Steve McNair
The dual-threat quarterback who helped Baltimore clinch a division title before his tragic passing.
Stephen LaTreal McNair, known affectionately as 'Air,' joined the Baltimore Ravens for the final two years of his career after a long tenure with the Tennessee Titans. While he spent the majority of his NFL journey in Tennessee, his time in Baltimore was significant enough to help the team clinch a division title in 2006. McNair remained an active starter and leader until his retirement, having previously led the league in passer rating during the 2003 season when he shared the NFL MVP award with Peyton Manning. His career concluded tragically on July 4, 2009, when he was shot and killed by his mistress in a murder–suicide.
- Role
- Quarterback
- Affiliation
- Baltimore Ravens (last two years)
- Status
- Deceased
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
McNair arrived in Baltimore following eleven seasons with the Titans franchise, where he had led the team to four postseason runs and two AFC Championship Game appearances. His transition to the Ravens marked the final chapter of an illustrious career that began when the Houston Oilers selected him third overall in the 1995 NFL draft. In Baltimore, McNair's presence was instrumental in securing a division title in 2006. This achievement capped off a run that included three Pro Bowl selections and one second-team All-Pro honor during his time with Tennessee. His leadership style was defined by resilience; he had previously returned from injury to lead the Titans to Super Bowl XXXIV, completing a crucial pass on the penultimate play of the game against the St. Louis Rams.
In Their Own Story
During his final two years in Baltimore, McNair focused on stabilizing the franchise after his departure from Tennessee. The highlight of this period occurred in 2006 when he helped the Ravens clinch a division title, proving his value remained high despite entering the twilight of his career. Before arriving in Baltimore, McNair had set numerous records, including leading the league in passer rating in 2003 alongside Peyton Manning. His journey to this point included overcoming a sternum injury in 2000 and returning from an inflamed disk in 1999 to lead Tennessee to their first playoff appearance since 1993. Tragically, his story ended abruptly on July 4, 2009, just two years after his retirement, when he was killed in a murder–suicide by his mistress.
Reader's Guide
Fans looking to understand McNair's impact must look at his specific achievements in Baltimore within the context of his broader career. He joined the Ravens as a veteran leader who had already won the Walter Payton Award in college and shared the NFL MVP award in 2003. His primary contribution to the franchise was guiding them to a division title in 2006, his penultimate season. McNair's stats from his Tennessee days highlight his dual-threat capability, including leading the team in rushing touchdowns with eight in 1997 and recording career highs in passing yards (3,350) and touchdowns (21) in 2001. Although he did not win a Super Bowl with the Ravens, his legacy includes being one of only four African American quarterbacks to receive the NFL MVP award.
Did You Know?
- McNair was selected third overall in the 1995 NFL draft by the Houston Oilers.
- In 2003, he shared the NFL MVP award with Peyton Manning after leading the league in passer rating.
- He led the Tennessee Titans to Super Bowl XXXIV, where they lost 23–16 to the St. Louis Rams on a play involving Kevin Dyson.
- McNair won the Walter Payton Award in 1994 while playing for Alcorn State University.
- He was posthumously inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2020.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Steve McNair?
Stephen LaTreal McNair was a legendary quarterback known by the nickname "Air" who finished his NFL career with the Baltimore Ravens. He joined the team for his final two seasons after achieving significant success in Tennessee.
What role did he play during his time in Baltimore?
He served as the starting quarterback and provided veteran leadership that helped the franchise secure an AFC North division championship in 2006. McNair remained an active starter throughout both years of his tenure with the club.
Why is Steve McNair considered important to NFL history?
Prior to arriving in Baltimore, he shared the league's Most Valuable Player award with Peyton Manning while leading all quarterbacks in passer rating during 2003. His dual-threat ability set a high standard for mobile quarterbacks of his generation.
How did Steve McNair's life end?
After retiring from football following the 2006 season, he was tragically shot and killed on July 4, 2009, in Baltimore. This event marked a somber conclusion to the career of one of the sport's most respected athletes.
What is his legacy with the Ravens organization?
Although short, his impact included guiding the team to a division title before he stepped away from the game. He remains honored by fans as a pivotal figure who brought championship-level experience to the squad during his brief stay.
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