Remembering Steve 'Air' McNair Now 14 Years After His Death

It seems like just yesterday that the death of the former Tennessee Titans star quarterback rocked the Nashville sports world.

NASHVILLE — It's hard to believe it's been 14 years since that summer day, July 4, 2009, when news broke that former Tennessee Titans star quarterback Steve "Air" McNair had died in a murder-suicide with his girlfriend, inside a condo just across the Cumberland River, with a view of the then named LP Field stadium where McNair won the hearts of Titans fans with his accomplishments on the field.  

That fateful morning began for me, like many other Fourth of July holidays, before and since that day. I had plans to spend the day on the lake, boating with friends in the morning, before moving to an afternoon cookout and an evening of fireworks. 

Tennessee Titans quarterback Steve McNair (9) and tight end Frank Wycheck (89) laugh with each other as they walk off the field after defeating the Jacksonville Jaguars 23 to 14 at the Nashville Coliseum Oct. 13, 2002. The win ended a four-game losing streak. 101302 Titans :: Billy Kingsley / The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK

Those plans were quickly dashed when I received a phone call from a friend who was at the time employed by the Titans. That phone call began with words I can still hear today.   

"Are you watching the TV," said the caller. "Steve McNair's dead,"    

The call caught me just seconds before I was set to walk out the door and came on my home phone- yes, I had one of those then- and I immediately stopped, turned on my set, and continued the conversation as we both sat, in different houses, in different parts of Middle Tennessee, watching the reports as the situation unfolded.  

Needless to say that the rest of my day, and others around Nashville and the nation's, changed as we watched things unfold.  

Out of respect for his family, I won't rehash the details of that day. Most remember them all too well anyway, but this day, for myself and others, will forever celebrate our nation and the freedoms we have living here. It will also be a sad reminder of the day Steve McNair left us too soon. 

 R.I.P, Steve!  

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