Steve McNair hangs up the shoes

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Steve McNair had a great career, but just could not shrug off the injuries. He often played on Sundays after spending the whole week in the training room. The surprising part is that he would often win those games.

After being traded to the Ravens two years ago, Steve had a magical season and the Ravens went 13 – 3, only to lose to the eventual Super Bowl Champion Baltimore Colts.

Last year Steve came back with high expectations, but pulled a groin muscle and it was just downhill from there. This year McNair was struggling through workouts trying to get his body to respond.

He spent much of the past three months getting ready for his 14th NFL season, but through it all, McNair had an inkling that all the running and weightlifting might be for naught.

“My mind was telling me, ‘Yes,’ and my body was like, ‘No, what are you doing?’ I came up with (the idea of retiring) two or three days ago, but it’s been lingering ever since December.”

The news stunned his teammates, who expected McNair to return—if only to prove last season was fluke.

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The highlight of Steve McNair’s career was in 2003, when he won the Co-MVP award with Peyton Manning. Not bad company to keep.

Your intrepid author doubted that Steve had enough in the tank when he was traded from the Tennessee Titans to the Baltimore Ravens, but the Squibster was proved wrong as Steve provided the missing leadership that Baltimore needed on the offensive side of the ball and the Raven defense rose up and had an incredible year.

The early days

Steve began his career with Houston.

McNair began his career in 1995 with the Houston Oilers, who eventually became the Tennessee Titans. He led the team to four playoff appearances, including the Super Bowl after the 1999 season. He was chosen co-MVP of the league in 2003, sharing the award with Peyton Manning, after throwing for 3,215 yards and 24 touchdowns with only seven interceptions.

Baltimore is left with Kyle Boller and Troy Smith fighting it out to be the starting quarterback. New coach John Harbaugh said Steve’s retirement would have no effect on who they drafted.

NFL Football special comment After a tough year, the retirement of Steve McNair appears to be another huge blow to the Ravens.

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