It’s been 13 years since the death of legendary quarterback Steve McNair

Listen to this article

While plenty of people are celebrating Independence Day around the United States, it is also a day of remembrance of the 13th year since legendary football player Steve McNair died.

Born and raised in Mount Olive, Mississippi, McNair quickly made a name for himself at Mount Olive High School where he led the Pirates to a state championship in his junior year. He also caught 15 interceptions as a senior.

McNair excelled in football, baseball and basketball in high school. He was drafted by the Seattle Mariners, but his love for football would lead him to go to Alcorn State University to star at quarterback.

Other schools, such as the University of Florida, offered him to play running back, but Alcorn allowed him to do what does best by throwing the football.

As a freshman in 1991, McNair rose to stardom after throwing 24 touchdowns and racking up over 2,000 receiving yards. He led the Braves to a 7-4 season in 1992 as a sophomore while throwing 3,541 yards, scoring 29 touchdowns and picking up over 500 rushing yards.

In his 1993 junior season, he helped Alcorn to another profitable season by going 8-3. He threw for 3,197 yards, gained 22 touchdowns and rushed for over 600 yards. By this time, McNair was a household name.

Shortly before his senior season, McNair found himself on the cover of Sports Illustrated.

During his final collegiate year, he managed a total of 6,281 yards, 56 touchdowns and becoming a Heisman finalist.

Gone 11 years ago today, Steve McNair had one of the best college football seasons ever in his final year at Alcorn State.

McNair was a Heisman Trophy finalist that year. pic.twitter.com/f7fzGLCK39

— ESPN College Football (@ESPNCFB) July 4, 2020

McNair was quickly selected as the third over pick in the 1995 NFL Draft by the Houston Oiler(Now the Tennessee Titans).

Steve McNair: Photo from Twitter

McNair led the Titans from 1995-2005 and was named the NFL MVP in 2003. He also led the team to the Super Bowl in 2000.

McNair ended his NFL career after playing for the Baltimore Raven from 2006-2007 and officially announced his retirement in 2008.

On July 4, 2009 McNair was shot and killed by Sahel “Jenni” Kazemi in Nashville, Tennessee.

McNair left behind a wife and four children, along with a legacy that still lives on today.