Steve McNair Retires After 13 Seasons

Blogcasting the National Football League, Blogcasting the NFL

Baltimore Ravens QB Steve McNair announced his retirement today, ending an impressive 13-year career in which he was selected co-MVP, led the Tennessee Titans to the Super Bowl, and engineered the most successful regular season in Ravens’ history. Steve ends his career with 31,304 yards passing; 3,590 yards rushing; and a combined 211 touchdowns.

Steve was one of my favorite NFL quarterbacks because of the way he played the game — with passion and intensity. He was always as much a threat to run the ball as he was to pass it. And he was a winner. In his younger years, there were few QBs who could do it better. Coming out of tiny Alcorn State in 1995, Steve became the first black quarterback drafted in the top three
picks. I remember it like it was yesterday. He brought a new excitement to the position.

Steve was fun to watch. My favorite Steve McNair moment was in a November 8, 1998 game against Tampa when he ran through the Bucs defense for 71 yards and a touchdown. It really defined what he could do and the type of threat he was to opposing defenses. But as with any NFL player, especially at his position, the years took their toll and the injuries began to pile up. Nevertheless, you would have a hard time finding a tougher football player.