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McNair's Talent Paved the Way for Others

Gritty QB blazed a trail for black franchise players in the NFL

By Katherine Thompson,  Newser Staff

Posted Jul 5, 2009 2:35 PM CDT
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(Newser) – Steve McNair had plenty of hype to live up to at the beginning of his professional career, and rose to the occasion, not only proving himself but also paving the way for black franchise quarterbacks from Donovan McNabb to Vince Young, writes Tom Curran for MSNBC. He had both grit and style, efficiency and explosiveness, and could scramble or pass from the pocket.

Such versatility might have seemed surprising in a player from a Division I-AA team, but McNair's "jaw-dropping athleticism" was something that couldn't be taught. This man would play through injuries, and even at the end of his career, McNair ignored his battered body and pushed the Ravens to a 13-3 record in 2006.

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Steve McNair passes against the Philadelphia Eagles in a preseason football game Monday, Aug. 13, 2007, in Baltimore. The Ravens won 29-3.
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Steve McNair passes against the Philadelphia Eagles in a preseason football game Monday, Aug. 13, 2007, in Baltimore. The Ravens won 29-3.   (AP Photo/Gail Burton)
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Steve McNair looks on during training camp Wednesday, Aug. 2, 2006, in Westminster, Md.
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Steve McNair looks on during training camp Wednesday, Aug. 2, 2006, in Westminster, Md.   (AP Photo/Gail Burton,file)
Steve McNair, left, was found dead Saturday with multiple gunshot wounds, including one to the head. Police said a pistol was discovered near the body of Sahel Kazemi, left, also shot dead.
Steve McNair, left, was found dead Saturday with multiple gunshot wounds, including one to the head. Police said a pistol was discovered near the body of Sahel Kazemi, left, also shot dead.   (AP Photo)
A crowd gathers outside of an apartment where the body of Steve McNair was found in Nashville, Tenn. on Saturday, July 4, 2009.
A crowd gathers outside of an apartment where the body of Steve McNair was found in Nashville, Tenn. on Saturday, July 4, 2009.   (AP Photo/Josh Anderson)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 3 comments
ChickenChopper
Jul 6, 2009 12:04 PM CDT
he is actually dead on...sanford and ensign weren't ballin, dude, they were just banging other chicks (bad move)...mcnair was actually in 'da hood' livin the life... weird. what a waste. all that opportunity...
AdaptAndOvercome
Jul 6, 2009 2:18 AM CDT
Back on subject....McNair paved the way? So what happened to Warren Moon?
cmenthead
Jul 5, 2009 10:36 AM CDT
sadly, vaz is correct about druds and violence was only a class act on game day. lots of poor choices made during his brief life. hate to hear of anyone being murdered, but he definitely had no business being in the condo with a 20 year old

 
NFL • Tennessee Titans • murder-suicide • football • obituary • Baltimore Ravens • Steve McNair • quarterback

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