McNair the Person Maybe not as Great as the Player
Written by RandolphC, Monday July 06 2009
We will remember Steve McNair as the tough Tennessee Titans quarterback. But as we learn more about his death, those details become harder to forget.
You know what’s the problem with heroes? We only see half of who they are, at most.
On Saturday July 4th, former NFL quarterback Steve McNair was shot and killed. The news jarred his former teammates and fans alike. It was a shocking end to a life we’ll remember first for his on-field accomplishments.
McNair was drafted third overall in the 1995 Draft and it was an important moment for the NFL. No Division 1-AA player was ever drafted that high. It was also monumental because it was the highest a black quarterback was ever selected. I drew some pride from that historic selection by the then-Houston Oilers, but I knew it didn’t mean anything if he failed as a player. If McNair was a bust, it would be another setback for minorities that wished to play the most important position at the highest level.
“Air” McNair didn’t disappoint when he became the starter. He proved that “black quarterback” wasn’t an oxymoron. Yes, he was athletic enough to be a dangerous runner, but he excelled from the pocket, proving he could dissect a defense, make the right read, and deliver the ball precisely where it needed to be.
He was good enough to lead the Titans to a Super Bowl appearance in 1999. Though he lost the game, his performance was memorable. McNair led a comeback to tie the game after being down by 10 points in the 4th quarter. The final drive that fell one yard short is one of the greatest drives in Super Bowl history, even though it didn’t win the game.
While Steve McNair might not be considered durable, no one will question his toughness. Fans will never know how hurt he was Sunday after Sunday, but come game time, McNair played through the pain. It was like he was indestructible. But that perception was restricted to the field.
You know what’s the problem with heroes? Their civilian life isn’t always as clean as their image.
McNair wasn’t perfect. He had a couple of run-ins with the law for DUI. But we forgave that. He was married with a family and a generous part of the community. McNair seemed like a great person.
But as the police investigation continues, we’re learning McNair had a secret third life off the field and away from his family.
What we do know is he had a relationship with Sahel Kazemi, a woman he allegedly met while she was a waitress at a Dave and Busters restaurant. Police said they had been dating for several months. Photos of McNair and Kazemi parasailing while on vacation together have emerged. Recently Kazemi was arrested for DUI with McNair in a Cadillac Escalade that was registered under McNair’s and Kazemi’s names. The car apparently was a gift for Kazemi from McNabb on her 20th birthday.
Kazemi’s relative told police Sahel believed McNair would leave his wife and the two would get married. No one knows if McNair and his wife, Mechelle, were having problems, but the McNair house is on the market.
The loss of a husband and father is traumatically tough on a family. But learning McNair was having an affair before his death can be emotionally crippling. One source said Mechelle was “blindsided” by the developments.
While police haven’t classified the deaths as a murder-suicide, they aren’t looking for a suspect.
The police investigation could be wrapped up by the end of the week. Whatever the findings are, it’s a sad story of two lives cut short. But also it’s another example a great player that probably wasn’t as great of a person away from the stadium.
You know what’s the problem with heroes? They’re human.
Randolph Charlotin writes a New England Patriots blog at www.randolphc.com. Send any questions or comments to talktome@randolphc.com.
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Randolph, congrats bud! I just saw that first line about heroes quoted on Sportcenter!