Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
If you're a football fan, you'll probably remember Steve McNair as one tough quarterback for the Tennessee Titans and Baltimore Ravens. If you're not a sports fan, you'll remember him for being that football player that got shot to death by his 20-year-old girlfriend.
Really, it doesn't even matter how you remember him.
The bottom line is that a life was cut way too short -- McNair was only 36 -- and it's simply a sad story.
When I first heard McNair was killed, I got that pit in my stomach and just started feeling bad for his family, friends and the millions of Titans fans that worshiped No. 9, who was no doubt the face of the Titans franchise.
I know there's many people out there that want to knock McNair down because he was seeing another woman even though he was still technically married, but I'm not going there.
We all make mistakes in life -- some more than others -- but McNair never fumbled with his commitment to his community. He proved to be a great citizen in his community, always giving back and helping others in need.
On the field, he was just solid. He had an arm that kids dream about -- he always seemed like he could chuck that ball up to the moon -- and he could also beat you with his legs. Remember, McNair was that rare double-threat (passing, rushing) and a three-time Pro Bowler and 2003 co-MVP with Peyton Manning.
But what separated him from other NFL quarterbacks was his toughness (see former New England Patriots QB Steve Grogan). Didn't it always seem like McNair was on the injury report with some sort of bump and bruise? But you always knew he would play whether he was listed as doubtful or questionable.
That's the confidence you had in McNair. You always knew he'd show up, play hard and give his team a chance to win.
Being tough is a characteristic that can't be taught or coached. You're either not afraid to run through a wall or you stop well short to not get injured. With McNair, you knew he'd not only run into the wall, he'd run through it for his teammates, coaches and fans.
How will you remember McNair? Will you remember his life or his death?
