Saturday, July 4, 2009

Mississippi Lost A Beloved Son Today -Steve "AIR" McNair "

Steve McNair February 14, 1973 - July 4, 2009



My heart was shattered today by the untimely and the unexpected , tragic murder, of former
Tennessee Titans QB , Steve " AIR " McNair! For those of you who have followed my blog from the beginning, you may remember my references to my love for the Tennessee Titans and in particular " my man" # 9 ! Here you see me, my daughter Melanie and Steve with his MVP trophy at his MVP Celebration in Nashville in 2004.



Here in " The Writers Porch " there is a wall dedicated to Steve McNair...

On display is the signed football sent to me, by Steve, for my birthday in 2003



Memento's, of the pleasure I had following this awesome NFL player......




My ticket to the MVP Party.......




If you are not a fan of Steve, or football, you would be a fan of the man, if you knew him! The picture below is of the farm and home he bought his mother, Lucille "momma Lucille" McNair in
his hometown of Mount Olive, Mississippi. It sits on 600 acres of land where she used to pick cotton ! This is 30 miles up the road from our farm. He also bought her a 4 wheeler to ride this farm, along with a Red Mustang Convertible and a Mercedes! He made sure she would never have it hard again!






Steve was one of the most outstanding players ever to play in the NFL...........
Holding records that may never be broken, yet he was the most humble, sweetest person you would ever want to meet! A gentle giant off the field, a fearless warrior on it!





At Mount Olive High School, he was THE MAN! He chose to go to an all black, small college near Natchez, Alcorn State and there, he was the most awesome player to ever step on the field! He went 3rd overall pick in the draft and was drafted by the Houston Oilers who in1998 became the Tennessee Titans. He led them to what is the all time most exciting SuperBowl in 2000 against the St. Louis Rams losing the game by 1 yard!




He spent 11 great seasons with the Titans then played 2 years with the Baltimore Ravens.





In 2003 Steve shared the league MVP Award with on field arch rival, Peyton Manning




He was a man who loved children and showed this by his support for organizations that cater to children, such as the Covington County Boys & Girls Club. Here he is with Momma Lucille.





I watched him as a Raven but he never looked right to me, in my heart he was the heart and soul of the Titans! He would always be a Titan!





It was this " look" I loved to see.................



When Katrina ripped through Mississippi in 2005 leaving her devastated, he sent 20 tractor trailers loaded with supplies to Mississippi along with an $ 80,000.00 cash donation!




He was a role model of what you can do good when you live your dream and give back....
The circumstances surrounding his death are heartbreaking for his family. Let he who is without fault, cast the first stone, judge not what things seem to be. This man was a wonderful man who dearly loved his family and was dearly loved by his family , team mates, coaches and fans!




I was and will always be his # 1 Fan! I went to the very first game held at the new stadium when the Titans came to Nashville. It was my first Pro game. I watched Steve McNair play and was mesmerized! He was "my man" from that day forward! Rest in peace # 9 , you were the greatest and I will miss you ! For your goodness you belong in Heaven, for your athletic abilities you belong in the NFL Hall of Fame! My thoughts and prayers are with Steve's family who have lost not only a father of four sons, a husband, a beloved son and brother, but their hero as well .


































17 comments:

Angie Ledbetter said...

Beautiful tribute. Such a loss of a good soul. I'm glad you got to know him.

Unknown said...

So very sad. Thank you for sharing your tribute to him.

Anonymous said...

I know nothing about football, but I enjoyed your tribute to a good man.

crochet lady said...

Wonderful tribute to a wonderful man.

I'll tell my 15 year old son about your post, I think he would enjoy reading it. He is an enourmous football fan and he mentioned to me yesterday that Steve had died.

Arkansas Patti said...

Being a Dolphin fan it was hard to root for "Air McNair" but I always had to admire his talent. He was great fun to watch and a great quarterback.
I did not know of his community service and you paid him a marvelous tribute.
His giving his mother the very land where she had worked so hard told a lot.
I am so sorry for your pain and loss.

Vicki Lane said...

A fine tribute - - he sounds like a very good man.

Kathryn Magendie said...

What a tribute to this man. *sigh* - I saw the news "teaser" but not what happened ... so sad... :*(

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Carol, as a HUGE Titans fan also, I loved Air McNair. I couldn't believe it when I heard about his death on TV last night. Wonder if we'll ever find out what happened. I feel sorry for his family--IF (and that is a HUGE IF) he was with another woman. If you hear the details please let me know.

Hugs,
Betsy

Midlife Roadtripper said...

I read that this morning. I'm so sorry.

A Brit in Tennessee said...

Steve McNair was loved so much in the Nashville community. He truly will be remembered for his compassion and love of his fellow man, not just as one of the most talented football players to grace the field.
A very sad, untimely death.
So sorry Carol.

Elizabeth McCrindle said...

I'm so sorry for your loss Carol it's awful when we lose those close to us but in such tragic circumstances it can be unbearable. I hope writing the lovely tribute to him has helped ease the pain.

NitWit1 said...

I watched Steve McNair film clips on sportscasts before he was drafted by the Oilers.

Although Cowboys are first in my heart, Oilers were a second. After they moved to Tennessee I see them less frequently on TV because of stupid regional broadcasting agreements.

First of all none of us should be judging. Secondly the death has only began to be investigated. Who knows? He may have owned the building and was collecting rent?

He was certainly good to his Mom.

His body like all players just wore out. I find him smart not to hang around going from club to club, getting his body further beat up, only to be replaced as soon as possible by a younger player.

It is wonderful you got to meet him in person....

Deb Shucka said...

What a loss for all of us. Thank you for sharing.

Rachel said...

Huge McNair/Titans fan too. I am wearing my Titans McNair jersey just now. Thanks for the lovely tribute.

Janet, said...

What a wonderful tribute! I am not a huge football fan and never really knew of him, but from reading your post he seemed truly a wonderful athlete and person. May God bless and be with his family in their time of sorrow.

NCmountainwoman said...

Lovely tribute to this fine man. What a shame his life ended in such tragedy.

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

I was shocked and saddened to hear about McNair's death too, Carol.

Your tribute was wonderful.