I’m disheartened and shocked to hear that America lost a tough-minded and former NFL star in Steve McNair on America’s birthday.
For many seasons, he was the one quarterback admired. A prime example was when he declared citizenship as a Tennessee resident, morphing into everyone’s idol. Known for his toughness, McNair was also known for his unique touchdown gestures that can never be replaced, his singular footwork that can’t be taught, and his competitiveness that was contiguous.
Players all have nothing but good comments to say about McNair, mostly having to do with his toughness on the field. Finding a clone will never replace the original—a general who was passionate and generous, gave everything in his 13 NFL seasons, tossed passes, scrambled, and embodied resiliency.
He engineered the Tennessee Titans' and Baltimore Ravens' offenses, spreading charisma and fortitude. Basically, he was a preacher, transmitting the word of firmness and ambition. If there’s anything to remember, one thing to bear in mind is McNair’s wisdom, resonating fame among a town that had never reached triumph.
When McNair arrived to Nashville in 1999, he became the most perceptible athlete in a town that never had any immunity of felicitating or praising a lucrative and substantial superstar. A town without an authorized domain, he changed it from a disengaging psyche into a cordial environment.
For years while in the league, McNair was the most-beloved athlete, especially in Nashville where he was hollowed and preserved more popularity than Elvis.
In the sport that America embraces so heavily, McNair was treated as the greatest icon, constituting not only a good-natured smile, but a football ritual in the state where raccoons live and music echoes.
In his stint with the Titans, McNair built an unbreakable bond, and was recognized profoundly when he guided them to a new apex, the near-Super Bowl victory over St. Louis.
They were so close. They were inspired. They were prompted.
Courtesy of McNair, memories are mentioned, and descriptions are given of what he represented to the organization with his powerful agenda of vows to generate achievements. Suddenly, it was a town of commitment and renowned models. Even failures quickly emerged into success.
Saturday, the same day our nation celebrated July 4, police found McNair, 36, dead after multiple gunshot wounds, including a fatal shot to the head in a downtown condominium.
Police haven’t caught the suspect involved in his tragic death, but police acknowledged a pistol was detected near the body of a woman, indentified as Sahel Kazemi, who was found dead as well.
In this terrible tragedy, McNair leaves behind wife, Michelle, and four sons, distraught about losing not just a warrior on the field, but a warrior of his family. He was a family man foremost, and secondly a football man, understanding the values of life and the game.
Today, we are devastated, crestfallen, and deeply numb for losing a respectful icon, but more important, a respectful human.
To remember McNair, describe his passionate work ethic and generous thoughtfulness. To remember McNair, in retrospect, his dynamics and ability to carry the forlorn Titans to the Super Bowl XXXIV was painful. But it was also one of the greatest monumental flashbacks, when they unfortunately fell short to the Rams on a compelling 73-yard reception by Isaac Bruce in the heartbreaking disappointment.
There wasn’t much McNair needed to accomplish, deciding to retire from the game where he accomplished things an average athlete will never sustain. For instance, McNair shared a fruitful season and award with Peyton Manning in 2003. They were named NFL’s co-MVPs for lifting their teams to victories.
In his time spent quarterbacking teams, McNair divulged he was productive enough to qualify for the Hall of Fame with tremendous passing yards—good results to regard accomplishments in his tenure, and acceptable for sending him to Canton.
Troubles have hinged McNair a bit, when he was charged with driving under the influence in ’07. Eventually charges were dismissed.
Never had he driven under the influence, but was held liable as a passenger. After all, he had never done wrong.
At least, that is how players and former teammates remember McNair, a three-time Pro Bowler. Former Titans and Ravens teammate Samari Rolle shared sympathy and thoughts, and former teammate Derrick Mason expressed compassion. When the saddening news broke, McNair’s former coach Jeff Fisher was overseas, participating in the first NFL-USO coaches tour to Iraq.
As you can see, we should be deeply saddened. I send my thoughts and prayers to the McNair family, now mourning the death of a good man.
I’ll always remember him as a good man.
