Invincibly Human: McNair Retires

Steve McNair was unique. He attended Alcorn State. McNair could pass. He could run. He was assertive and indomitable. McNair was not prodigious. Yet, he was undeniable.

On Thursday, McNair retired. “Coming out and making this decision, it was hard,” he said. “In your mind, you feel like you can play, that you can still compete. But when your mind and your body are not in accord, it's not going to work in the National Football League. My mind was there. Mentally, I could go out and play. But physically, I couldn't do it anymore. Not to the capacity that I need to help my teammates win a football game.”

During his career, McNair started 153 contests. He completed 2,733 of 4,544 passes (60%). He amassed 31,304 yards with 174 touchdowns and 119 interceptions. McNair also registered 669 carries, 3,590 yards, and 37 touchdowns. He garnered the 2003 NFL Most Valuable Player Award.

“There is no greater warrior or player with a bigger heart than Steve McNair,” said Baltimore Ravens Linebacker Ray Lewis. “He came into this game and gave it everything he had. He now can walk away with his head held high.”

McNair influenced a generation. Sans McNair, David Garrard, Donovan McNabb, and Vince Young are improbable. McNair blended leadership, intelligence, and invincibility. Fans appreciated his attributes. Franchises coveted them.