It’s been 15 years since the death of legendary quarterback Steve McNair

Original story posted in 2023:

While plenty of people are celebrating Independence Day across the United States, it is worth noting that it is also a day of remembrance. This year marks the 15th anniversary since the passing of the legendary football player Steve McNair.

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. Although he was drafted by the Seattle Mariners, his love for football led him to attend Alcorn State University to star as a quarterback.

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

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

In his junior season in 1993, he helped Alcorn achieve another successful season with an 8-3 record. He threw for 3,197 yards, scored 22 touchdowns, and rushed for over 600 yards. By this time, McNair had become a household name.

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

During his final collegiate year, he amassed a total of 6,281 yards, 56 touchdowns, and became 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).

From 1995 to 2005, McNair led the Titans and earned the title of NFL MVP in 2003. He also led the team to the Super Bowl in 2000.

McNair retired from his NFL career in 2008 after playing for the Baltimore Ravens from 2006 to 2007.

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

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