The funeral program included memories from McNair's mother, his wife . He'd handled everything -- the bills, the taxes, the boys' baseball swings -- until it was just her. Mechelle sits in the stands and yells at him to "keep your face straight." McNair threw for 3,228 yards and 15 touchdowns in '98, and he led the Titans to the Super Bowl a year later. She is dating someone, but meeting people has been a struggle. On a recent winter afternoon, Mechelle is sitting in the dining room of their house in the hills of Nashville, waiting to pick Trent up from school. Stephen Steve LaTreal McNair fathered his namesake and Steven OBrian McNair through different relationships before he met, fell in love, and tied the knot with his only wife, Mechelle McNair, on June 21, 1997. A "True Crimes with Aphrodite Jones" episode filmed in 2013 even pointed suspicion at her. But after Steve's death, the most intimate details of her life were fodder for public consumption. [35] Kazemi and McNair had been previously involved with each other romantically. [53], Dyson was unable to break the plane of the goal line, "Titans to Retire Steve McNair's No. He kissed Mechelle and told her he loved her, too. Although she didn't grow up playing sports, Mechelle quickly acclimated herself to the life of a football wife. A post shared by Trent McNair (@trentmac9). The closest town, if you want to call it that, is Lorman, a community with one known claim to fame, the Old Country Store, which serves fried chicken that people drive hours for. SUBSCRIBE ON YOUTUBE. She would lean on her friends, who dropped everything to be with her in Nashville, or cry to her aunts and uncles. The man who had taken epidurals and basically crawled around in pain six days a week but somehow played football on Sundays couldn't be gone. "I think that [Trent] would be attached to his dad." He was also the team's most effective rusher, tying George for the club lead with five scores. There he guided his team to a comeback from a 16-point deficit, and the Titans came within a yard of the tying touchdown, only to ultimately lose to the St. Louis Rams. Mourners console Lucille McNair, the mother of Steve McNair, during the former NFL quarterback's funeral Saturday in Hattiesburg, Miss. "I don't think he's doing that, but I want him to see me doing something where he feels like he has a drive." The enormity of his death cannot be overstated. He also led the team in rushing touchdowns with eight and ranked second behind running back Eddie George with 674 yards on the ground, at the time the third-highest total for a quarterback in NFL history. It was just like 2009. "I can deal with not having Steve here a lot more because I see him still every day in his boys.". Yes. For more, watch E:60's story, "Heir McNair," on Sunday at 9 a.m. on ESPN, or stream it on WatchESPN. He sat behind her in class and constantly flirted. I'm not going to do it." I'm not going to do it.". Widow of Titans QB Steve McNair Anticipating Another - Tennessee Titans Today, his estate is still dealing with his lack of planning. Apart from her wealth, her late husband, Steve's net worth was around $26 Million at the time of his death. She keeps McNair's football memorabilia in the basement, where Trent dribbles his basketball and Tyler practices his dance moves. [16] All charges related to the incident were later dropped.[6]. "I feel like I'm just living. He was quiet until you knew him, and he waited a while to talk to her. Tyler was her road dog. Mechelle appreciates the little things, such as the neighbor who used to replace the boys' basketball net whenever it looked worn, or the random texts Piller sends to the boys to ask how it's going. Funeral services were held for McNair at the Reed Green Coliseum on the campus of the University of Southern Mississippi on July 11; he was buried at Griffith Cemetery in Prentiss, Mississippi. Tyler graduated from Brentwood in the spring. I can't wallow in it. He was catching up with friends and hanging out at Waffle House at 2 in the morning. As for Steven OBryant McNair, who was 15 at the time of Steve Sr.s death, he still resides in Mississippi. Between the 2002 and 2003 seasons, McNair was arrested for DUI and illegal gun possession (in May 2003). Maybe she could do that. Maybe they would have been anyway, had Steve McNair not been killed. Former Titans Chris Johnson and Vince Young took the boys to the locker room, just as their dad had done. Thus, all of Steves assets were left to her. But did I know about her? "I don't want to be alone," she says. Steve McNair's No.9 jersey will be retired during a halftime ceremony during Sunday's home opener against the Indianapolis Colts. But Lucille was more