Mourning Up-North: Canadian Remebers Steve McNair

I was born and raised in Canada. Due to my proximity to Detroit, Mich., I was exposed to the NFL at a young age. I loved football, but I never really liked the Lions—can you blame me—but for whatever reason, my interest in football dwindled as I got older. 

Both my sons started playing Pee Wee Football, re-kindling my interest in the NFL.I starting watching many Sunday football games with my boys in our basement. 

I loved watching Earl Campbell eat up the yards with those grinding quads in the Houston Oilers prime as a kid.

But it dawned on me; I really was not a fan of a specific team. 

Let the search begin;Oakland, Dallas, Green Bay, Detroit... NOT! 

The Tennessee Oilers, with the new guy from Alcorn State, would be my team. Steve McNair was my man, and Tennessee became my team. I loved watching Tennessee. I liked the way Jeff Fisher ran the team. 

I liked McNair for being a modest leader. A tough leader. A quiet leader. 

He could pass and run. He was a threat to the defense, to say the least.

Jumping ahead to Super Bowl XXXIV against the Rams, McNair's last quarter scramble was legendary. I respected the man for his passion to win.

From that day on I followed McNairs's career with enthusiasm as he fought through injuries. I realized he was one tough SOB.

Back in the day, I purchased a No. 9 Titan's Jersey. I wear it proudly to this day. I have a signed Steve McNair 8x10 hanging on my basement wall.

I even traveled eight hours to Nashville on several occasions to support Steve McNair and the Titans. I am glad I had the opportunity to watch Steve McNair play in person.

I can not comment on McNair's personal life, nor do I want to. 

I do know that Steve McNair was an outstanding football player to say the least and an asset to NFL legacy. 

This Canadian football fan will miss the quiet man from Mississippi.

Godspeed, Steve McNair.