When I first heard of the death of Steve McNair a few minutes ago, this was the image that immediately popped into my mind. "Air McNair" of Alcorn St. A college football player from a small 1-AA SWAC school who managed to capture the attention of the country. A larger than life athlete.It is rare any professional athlete touches us personally. For the most part, we are "pure" fans, watching from the outside. We make judgments and assumptions about players' personalities, their character as human beings, their relative "goodness," largely based on perception. Most of us have not been in the locker room with these men or shared a huddle or a team meal alongside them. We watch players like Steve McNair from our living rooms and opinions are shaped by their actions on the playing field, their demeanor and conduct in post-game interviews and a very non-scientific "feel."
Unquestionably, McNair was one of those players for whom my perceptions were always universally positive. I'm sure countless analysts, former teammates and opponents will share the familiar cliche over the coming days that Steve McNair "played the game right." Too often this is a throw-away line. In this case, it seems more right for this man than it may be for most other professionals I can think of. He also seemed an ambassador of the game and those who shared the same occupation as NFL players. Through his foundation, and work with NFL Charities, it always appeared McNair's selfless attitude translated beyond the gridiron.
It's almost always sobering to hear about the death of a player of personality that you "grew up with" through the intermediary of sports, film, publishing or some other media-oriented channel. However, it's far more seldom that the death of an athlete - moreover one that never played on any team to whom you pledge allegiance - floors you. It's rare that the news of their death literally causes you to take pause and reflect. That is the case now, as I think about the death of Steve McNair.
The only thing seemingly definitive about this story is that nothing about it is (or will be) immediately clear. McNair's death may reveal things that say more or less about the man over the days and weeks to come. But, for now, sadness is the prevailing emotion. A 35 year-old husband and father of four is gone. Professional football and its fans have lost a man who left indelible memories on so many of my era. RIP, Air McNair.
Original Story:
Jayson2 said July 04, 2009