concerned with themmoving in the classroom. Jul 06, 2009 at 12:08 pm. NEW YORK (CBS) "Im gonna have all of u soon," Sahel Kazemi texted Steve McNair, her married lover and former NFL star,. Beach Boys; Friday, August 11. So he would sacrifice his bodyto try and help his team and his teammates," said Lucille. (AP Photo / Al Messerschmidt) . She made faces at him to try to get him to stop. In his senior year alone, he set a single-season FCS mark by totaling 5,799 yards and finished third in the balloting for the 1994 Heisman Trophy. But soon,everyone knew. She is dating someone, but meeting people has been a struggle. [24] The quarterback's charge was dropped on July 10, 2007 when McNair's brother-in-law pleaded guilty to reckless driving.[25]. But his phone kept ringing. He doesn't believe anyone can play quarterback as well as his father did, so why even try? [42] The bodies were discovered by McNair's friends Wayne Neely and Robert Gaddy, who called 911. He said he couldn't live without his daddy and wanted to kill himself. He was the starting quarterback for Alcorn State for all but one game in his four-year college football career. The boxes are unpacked, the dorm room is clean, and there is nothing else to do but say goodbye. She knew how much potential he had. She doesn't want to go through any more pain. [51], McNair died without a last will and testament, and his assets were frozen pending probate of his estate. But,according to his mother,that was just a fraction of who Steve McNair was. Timeline of Steve McNair and Sahel 'Jenni' Kazemi leading up to their deaths. He was 36 when he died, and he had just opened Gridiron9, a catfish-and-burger joint in north Nashville. She was slow to trust after her husband's death and never remarried. There were many people at McNair's funeral who vowed to be there for Tyler and Trent. Powered by WordPress.com VIP. Sometimes on the Fourth of July, he picked up the kids and bought fireworks and did anything that took their minds off the anniversary. Nine years later, it's still hard for him to talk about McNair. The boxes are unpacked, the dorm room is clean, and there is nothing else to do but say goodbye. Their normal. MOUNT OLIVE, Miss - (WJTV) Next Thursday marks the 10th anniversary of the death of legendary Alcorn State quarterback Steve McNair. He told Mechelle that the alarm was going off at his restaurant, but she knows now that Kazemi was probably the one who called. She thinks about the next chapter in her life. She loves taking care of people. He's going to kick the world's ass. There was one problem: His heart wasn't in it anymore, and he wanted to dance instead. After killing Steve, Kazemi killed herself, and her body was also laying down on the floor. He was also named First-Team All-SWAC for the third year in a row. [36][37] The day of the shooting, text messages between the pair were exchanged proclaiming their love to one another in which Kazemi texted the victim, "u love me" in which McNair replied, "I love you baby. Steve McNair death: Timeline of how it happened - The Tennessean Two Years Later And Steve McNair's Estate Drama Continues They got married in Vicksburg, Mississippi, in 1997, and a year later, Tyler came along. [52] On October 15, 2010, it was reported that McNair's widow went to a Nashville judge and asked that at least a portion of the assets be unfrozen for his children's care and expenses until the estate matters were resolved in court. Following the Titans bye week Neil O'Donnell started against his former team but after ODonnell threw three picks he was sacked out of the game in the final four minutes. "He said momma,we need the moneyand I said look,your education is more important," said Lucille. He says that McNair would do the same thing for him, and that what he does isn't much. FOLLOW US ON TWITTER AND INSTAGRAM. She didn't usually get as much . He says that McNair would do the same thing for him, and that what he does isn't much. In happy times, they belted out SWV songs in Mechelle's little, red, two-seater Mercedes, his tiny head bobbing to the music. "I always tell these young childrenI'm not braggin on him, but you can do what Steve McNair did," said Lucille. All rights reserved. Steve McNair was born on Valentine's Day, and he died on the Fourth of July. Brett Favre and Ray Lewis and Jay Cutler showed up for the funeral. Every season, Mechelle sends Trent's basketball schedule to Mu and to Zach Piller. Piller likes to mess with Trent sometimes and tells him he could probably jump higher if he'd cut his long hair. Nine years later, it's still hard for him to talk about McNair. Nobody knew where he was. Editor's note: Sports Illustrated is releasing a podcast examining