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Remembering Steve McNair

We will miss you Steve!  (AP Photo/Wade Payne)

More photos » by WADE PAYNE - AP

We will miss you Steve! (AP Photo/Wade Payne)

Obviously by now you have all heard about the tragic death of Steve McNair.  The details are still fuzzy at this time, so for now I am going to take some time to talk about what he meant to me as a member of the Tennessee Titans.  

Steve McNair is the reason I am such a passionate Titans' today.  If you have been around this site for any length of time, you know that for the first 2+ years of the site my avatar has been of McNair's escape in Super Bowl 34.  That was the night Air McNair became my favorite player.  I know some people have said that he spend too much time running around on that drive, but I can promise you that Neil O'Donnell would have been sacked early in that drive and we would not have ended up anywhere close to a yard short.

McNair was a warrior.  He played through injuries that would have kept most players out for weeks.  Some people will tell you it was lack of preparation that kept him on the injured list throughout his career, but if you go back and look at the injuries he actually suffered you will see that these were injuries that had nothing to do with conditioning.

Click through the jump to hear reactions from Eddie George and Derrick Mason.

Star-divide

My favorite Steve McNair game ever was the game against the Giants in 2002.  He had missed practice all week with badly bruised ribs, and the game was in the Meadowlands in December.  The weather was brutal, but he was out there because it was Sunday.  He led two come from behind drives in the 4th quarter, with the bruised ribs, and took in the 2 point conversion to tie the game on a quarterback draw.  That was Steve McNair.

McNair is what made the Titans Nashville's team.  There was actually a lot of oposition here when the talk started that the Oilers might be moving, but that Super Bowl run in 1999 got the Middle Tennessee area behind the Titans.  The play on the field was obviously a big reason for that, but it was also because of the work done in the community by guys on the team like McNair.  He did a TON of work for the Boys and Girls Club in Middle Tennessee, and you will also remember that he brought a tractor trailer to the Titans' facility to fill with supplies for the victims of Hurricane Katrina.  That was Steve McNair.

I don't have any idea what the coming days will reveal about the events surrounding his death, but for now I will remember McNair as a warrior who was willing to give his body every Sunday for the Titans, and as a man who did a lot of good in the community around Middle Tennessee.  We will miss you Steve!

[UPDATE]- Channel 5's McNair Biography.

[UPDATE 2]-

[UPDATE 3]- Kuharksy's thoughts.

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My favorite McNair moment....

At Tampa in the 2008 season. It was an ESPN game. The titans were up 24-22 and were trying to get a first down to seal the win, all McNair did was bust one for 71 yards and the win. It was him stepping up in a nationally televised game and leading his team to a big victory. I hated it when he went to the “hated Ravens” (not even relevant right now, and they are saying great things over there), it was tough to see him in those uniforms. I was glad to see him come back to Nashville after retiring and I think/hope he will be remembered as a Titan. Four years from now, when he is inducted into the Hall Fame, there won’t be a dry eye in the house! Thanks Steve McNair, for everything you did!

by gotitans27 on Jul 4, 2009 7:30 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

well said

certainly better than I can muster right now. this is too sad.

Music City Miracles blogger and official Jon Bovi tour manager.

by August West on Jul 4, 2009 7:34 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

You all should like this

Gotta preface this by saying I’m a Ravens fan here to share my memories.I know he meant so much to you, the titans fans.
This is the tribute the Ravens put on their site after he retired. http://www.baltimoreravens.com/News/McNair_Retires.aspx
There is a whole section on comments from the titans.
 By the way my favorite Mcnair Moment was the whole 2006 season. We were horrible the year before(6-10) and he took the team over and lead us to a 13-3 record and a playoff bye.We beat the hated Steelers twice 27-0 and 31-6.. Not to mention one of the many memorable games we’ve played was our 27-26 game that year at lp field where he the the winning td to mason. Again, my deepest condolonces to everyone, he only was a Raven for 2 years, but he left such a great mark.. Thanks for everything.
And yes, its not revelant that you’re the “hated Titans” were all football fans and we both had the privelege of seeing him play on our teams.

