Mattie T’s Tribute to Steve McNair (1973-2009)

Football fans everywhere are shocked & saddened today, as former NFL  quarterback Steve McNair has been found dead in an apparent double homicide.

McNair’s murder comes just 15 months after his retirement from the NFL in April of 2008 from the Baltimore Ravens.

Steve McNair grew up in Mount Olive, Mississippi & was drafted by the Seattle Mariners in the 1991 MLB amateur draft.

He then spent 3 years at Alcorn State University, where he won a game in 1992 against Grambling where he scrambled into the end zone for a game-winning touchdown despite a leg injury that he suffered earlier in the contest.

McNair was drafted with the 3rd overall pick in the 1995 NFL Draft by the Houston Oilers.

Steve started to blossom as an NFL quarterback in 1997, when he threw for 2,665 passing yards (2nd most in team history) & rushed for 674 yards (3rd highest total in team history).

McNair was injured during the 1999 season, but returned in midseason & helped lead the Tennessee Titans to their most succesfull playoff run in franchise history.

It included a win in the “Music City Miracle” game, as McNair recorded the Titans’ only offensive touchdown of the game right before the historic & memorable play that kept Tennessee’s season alive.

In Super Bowl XXXIV, McNair completed 22 of 36 passes for 214 yards & nearly sent the game into overtime on a 10-yard completion to Kevin Dyson, as he finished just inches short of the end zone for one of the greatest Super Bowl finishes ever.

Despite the Super Bowl loss, McNair signed a 6-year extension for $47 million.

He would then embark on possibly his best season ever in 2000, as he totaled career highs in passing yards (3,350), passing touchdowns (21) & tied Eddie George with 5 rushing touchdowns.

McNair would later go on to win CO-MVP in 2003 alongside Peyton Manning of the Indianapolis Colts.

Steve was traded to the Baltimore Ravens in June of 2006 & made his return to the Coliseum on November 12th, 2006.

McNair threw for a season-high 373 yards during Baltimore’s 27-26 win, as they rallied from a 19-point deficit for the biggest comeback in team history.

His last NFL game was played on November 11th, 2007 against Cincinnati as he completed 17 of 26 passes for 128 yards during Baltimore’s 21-7 loss.

Steve McNair is survived by his wife Mechelle & his four sons Junior, Steve Jr, Tyler & Trenton.

McNair’s son Steve Jr. is scheduled to graduate next year from Hattiesburg Oak Grove High School & has scholarship offers from Mississippi State, Southern Miss, West Virginia & Tulsa .

Tennesee Titans owner Bud Adams released a statement today on the death of McNair:

“We are saddened and shocked to hear the news of Steve McNair’s passing today. He was one of the finest players to play for our organization and one of the most beloved players by our fans. He played with unquestioned heart and leadership and led us to places that we had never reached, including our only Super Bowl. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family as they deal with his untimely passing.”

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