the death of former Titans quarterback . The other two are from previous relationships. When he headed back east after winter break, Trent refused to go to the airport because he didn't want to cry. In the worst times, she kept both of her little boys beside her in bed, where she could keep them close and safe. He could see McNair smiling and telling his boy, "Good job, Buddy. In 1992, McNair threw 3,541 yards and 29 touchdowns, and ran in for 10 more scores. "I mean, I'm here by myself. The boys are so close that Trent sleeps in Tyler's bed when he's at college. He was human. Though McNair was an NFL quarterback, he never wanted to force football or sports on his children. After thirteen seasons in the NFL, McNair announced his retirement from professional football in April 2008. It has been exactly ten years of Steve's demise. Our editors will review what youve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. He doesn't believe anyone can play quarterback as well as his father did, so why even try? Shooting death of former Titans, Ravens QB McNair ruled a homicide - NFL [26], In July 2012, McNair was named the 35th greatest quarterback of the NFL's post-merger era, according to Football Nation. Named to the Pro Bowl for the first time, McNair sat out the game due to a shoulder injury.[15]. When it hit her, she fell to the floor, screaming. But now one of them is leaving, and Mechelle is just trying not to lose it. After his death, Mechelle went to the court and claimed $500,000 each for their children's care and expenses from her husband's assets. Mrs. McNair talked about the time Steve, not yet a teen, was raking leaves and burning them in the yard. There were good times, too. But she put off doing the paperwork, and Alcorn was the school that offered her a scholarship. Every season, Mechelle sends Trent's basketball schedule to Mu and to Zach Piller. Because I hurt like everybody else. MT. But her sons were terrified and confused. How do you think she was feeling? In the divisional playoff round against the Pittsburgh Steelers, McNair threw for a career postseason high 338 yards and two touchdowns, with two interceptions, while rushing for 29 yards and another score on the ground. "I don't want to be alone," she says. I've been there.". Lucille had to rush him to the hospital. He did not have a will, creating a painful mess that dragged on for years. I've gotta keep going.". He also played for the Baltimore Ravens. Here was an NFL quarterback one season into retirement, a former co-MVP and a Super Bowl participant, murdered. Regardless of how he left here, I know he loved us. Wade Payne/AP Photo. Stephen "Steve" LaTreal McNair fathered his namesake and Steven O'Brian McNair through different relationships before he met, fell in love, and tied the knot with his only wife, Mechelle McNair, on June 21, 1997. When you walk into Lucille McNair's memory room,it's hard not be overwhelmed with the accomplishments of her sons, especially the oneknown as Steve "Air" McNair; alegacy she says beganwhen Steve was a young boy,following in the footsteps of his older brother Fred. This time, against the St. Louis Rams in the biggest game of his life, McNair helped to turn Super Bowl XXXIV into a circus-like affair. And them. The now 46-year-old widow continues to keep her partners memories alive through her work and hopes that his children do the same. Mechelle could handle algebra and first crushes, but sometimes, a boy needs a male figure in his life. He'd say, 'I just need some rest.'". McNair's wife Michele cut his mother out of her grandchildren's life. "Nope," she says. McNair signed a new six-year contract after the 1999 season worth US$47 million.[14]. Sheoffers this advice to other young athletes who aspire to be Warriors on the field,like McNair. One year after former Tennessee Titans star Steve McNair was shot and killed, details emerge about the life of Sahel Kazemi, the woman who police say pulled the trigger then turned the gun on herself. He told Mechelle that the alarm was going off at his restaurant, but she knows now that Kazemi was probably the one who called. "You know boys are going to be boys," she said. She was so happy at the end of their talk, when he said she could attend the next employee meeting. You're so strong,'" Mechelle says. I can't wallow in it. He felt comfortable in the country, near his siblings and his mother, Lucille. Everyone changed. In the days leading up to Steve McNair's death, he spent time at Nashville bars, went fishing and helped put his . So, it is safe to say that she is currently a single woman. Mechelle found strength and independence she never thought she had. Steve McNair's Widow Kicks His Mother out Her