On Jul. 4, 2009, a beloved NFL great was lost. Steve McNair, retired QB of the Baltimore Ravens, was fatally shot by his then-estranged mistress, 20-year-old Sahel Kazemi. He was only 36 years of age when he passed away.

Most of McNair's career was spent with the Houston Oilers/Tennessee Titans. McNair led his Titans to a Super Bowl in 2000. Although the Titans lost 23-16, the game is still considered to this day to be one of the best, most dramatic games in Super Bowl history. 

After the 2005 season Steve "The Air" McNair was traded to the Baltimore Ravens. In 2006 McNair charged the Ravens to a 13-3 record, and a spot in the first round of the playoffs.  

The Baltimore Ravens faced off against the Indianapolis Colts, who at the time were being directed by QB Peyton Manning. McNair was shut down throughout almost the entire game, throwing for a mere 173 yards with no touchdowns, and two interceptions. The game ended with a 15-6 Colts victory.

In 2007 McNair, being plagued with injuries, started only six games. After 13 years in the NFL, McNair, at the age of 35 announced his retirement. 

In the second round of the 2011 NFL playoffs, the Ravens will face off against their rival, the Pittsburgh Steelers, at Heinz Field Saturday at 4:30. Tensions will be running high between these two as they each battle it out for a third-round playoff spot. 

MLB Ray Lewis
Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

For each team there will be a unified purpose for walking away with a victory. For each player a unique reason to emerge triumphant. Whatever that purpose and/or reason is, it will be a defining factor for both sides of the field, individually and as a whole.

Although Steve McNair can no longer be with us in the physical, it would be nice to think that he will somehow be around in spirit to be with his old teammate MLB Ray Lewis and the rest of the Baltimore Ravens as they head into Pittsburgh. For Lewis this may be the last game he plays in before going into retirement.

This article is a tribute to deceased NFL great Steve "The Air" McNair, one of the most competitive, and exciting players ever to play the game of football. Below is a poem I have chosen to help commemorate his untimely departure.

But the raven, sitting lonely on the placid bust, spoke only that one word, as if his soul in that one word he did outpour.

Nothing further then he uttered—not a feather then he fluttered—till I scarcely more than muttered, 'Other friends have flown before—on the morrow he will leave me, as my hopes have flown before.' Then the bird said, `Nevermore.'  

(Edgar Allen Poe, The Raven)