I got the chance to see Steve McNair play in the year he came to Youngstown State in the first round of the I-AA Playoffs. Despite throwing for 514 yards and three touchdowns, Youngstown – and then coach Jim Tressel – beat Alcorn State 63-20 in a frigid game. It didn’t hurt McNair’s chances at going to the pros. Below are five facts that you might not know about McNair, who was tragically murdered on July 4, 2009:
Born on Valentine’s Day in 1973 in Mount Olive, MS to Selma and Lucille McNair. He was the fourth of five boys and attended Alcorn State University in Mississippi. He was raised by his older brother, Fred, and his mother.
As a child, Steve was athletic and earned the nickname “Monk” – short for “monkey” – from his mother because he was always climbing trees and was very active.
Got his college nickname “Air” McNair from his brother Fred who originally held the nickname. Fred was the town celebrity for being an outstanding quarterback for Mount Olive and this cause a bit of distress with Steve. The sibling rivalry was squashed when Lucille told Steve that he should look at Fred as a role model instead of an opponent. Steve later commented that he learned most of what he knew in football from his brother, Fred.
Also played baseball, basketball, and ran track at Mount Olive High School, in addition to being on the football team.
McNair was the highest drafted African-American quarterback in the history of the game. He was picked third in the first round by the Houston Oilers. This beat the previous record held by Andre Ware. And to top it off, at the age of 22, he became the highest paid player on the team, signing a contract for $28.4 million for seven years.
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