OWN House! - Z 107.9 Tyler, right, and Trent served as honorary 12th Titans in a November game against the Baltimore Ravens. Her mother, Melzena Cartwright, saw the news on TV. McNair threw for 3,228 yards and 15 touchdowns in '98, and he led the Titans to the Super Bowl a year later. In his last days, McNair seemed overwhelmed at times, almost as if he was at a crossroads, Mechelle says. Oldest son Fred McNair was the first star to emerge. He cleaned the fish when they got home that night, washed his truck and began to doze off on the couch. When a parent dies young and leaves behind children, people make promises. Times when the family would pair up in teams and wrestle, Mechelle and Tyler on one side; Trent and Steve on the other. Steve McNair's widow sues crew of well-known crime show - WKRN News 2 She tried to explain to the boys what had happened, the best she could, but Trent wanted to read about his father in the paper. E:60's John Minton III and Ryan Smith contributed to this report. She says she protects her heart and her kids. If I'm playing football and I hear her, I kind of just ignore it. His total offense averages were 571 y/g over 11 games. Sometimes, when she's rushing to a game or going to Bible study, it hits her -- the absence of tears and drama, the return to normal. Here was an NFL quarterback one season into retirement, a former co-MVP and a Super Bowl participant, murdered. He probably wouldn't have spent most of the summer dreading this moment, standing in front of a college dorm, trying not to cry. "I look at Tyler," she says, "and he knows exactly what his passion is. Death of Mechelle's Husband, Steve McNair. The Steve McNair Foundation, Inc. 209 10th Avenue South Nashville, TN 37218 The Steve McNair Foundation Teams With the NFL Youth Football Fund for $100,000 in Katrina Relief. Mechelle McNair filed the lawsuit last week against Vincent Hill, a cameraman known as John Doe, Crime Watch Daily, and one of the show's employees, Andrew Isom. [39][40][41] After killing him, Kazemi sat on the couch beside him and shot herself in the temple. OLIVE, MS (Mississippi News Now) - He led the Tennessee Titans to Super Bowl XXXIV, went to three Pro Bowls, was All-Pro once, threw 174 touchdowns against 119 interceptions, had 31,304 yards passing, and had an impressive 60.1 career completion percentage. So this week we sat down with Steve McNair's mother. That same show aired as a rerun last week, on the night of the Super Bowl. He also cut his interceptions to ten, helping his quarterback rating climb to 80.1. She was slow to trust after her husband's death and never remarried. She had plenty to cheer about by the time the franchise moved to Tennessee in 1997. The transition from football player to businessman was not smooth. Those assets included the million dollar mansion he had built for his mother, Lucille, to live in during her twilight years. "[People] always say, 'Oh, I admire you so much. Although she didn't grow up playing sports, Mechelle quickly acclimated herself to the life of a football wife. We are saddened and shocked to hear the news of Steve McNair's passing today. [33], His cousin is NFL linebacker Demario Davis. Fortunately, Mechelle grabbed him and stopped him. They carry pieces of Steve, from Tyler's mannerisms to the way Trent calls people "Buddy." He pushed an air mattress beside Tyler's bed when his brother was home and slept there. Nobody knew where he was. He did annoying things, peeking at her test answers, sticking his giant feet on her book bag. Mechelle had always considered herself a private person. This past summer, Mechelle and her sons visited Lucille in Mississippi. George Clark/Hattiesburg American POOL/Getty Images [47] The police later stated that after being released from jail, Kazemi purchased the gun from a convicted murderer she met while looking for a buyer for her Kia. By The Associated Press PUBLISHED: July 11, 2009 at 2:24 p . She never played. ". Pat Boone, a singer from the 1950s, eventually bought the home. "He would just come home and be, like, dead," Tyler says. The investigation later revealed that they were in a romantic relationship for over six months, and the two also texted each other, saying love you and love you too before the incident happened. The game had a controversial finish when, after missing a game-winning field goal at the end of regulation time and a second failed kick in overtime was negated because of a controversial running-into-the-kicker penalty on Pittsburgh's Dewayne Washington, kicker Joe Nedney won the game from 26 yards out 2:15 into overtime. "They ain't got nothing,he would say. She tried to explain to the boys what had happened, the best she could, but Trent