Fri
12
Nov
2010
Tennessee's National League Football franchise, the Titans, came into existence in 1997 after the Houston Oilers moved to the state and changed their name. From the team's arrival in Tennessee,
one quarterback led them for most of their time as the Titans. Steve McNair, who earned the nickname "Air" because he was a running quarterback who could throw as well, was a favorite amongst
Titans fans for his entire career with the team. His tenure marked one of the brightest periods in team history, as he led the Titans to four postseason runs and a Super Bowl, while setting
almost all of the Titans' records at the position.
The college prodigy
A highly recruited prospect coming out of high school, a number of important universities had their eye on the young McNair, including Florida. That school, however, saw him as a potential
defensive back. McNair's ambition, however, was to find success in the quarterback role. That ambition led him to become the field general for Alcorn State, which is in the FCS (Football
Championship Subdivision), rather than Division I. As their quarterback, McNair became the FCS leader in most passing records, going to the air for more than 14,000 yards, with more than 1,500
yards on the ground. His senior season saw him accumulate more than 6,000 passing and rushing yards, which included a total of more than fifty touchdown runs and passes.
The NFL prodigy
Drafted by the Oilers in 1995, McNair would see limited action for his first two seasons due to the presence of more veteran quarterback Chris Chandler. When he did become the starter in 1997, he
led the team to an eight and eight record. Though the team's results were breakeven, his personal totals were more impressive. With over 2,500 yards of passing and only thirteen passes that
resulted in interceptions, Air McNair made a strong statement to the league that he was every bit as good as he had been advertised as being. By the time the 1999 season began, McNair had matured
into a competent leader for his team - in addition to being a flashy quarterback who posed threats both through the air and on the ground. Though injured for five games in the season, McNair
recovered enough to lead his team to a thirteen and three season and a place in the playoffs.
Super Bowl XXXIV
After winning their playoff games, McNair and his Titans had to face the Rams and the Greatest Show on Turf. Though there was an opportunity for the Titans to win the game with only seconds
remaining, McNair's receiver, Kevin Dyson, was tackled a yard shy of the end zone as time ran out - on a play that is now simply known as "The Tackle." It would turn out to be McNair's only shot
at the Super Bowl trophy.
The remainder of McNair's career would only occasionally provide brief glimpses of the potential for greatness he had once showed. In truth, he was never the same quarterback after that
heartbreaking loss. Then, in the summer of 2009, his life was cut short as his mistress shot him and then killed herself.
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