Steve McNair in My Own Words

(Photo by Scott Halleran/Getty Images)

Shocking. Words that could describe the last few weeks in world of the Hollywood community. Deaths have reigned down in the form of Michael Jackson, Farrah Fawcett, Ed McMahon and even television pitchman Billy Mays.

As sad as it was to hear that, the news was even more sad for me today. Upon hearing the news of Steve McNair’s death, I burst into tears. I grew up a Cowboys fan when I was younger, but wanted to branch out and find my own team. I looked for a team with something new and something fresh. I reached out for the Titans and immediately became a fan.

Through the many years, I watched as the Titans soared to new heights with running back Eddie George, Frank Wycheck and others. However, the one player I admired the most was Steve “Air” McNair. My first NFL football jersey? A dark blue No. 9 Titans garb with light blue shoulders. I still cherish that jersey to this day and it remains special in my jersey collection.

To me, Steve McNair was the consummate professional, on and off the field. I watched as he diligently worked on the field, completing pass after pass. He even put his body on the line just to get a single first down. A first down that could have won the game.

Off the field, Steve was what an NFL player should embody to be. Despite living in the age of Adam Jones, Michael Vick and Plaxico Burress, McNair was one of the few truly good guys out there. McNair worked hard with the Boys and Girls Club of America, as well as giving support and aid to the communities close to him hit by Hurricane Katrina.

I saw myself root for the guy. He wasn’t flashy like the Heisman Trophy winning Eddie George. He came from tiny Alcorn State, which was just a small I-AA school that was mostly a black college. He may have been somewhat of an unknown, but following the move to Tennessee, McNair became a household name.

McNair helped the Titans advance to their first and only Super Bowl in 1999. Despite not converting on their last play in the Super Bowl, I had hope that the Titans were heading in the right direction. The 2000 season saw the Titans go back to the playoffs and McNair do exceptionally well again. I can't tell you the number of times I signaled with McNair's trademark horns as he completed a big pass for a gain or score.

In 2003, I saw McNair get hurt, but still have the best season of his career. The amazing numbers he set helped him earn his first MVP. I debated the “Co” status because the man didn’t even play two games in a season with his best numbers. It was an amazing feat.

McNair would be traded to the Ravens in 2006. I held no remorse for the man. He had to do what he felt was right. In his mind, that was leaving his first team for his new team, the Baltimore Ravens. McNair never truly returned to his MVP form, but the man continued to amaze me by his shear presence on the field.

I sit here now, donning the same McNair jersey that became my first. It has changed since I first bought it, with some wear of the numbers on the front. The wilted numbers seems only right, as it reminds me of the small rips in my heart. God rest the soul of Steve McNair, a true Titan, on and off the field.

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