wanted to read about his father in the paper. Trent is headstrong and stubborn and has a bit of a temper. Deadly Recall: Air McNair is an episode that examines the life, slaying, and aftermath of renowned NFL quarterback Stephen McNair, who died at the age of 36 and left behind a shocked family and fanbase. The Players Association's filed a grievance on his behalf in which an arbitrator ruled that the team violated its contract, opening the possibility for a trade. According to his wife, Michele, the will that his agent claimed was drawn up has been lost. He told them to find something they loved and to do it well. It has been exactly ten years of Steve's demise. He was 36 years old. Tyler, who was 10, started crying. When people say that to me, I'm always like, 'Where are they getting this from?' From that moment on, she could not let her children see her break down. When the police arrived, his corpse was on the couch with . Yes, he made mistakes and was figuring out what to do outside football, but he was a good husband and father to all four of his children, as per his now-widow. According to Piller, Trent hit five 3-pointers. But his phone kept ringing. "Steve was a good person," Mechelle's mother says. Conspiracy theorists flooded the internet and airwaves. The full schedule includes: Advertisement. He accumulated this hefty amount of money from his career as a talented NFL player. "You're going to have people who say, 'Oh, she knew.' Naked Pic of Serena Williams Goes Viral! I don't. In 2013, she sold their 13,000-square-foot house and moved to a smaller home. The boys are constantly chasing a ghost, a man who, in death, is still the biggest sports legend in Nashville. "But Steve,his feet,he just moved. Lucille says Steve gave freely of his time,his talents and his money. Merrill: The dilemma of how to mourn McNair They are best friends. Piller went to one of Trent's basketball games recently, and the younger McNair didn't disappoint. McNairs wife Michele cut his mother out of her grandchildrens life. Times when the family would pair up in teams and wrestle, Mechelle and Tyler on one side; Trent and Steve on the other. A few months after his death, the restaurant was sold. Things around the McNair family have been tense, to say the least, since Steve passed in 2009. Then, despite a leg injury, he tucked the ball under his arm and dove into the end zone for the winning touchdown. But if I'm playing basketball, I kind of look up there and tell her to sshhhhh." How 'Family Matters' Made One of Its Biggest Characters Disappear The last full conversation he had with Mechelle centered on the restaurant's nightly receipts constantly being off and her desire to help. Then there was Mike Mu, a longtime family friend who used to run McNair's foundation. "I can't say that I didn't have my bitter moments. The boys are constantly chasing a ghost, a man who, in death, is still the biggest sports legend in Nashville. On June 8, McNair flew to Baltimore, passed a physical and was announced as the newest member of the Ravens. I do know that. He made his first playoff start as a Raven against the Colts on January 13, 2007. She said she couldn't bear to lose both of them. Maybe she could do that. In the winter of 2016, Tyler was one of the best basketball players at Brentwood Academy, a Christian school with a powerhouse basketball program. She would go to her room, door closed, and sob. But plans change. Ex-linemen tell stories about how she used to sit in the stands and yell at them to protect her husband. He added, "We believe now, at this time, that McNair was seated on the sofa and likely was asleep, and we believe that . Judy Winslow's character was just nine years old when Family Matters first started. Steve turned down an opportunity out of high school to be drafted into baseball. Times when McNair would take the boys out on his motorcycle and they didn't even need to talk. Corrections? Time, if you handle it right, has a way of filtering out the bad memories but leaving the good. The night of his death, McNair put his children to bed, then at 11:00p.m. he texted Kazemi "On my way. She always worried where he was. Piller went to one of Trent's basketball games recently, and the younger McNair didn't disappoint. The transition from football player to businessman was not smooth. He made a mistake. Following Steves tragic passing, save for a public statement expressing her gratitude for the love she and her family were receiving, Mechelle refused to give interviews or speak about the matter. In 2019, he claimed that neither he nor his elder brother was invited to the ceremony where his fathers jersey was retired. She always worried where he was. She would not