

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The post also includes the number of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline for anyone thinking about suicide or experiencing a crisis.

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Just days ago, it had been announced that Rootes would be joining the faculty of Rice University, helming their new Hutchinson Leadership Initiative in Sport Analytics.

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“His knowledge of the sport industry and his vast network of contacts will be invaluable for Rice," said the university's Clark Haptonstall.

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In addition to his work with the Texans, Rootes was an author and adjunct professor at the University of Houston.

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