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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2009
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 APPRECIATION 
5

McNair's Talent Paved the Way for Others

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

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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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5 comments
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VAZ
Jul 5, 09 4:06 PM CDT
I guess you wont hear any stories about how this arrogant ghetto-glorifying goofball was into drugs, cheating on his wife, and trying to be a "playa". Funny how you can take him out of the ghetto, but you cant take the ghetto out of him. This guy had it ALL. Money, fame, a loving wife that accepted his infidelity and violence and childish behavior...but he had to be "a playa in da hood". He deserved what he got? Maybe. But that happens to everyone that CHOOSES that lifestyle eventually. WHAT A LOSER. Reply
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jimmypop
Jul 5, 09 4:20 PM CDT
You are ridiculous Vaz. You talk like you have first-hand knowledge of the life of Steve McNair. I guess you need to get out of the "ghetto" then, as you say that's where he spends all his time. Should Senator Ensign and Governor Sanford also follow your recommendations? Sanford has a loving wife, acceping his infidelity and he has a "soul mate" in Argentina. You Vaz, are the loser here. You know not ONE thing about the life of McNair. Shut your mouth and open your ears, it would be the best thing you can do for yourself and the world. Reply
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tameesha_sharpton
Jul 5, 09 5:36 PM 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
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IN RESPONSE:
DJM420
Jul 5, 09 7:04 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...
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Adapt-Overcome
Jul 5, 09 9:18 PM CDT
Back on subject....McNair paved the way? So what happened to Warren Moon? Reply
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