Wieters is HERE! and the Phillies are in first! Doesn;t get much better

by phillybmore on Jul 4, 2009 7:56 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

It says everything about the kind of man he was for this community

that he could leave Nashville to play for the Ravens, and keep every Nashvillian and Titans fans on his side.

Music City Miracles blogger and official Jon Bovi tour manager.

by August West on Jul 4, 2009 11:44 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Like many of you, Steve McNair was a huge reason that I became a Titans fan

I’m only 19 years old so watching McNair, Frank Wycheck, Eddie George, and Jevon Kearse during that magical 1999 playoff run is what made me a die hard Titan today. I met Steve one time in my life at an advocare convention and he seemed like an extremely nice and humble man, and will be sorely missed.

My favorite Air McNair moment, was that final drive in the Super Bowl when he was breaking tackles all over the place and keeping our team alive with our legs. I was hooked from that moment on and have the late Steve McNair to thank for that..

The Great Steve McNair will always be remembered here

by Sheriff McLawdog on Jul 4, 2009 8:02 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Great point Sheriff

When I was a kid, I wanted to be a receiver like Lynn Swann.

Some players make impressions that translate age – they become the symbols of the game we fall in love with

by pigskinpundits.com on Jul 5, 2009 8:31 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Damn...

This actually hurts. I absolutely loved watching this guy play the game. As I try to come up with the right words on my own blog, I find that this is all I can say.

Having grown up a 49ers fan and witnessing Steve Young’s ascension as a HOFer, McNair was the kind of player I came to admire and I would have loved to have seen him play in the red and gold. The same traits I admired about Young is what I admired about McNair: the tenacity, the style of play, uncanny intelligence to match his athleticism. So much is being said about him as a player since that we came to know him, but I hope that as his former colleagues speak about him, we’ll discover who the person truly was.

This is not only a sad day for Titans and Ravens fans, but all of us who have some sort of vested interest in the NFL.

Jason Clinkscales
A Sports Scribe
http://asportsscribe.blogspot.com

by Jason Clinkscales on Jul 4, 2009 8:35 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

The pain....I have never felt this way about losing a celebrity of any stature.

And in such strange circumstances. Geez….

Official MCM Hater!
"I'm a professional towel stomper...I've seen the big Ben Roethlisberger sandwich on TV"

by gramsey712 on Jul 4, 2009 9:50 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

I feel the exact same way...

I looked at my autograph I have of McNair and nearly cried… I’ve never talked to the guy for more than 2 seconds in my life…

T-Rac's Posse - Just do it. T-Rac wants you to.

by T--Rac's Posse on Jul 5, 2009 1:50 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

shocked

speechless… woke up, checked my twitter and this is the first thing i saw. i’m just looking at my mcnair jersey right now, the first titan jersey i bought, and i wish this is all just a bad nightmare and i’ll wake up again with steve mcnair still alive.

Go Titans!

by Pinoy Titan on Jul 4, 2009 10:27 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Wow

Steve and I a few years ago - >

FOREVER #9

Official Graphic Designer/Researcher/Grammar Police of MCM.
Official Graphic Goon of OTF.

by smashville on Jul 5, 2009 2:05 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Steve McNair

If Steve McNair had a Terrible Towel he would still be alive today !!

by SteelerRon on Jul 5, 2009 7:13 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Not cool at all

Have some class, and remorse.

aka 'Rexx'

by Bruce Raffel on Jul 5, 2009 9:31 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I think thats uncalled for

Look, You can hate the ravens or the Man, but PLEASE RESPECT HIM! That was a totally inapropriate comment. God Knows I don’t like the Steelers, but If one of their players , especially a legend just got murdered, I’d be one of the first ones on the site offering condolonces. Lest we forget your QB almost died in that horrible bike accident. only 2 years ago and I was praying for his recovery Our game is just THAT. A GAME. THIS IS REAL LIFE! We and his family just lost a great man way to early.

