Dear Rice Community,
I am writing to share the heartbreaking news that Jamey Rootes, longtime president of the Houston Texans who was recently appointed to head the Hutchinson Leadership Initiative in Sport Analytics in Rice's Department of Sport Management, died Aug 21. He was 56.
In addition to being tapped to head the initiative, Jamey was also set to teach a few courses each semester. Though his tenure at Rice was brief, he had already made an impact on Sport Management students, many whom met him during Rice’s orientation week.
Tributes to Jamey recalled a dynamic, kind and welcoming man who was a transformational leader, consummate professional, devoted Houstonian and endlessly loyal to his family and friends.
Jamey spent the majority of his career with the Texans, first serving as vice president and then as president. Under his leadership, the team earned many distinctions, including numerous Crystal Awards from the Houston chapter of the American Marketing Association and, most recently, two American Business Awards for marketing excellence. The team sold out 185 consecutive home games at one point during his tenure — a record for a Houston NFL team.
Jamey also developed and served as president of Lone Star Sports & Entertainment, a sports management agency associated with the Texans that has been a catalyst for some of Houston’s most significant sporting events, including an annual college football bowl game and numerous international soccer matches.
Jamey received a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Clemson University and an MBA at Indiana University Bloomington.
He is survived by his wife, Melissa, and a son and a daughter. Details for a celebration of life will be announced at a later date.
I know I speak for my Rice colleagues when I say his family, friends and students are very much in our hearts today, and will be in the days to come.
Read more about Jamey in Rice News.
Regards,
Amy Dittmar, Howard Hughes Provost