After hearing of Steve McNair's violent death on July 4th, I went to the scene.
Nashville has lost a legend who created so many memories fans share collectively. Here are ones that I'll always remember:
- The second to last play of Super Bowl XXXIV. A play was NEVER over while Mac 9 had the ball.
- The sprint up the middle of the field for a touchdown that same season in the AFC Championship game against the Jaguars.
- McNair wasn't even in on The Music City Miracle. But I'll never forget the look on his face right after it happened.
I'm afraid in the days ahead we might learn some things we wish we didn't know about Steve's life and death. Regardless, this is a guy who made all the difference on the field as the Titans' first QB. But by all accounts he was a class act off the field as well. Just tonight, a teenager was interviewed outside McNair's new restaurant near Tennessee State University. In the last days of his life, Steve gave this kid a job when no one else would. The young man described the leadership by example that Steve showed at his restaurant - cleaning up, taking out garbage, bringing customers exta napkins. It clearly made an impression on this young man.
It occurred to me that this was the same leadership we saw on the field. He was the one with the biggest heart and the most determination - never to good to block for someone else or hand the ball off to Eddie 35 times. But I bet there was never any question who was in charge.
