The NFL has always been a place where only the strong survive. It’s Darwinism on an instant, grandiose scale. If you cannot take the hits, outrun and outlast the competition, your career will be shorter than Gary Coleman.
One of the game’s toughest quarterbacks on the field was brutally slain last week off it. Steve “Air” McNair, professional quarterback in the NFL from 1995 to 2007, was found dead in his Nashville, Tennessee condo, shot several times, twice in the head and twice in the torso. Police have ruled the shooting a homicide and have stated McNair died early Saturday morning, July 4.
His suspected girlfriend, Saleh Kazemi, was also found dead on the condo floor, suffering one gunshot wound to the head. Although the police claim foul play, it still isn’t clear whether or not Kazemi murdered McNair before taking her own life, or if there was another party in the condo. However, police state that they are not pursuing suspects.
The details of this tragedy are too sordid to discuss with any clarity, not to mention too much a slap in the face to Steve McNair’s legacy. He was an incredible athlete, a pillar of the community, and a loving father of four young children, all boys.
Steve wasn’t an athlete shrouded in criminal activity, like so many today. He wasn’t a habitual drunk driver, a wife beater, or a rowdy individual whatsoever. He wasn’t even the type to participate in online gambling. Steve was arrested once, however, for a gun charge, but after learning that the gun was legally registered, all charges were dropped.
McNair should be remembered for his accomplishments on the field. Coming out of Alcorn State, Air McNair was a brilliant member of Tennessee’s (formerly the Houston Oilers) dynamic duo alongside Eddie George. The Titans were perennial favorites in their division, and came within a yard of Super Bowl glory in 2000.
Tennessee, behind the strong arm of McNair and running ability of George, would reach the AFC Championship against in 2002, only to lose to the Oakland Raiders.
Having suffered injuries throughout the late ‘90s and early 2002, McNair’s career was on a downward spiral from ’03 to ’05. With the ever-strengthening play of division rival Peyton Manning, and the emergence of Tom Brady, also in the AFC, the Titans were panicked and made a hasty decision with McNair.
After drafting Vince Young, a promising QB from Texas, the Titans unceremoniously severed ties with McNair. Undeterred, Steve landed in Baltimore and earned his stripes in a new city as the Ravens’ starting quarterback.
In McNair’s first season as Baltimore’s quarterback—2006—he led the team to a 13-3 record, a division title, and another trip to the AFC Championship. The Ravens lost the contest to the Indianapolis Colts, and in the next season, McNair suffered a slue of injuries. He announced his official retirement from the game in April of 2008.
McNair was one of the game’s best quarterbacks while playing. He was known for his ability to inspire a team, play while injured, and the will to never give in. He will be sorely missed by friends, family and fans alike.
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