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Remembering Steve McNair: Five years after his death, family celebrates his life
Rana L. Cash @ranacashSN
Thousands who knew him as Steve "Air" McNair, who saw him break passing records at Alcorn State even before the NFL began paying close attention, came to expect his annual Fun Day.
Rides. Water slides. Games. Food and still more food. The summer bash was a fitting annual farewell for a player whose heart was never far from his roots in Mount Olive, Miss. It was McNair's way of thanking all his fans; it was their way of sending him to NFL training camp at the end of July on the highest of notes.
Steve McNair (AP Photo)
There's no send-off now. Only a full-hearted effort to hold on to what was.
On Saturday, the day after the five-year anniversary of McNair's July 4, 2009, death, family and friends from all over will celebrate their favorite son the way he celebrated them.
"He knew how much people in the community cared for him," said his brother Fred McNair. "The Fun Day was something he always wanted to do before he left, so every year we have a big memorial in honor of him. The fellowship, fireworks, friends. We do it in memory of Steve."
McNair, married and retired from the NFL, was shot and killed in a murder-suicide by his 20-year-old girlfriend, Sahel Kazemi.
The death of the three-time Pro Bowl QB who starred with the Titans and Ravens, and its circumstances, remains stunning and tragic. One of the quietest days on the NFL calendar was pierced by unfathomable news.
In the years since, his family has tried to make sense of it, tried to move beyond the tragedy by focusing on their son, brother, father and friend.
The oldest of his four children, Steve Jr. played two years of football as a receiver at Pearl River Community College. Fred McNair is an assistant head coach at alma mater Alcorn State. His mother, Lucille McNair, just celebrated her 65th birthday.
"She says she hit the speed limit," Fred McNair said, laughing.
Fred McNair said he and another McNair brother, Tim, speak of Steve often.
"Just the other day, Tim and I were talking about some of the things he would do if he were here," Fred McNair said.
Things they chose to tuck away in their hearts. Saturday will be the time to share their brother's memory with others.
Rana L. Cash @ranacashSN
Thousands who knew him as Steve "Air" McNair, who saw him break passing records at Alcorn State even before the NFL began paying close attention, came to expect his annual Fun Day.
Rides. Water slides. Games. Food and still more food. The summer bash was a fitting annual farewell for a player whose heart was never far from his roots in Mount Olive, Miss. It was McNair's way of thanking all his fans; it was their way of sending him to NFL training camp at the end of July on the highest of notes.
Steve McNair (AP Photo)
There's no send-off now. Only a full-hearted effort to hold on to what was.
On Saturday, the day after the five-year anniversary of McNair's July 4, 2009, death, family and friends from all over will celebrate their favorite son the way he celebrated them.
"He knew how much people in the community cared for him," said his brother Fred McNair. "The Fun Day was something he always wanted to do before he left, so every year we have a big memorial in honor of him. The fellowship, fireworks, friends. We do it in memory of Steve."
McNair, married and retired from the NFL, was shot and killed in a murder-suicide by his 20-year-old girlfriend, Sahel Kazemi.
The death of the three-time Pro Bowl QB who starred with the Titans and Ravens, and its circumstances, remains stunning and tragic. One of the quietest days on the NFL calendar was pierced by unfathomable news.
In the years since, his family has tried to make sense of it, tried to move beyond the tragedy by focusing on their son, brother, father and friend.
The oldest of his four children, Steve Jr. played two years of football as a receiver at Pearl River Community College. Fred McNair is an assistant head coach at alma mater Alcorn State. His mother, Lucille McNair, just celebrated her 65th birthday.
"She says she hit the speed limit," Fred McNair said, laughing.
Fred McNair said he and another McNair brother, Tim, speak of Steve often.
"Just the other day, Tim and I were talking about some of the things he would do if he were here," Fred McNair said.
Things they chose to tuck away in their hearts. Saturday will be the time to share their brother's memory with others.
