Alcorn State University to retire Steve ‘Air II’ McNair’s jersey

Mississippi native and former Alcorn State University quarterback Steve McNair  made history by setting the Football Championship Subdivision total offensive yards record during the 1994 Alcorn State University versus Southern University football game.

For years people used the No. 9 to recognize a true football king on and off of the field. His fans followed him from the Jack Spinks Stadium in Lorman, Miss., to the Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., where he played as a quarterback for the Titans, and later to the M&T Bank Stadium with the Baltimore Ravens. 

Today, 25 years after “Air II” McNair’s record-setting playing on the field and his untimely death in 2009, his fans still honor him. 

The Tennessee Titans retired his No. 9 jersey Sept. 15, and his alma mater has plans to do the same during halftime at the Oct. 26 Alcorn State University vs Southern University game.

In addition to retiring his jersey, the university has partnered with the Steve McNair’s Memorial Foundation to host the Steve “Air II” and Mechelle McNair “Celebrating the Legacy” Endowment Gala.

The gala  is Oct. 24, 7 p.m., in the B.B. Club, 721 Clay St., in Vicksburg. Eddie George, 1995 Heisman Trophy winner and former Tennessee Titan, hosts the event.

For more information on both events contact the Alcorn State University Foundation at 601-877-6296.