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.
Quick Facts
- Position
- Quarterback
- Born
- 14 February 1973
- Birthplace
- Mount Olive, Mississippi, U.S.
- Died
- 4 July 2009
- Place of death
- Nashville, Tennessee, U.S.
- High school
- Mount Olive
- College
- Alcorn State (1991–1994)
- Draft year
- 1995
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.
Reader's Guide
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?
- 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
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.
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.
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