Wieters is HERE! and the Phillies are in first! Doesn;t get much better

by phillybmore on Jul 5, 2009 9:27 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Trust me, the Steeler...

…to a man, will bow their heads in silence as a sign of respect for a guy who took them to the limit in every game between the teams, won or lost. They wil definitely show the respect for the class of guy McNair always was, and so should you.

aka 'Rexx'

by Bruce Raffel on Jul 5, 2009 9:33 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Dude...no.

"I dunno. I never smoked any Astroturf"
-Tug McGraw

by squid92 on Jul 5, 2009 3:32 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Youre an idiot

To defend the Steeler fans and particurlarly our BTSC blog, this guy is an idiot, and has posted the exact same comment on a number of posts, and I apologise and make a big note that not all Steeler fans are as classless as this guy

Bleeding Black and Gold since 1989 baby, Blitzburgh is back, time for a repeat!

by Steeler_ on Jul 5, 2009 8:01 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I know not all steelers fans are bad

Thanks for coming on here. I know its slightly off topic, and I apologize to the Titans fans for saying it on their blog, but its a follow up…even though you’re our biggest rival, you gotta respect the Steelers and the fans,Honestly i’ve never met a bad Steelers fan, they just love to pick on me:)Nothing wrong with that, its all in fun. but ya beat us 3 times and won the big prize.Again thanks for coming on here and being classy.And Thanks Titans fans for letting me post that follow up on your blog.

Wieters is HERE! and the Phillies are in first! Doesn;t get much better

by phillybmore on Jul 5, 2009 9:30 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

R.I.P. McNair...

Im just a Chiefs fan visiting from AP to let you all know we are all hurtin with you guys…Lost an amazing ball-player and a great man.

by woodman212 on Jul 5, 2009 12:43 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Mcnair will be missed sorely

Steve was one of the few players I really looked up to in the league as a guy who carried him self with class and he always seemed like an easy going guy as well with a smile usually on his face. I was honored as a Ravens fan to have such a leader as him QB our team with leadership and pride it was just unfortunate he couldn’t continue his winning ways with us the following season as well. Would have been nice to see him hopefully accept his HOF inductee but I’m sure he will be smiling down on us when he does. No matter the circumstances that become revealed from his death I will always have respect for a great football player who played the game the right way. I hope he had found peace and I wish his family well.

"Come on James Walker, making fun of Browns fans? That's like waiting outside a middle school for the short bus to arrive so you can try out some "new material."

by purpleonblack86 on Jul 5, 2009 5:56 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Whatever he involvement was with the case R.I.P to Ms. Kazemi and I wish her family well also.

"Come on James Walker, making fun of Browns fans? That's like waiting outside a middle school for the short bus to arrive so you can try out some "new material."

by purpleonblack86 on Jul 5, 2009 6:24 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

her*

"Come on James Walker, making fun of Browns fans? That's like waiting outside a middle school for the short bus to arrive so you can try out some "new material."

by purpleonblack86 on Jul 5, 2009 6:25 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Steve McNair

Truth be told, one of the few quarterbacks that I did not like to see the Steelers have to play. Solid as a rock, and one of the most gutsy Quarterbacks ever to play.

He played the position how it should be played, with heart, strength and determination, was never afraid to get his hands dirty and get down in the mud. You had to eat hearty the week before playing this guy

RIP McNair…and I offer my condolences to his family, both his blood, and his family here at Music City Miracles….a great man has been lost

Bleeding Black and Gold since 1989 baby, Blitzburgh is back, time for a repeat!

by Steeler_ on Jul 5, 2009 8:05 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Rest

in Peace, Steve.

We only had you for two years, but you gave us one heck of a 13-3 season. I am sure many of you in Nashville are still in shock. Our prayers and condolences go out to Steve’s family and fans.

by vlad755 on Jul 6, 2009 12:19 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

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