By: Matt
Yesterday a true human tragedy occurred when recently retired Quarterback Steve McNair was found dead in Nashville. Over his NFL career McNair was one of the best players in football; he amassed 201 total touchdowns, 37 rushing and 174 passing, over 30,000 passing yards and 3,500 rushing yards, had a career 82.8 QB rating, and did it all in only 9 seasons with over 10 games played. McNair was statistically one of the best, and in 2003 not even the NFL could justify overlooking McNair to give Peyton Manning the MVP award, splitting the ultimate individual honor between the two quarterbacks. While McNair’s statistics are impressive, stats can never give the true picture of a professional athlete.
During the late 90’s McNair became the face of the Tennessee Titans during the very beginning of their existence. Because of the dominant and exciting play of the man known as Air McNair the transition from being the Houston Oilers to the Tennessee Titans was relatively quick and seamless. McNair, along with Donovan McNabb and Michael Vick, was a weapon at quarterback, a multi-faceted player who made defenses afraid (and use a spy). In 1999 McNair brought a franchise notes only for their unfulfilled promises and playoff losses within one yard of being Super Bowl champions. Over the rest of his career McNair became a playoff fixture, leading the Titans to multiple playoff berths and 10+ win seasons as well as leading the 2006 Ravens to a division best 13-3 record. In addition to being one of the most successful players of the early 2000’s Steve McNair was also one of the toughest players in NFL history, he played hurt, played without practicing, and played through injury and chronic pain. While McNair spent the better part of his career fighting against pain, injury ultimately forced the quarterback to retire following the 2007 season.
McNair’s death is truly shocking and saddening, he was a good player and a good man. McNair leaves behind a wife and four sons. May he rest in peace.
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