Steve to the Heavens: Remembering the Great "Air" McNair

On the day of July 4, a time where friends and family should gather for happy times and give thanks for our country, something is poised to always go wrong.

Today, we experienced sadness with the loss of NFL great, Steve "Air" McNair.

McNair was born Feb. 14, 1973, in Mount Olive, Miss.

His football career took off while in college, playing for Alcorn State, a Division 1-AA team in the college ranks. He had a successful campaign during his time there, winning the Walter Payton Award for nations top player, while just coming short of a Heisman Trophy.

In 1995, he was selected third overall by the Houston Oilers (now the Tennessee Titans), a great selection, but surprised by some for being selected high while not playing in the so-called greatest competition.

Two years later McNair became the starter, doing so in great fashion. Steve passed for 2,655 yards, 14 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions, the fewest amount for a single season in franchise history.

The next season, his dominance improved, throwing for 3,228 yards, 15 touchdowns, and only 10 interceptions.

After the team changed the name to the Tennessee Titans and a new stadium opened, McNair had big plans.

Steve experienced one of the more memorable playoff runs in NFL history, that dealt with the highs and lows.

We all must remember the "Music City Miracle," where the Titans used the Home Run Throwback, led by Lorenzo Neal and Kevin Dyson, who had the game winning 75 yard touchdown run to advance the Titans further into the playoffs.

Then, the heartbreaking times were experienced.

The Titans played the St. Louis Rams in the Super Bowl in Atlanta, Georgia.

With Tennessee down, and on the final play of the game, "Air" McNair shot a pass to Kevin Dyson, who was reaching for the end zone was stopped right at the goal line, and the season ended.

My father, who was at the game, said " It was the most heartbreaking moment I have ever seen in professional sports."

Following that season, the Titans went 13-3, poised for another run. However, they lost to the eventual champions in the Baltimore Ravens.

Statistically, Steve McNair had his best season, having career highs in passing yards and touchdowns.

The Titans experienced a few more playoff appearances, however, resulting in early exits.

Unfortunately, there is always a point in time where you must move on, and McNair and the Titans had to face that.

He was dealt to the Baltimore Ravens on May 1, 2006. During his short tenure, he led the Ravens to a division title. However, he came up short again, and lost to the eventual champion Indianapolis Colts.

The following season was one that saw the ending of his career. Missing most of the season due to injury, McNair announced his retirement in the April of 2008.

"Air" McNair's career stats are 31,304 passing yards, 174 touchdowns, 119 interceptions.

To me, he is a Hall Of Famer, no doubt.

To others, he could miss out for just missing the ring that was needed.

Steve was probably the greatest football player to come out of a Division 1-AA college.

The man has inspired people to continue on with their dreams; that playing in a lower level college does not mean anything.

He was best known for his toughness on the field, such as playing through injury, and taking the leaps and bounds.

The great memories he had brought upon the game of football will always be remembered.

His presence on the football field could never be forgotten and shows the light to future generations.

A last time to talk about the great Steve McNair, we know he will be in a better place, and will rest peacefully with happiness and respect as a professional football star.

---

Matt Miselis is a writer for BleacherReport.com.