Today marks the one year anniversary of Steve McNair's tragic death. It's hard to believe it's already been 365 days and it seems like yesterday McNair was named co-MVP with Peyton Manning.
McNair was shot in Nashville last year - the incident happened near 2nd Avenue South and Lea Avenue in downtown Nashville. The call was placed to police somewhere around 1:35 PM. According to the police, there was no attempt of a robbery or anything of that magnitude. McNair suffered two gunshot wounds in his body and head, with one of the four shots being closer than three feet. It would be revealed later that McNair had a relationship with 20 year old, Sahel Kazemi. She had a single gunshot wound to the head, and was pronounced dead at the scene. It is not known exactly what happened, but some can only assume that Kazemi was the one who shot McNair, and then turned the gun on herself.
Two days prior to the incident, McNair and Kazemi were pulled over in a 2007 Cadillac Escalade. The vehicle was registered to both of them. Kazemi was charged with a DUI, but McNair was not arrested. He would later go on to bail Kazemi out of jail. On July 6, policed informed the media that the gun that killed McNair and Kazemi was purchased by her after she had been arrested a few nights before.
The Titans held a ceremonial service for McNair at LP Field, commemorating him for what he had done for the city of Nashville. It showed highlights of McNair's career and fans were given the opportunity to sign books that were later given to McNair's family.
He left behind a wife, Mechelle, and four sons: Steve LaTreal McNair, Steven O'Brian Koran McNair, Tyler and Trenton.
McNair was taken 3rd overall in the 1995 draft by the Houston Oilers. He went to Alcorn State, where he set numerous NCAA and Division II records. He played sparingly during his rookie season, but he would soon be the franchise's quarterback.
He achieved many things during his NFL career, and almost upset the St. Louis Rams in the 1999 Super Bowl. The Titans had just moved to Nashville and fell one yard short of winning their first championship ever.
In the 2003 season, McNair was named co-MVP with Peyton Manning, after leading the Titans to a 12-4 record (two of those losses coming against Manning's Colts). The Colts won the division because of their two regular season wins against the Titans. Tennessee would go on to lose to eventual Super Bowl champion, New England. McNair would fail to lead the Titans back to a momentous season, and the Titans allowed McNair and his agent, Bus Cook, to talk to the Baltimore Ravens on a possible trade following the 2005 season. On June 7, he was traded to Baltimore in exchange for a 2007 4th round pick. He did well for the Ravens, but was still never able to win a championship. In April 2008, McNair announced his retirement, following thirteen quality seasons in the NFL.
I'll admit that I wasn't the biggest fan of McNair, but it was sad to see that he had passed. I hated him on the field, but off the field, I respected him and wished him well in his future endeavors after his retirement. It's sad to see anyone die, especially someone that millions of people looked up to.
My heart goes out to the McNair family, as I know they are having a difficult time on this day, which should be a celebration. Steve McNair taught us that if you put your mind to it, you can succeed in this world. Rest in Peace, Air McNair. You are sorely missed and I hope you're looking down on us with that courageous smile.