lose it in front of them. Tyler, who is majoring in biology at NYU while continuing to pursue his dancing dreams, forged a path so different from his father's. Mechelle didn't particularly want to go to such a tiny school. Mechelle had just found out. (She was never a suspect). That same show aired as a rerun last week, on the night of the Super Bowl. McNair was shot and killed on the Fourth of July by Sahel Kazemi, a 20-year-old girlfriend who then shot herself in the head. In 1998, McNair set career passing highs with 492 attempts, 289 completions, 3,228 yards, and 15 touchdowns for the Oilers, now competing in Nashville. At the time, it was considered one of the biggest funerals in the state. "Mama," Mechelle asked, "do you think it's true?" She loves taking care of people. See our privacy policy. In 2005, he played in 14 games because of a back injury. Tyler graduated from Brentwood in the spring. He announced his retirement following the 2007 season. The victory over Grambling helped the Braves qualify for the I-AA playoffs where they faced off against then-Northeast Louisiana, falling 7827 to the Indians on November 21, 1992. Steve McNair, in full Steve LaTreal McNair, byname Air McNair, (born February 14, 1973, Mount Olive, Mississippi, U.S.died July 4, 2009, Nashville, Tennessee), American gridiron football player who threw 174 touchdown passes during his 13 National Football League (NFL) seasons (1995-2008), primarily while playing for the Tennessee Titans. Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. McNair came in and threw a touchdown to Erron Kinney; a missed Steelers field goal attempt resulted in the Titans winning 2320. Offensive linemen spend their careers protecting the quarterback, and Piller couldn't. Sports was always one of the tougher areas for Mechelle to navigate. "I know he's in his head," Steve would tell Mechelle. [29][30], McNair was married to Mechelle McNair[31] from June 21, 1997, until his death. Bossip Comment Policy [48], Titans owner Bud Adams released a statement regarding McNair:[49]. When people say that to me, I'm always like, 'Where are they getting this from?' It was nearly 11 years ago when former Tennessee Titans quarterback Steve McNair was found dead next to a young woman in a downtown Nashville condo. He kissed Mechelle and told her he loved her, too. He had four brothers, Fred, Jason, Michael, and Tim. Beach Boys, Ludacris, Ashanti and more: See lineup for Hard Rock Casino "He paved the way and now it's time for you to move forward.". It was a good day for two little boys who saw their dad as a superhero. Mechelle knows life will change again soon, when Trent gets his driver's license. 'Bud' Adams, Jr. "Everyone went to college and I bought them a bible and I told them,God come first, books come second and their sports come next," said Lucille. But he could be there for McNair's boys. I always have thought Steve got his toughness from his mother. I feel like I'm the weakest person sometimes. The last full conversation he had with Mechelle centered on the restaurant's nightly receipts constantly being off and her desire to help. At first, Mechelle thought he should stick it out. He loved us. McNair holds an Oilers jersey with NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue and McNair's mother, Lucille, April 22, 1995 in New York. I'm just pushing forward. McNair completed 18 of 29 pass attempts for 173 yards with no touchdowns and two interceptions as the Ravens lost, 156. [35] McNair was not arrested, instead leaving in a taxi with Gordon, despite Kazemi repeatedly asking the arresting officer to tell McNair to come to the police car to talk to her. He was still trying to figure out his world outside of football. She would wonder, later, about signs. I don't. We immediately think of his family, his boys. They carry pieces of Steve, from Tyler's mannerisms to the way Trent calls people "Buddy." He led the Titans to the franchises first Super Bowl berth in 2000. Steve McNair's Death Left Behind a Family Who Now Makes Him Proud She is thankful for that last day McNair had with the boys and for that night when they argued and made up. Steve and Mechelle had happily welcomed their first child, Tyler McNair, a year after getting married, followed by Trenton roughly five years later. Nashville Police Chief Ronal Serpas said, "The police department has concluded that Steve McNair was murdered by Sahel Kazemi and that, in turn, Sahel Kazemi killed herself with a single gunshot wound to her head.". God got her through this, she says. He asked how somebody could do this to his daddy. Tyler came home for about a month, but he wasn't really there.
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