By Stephen J. Gaither
Steve McNair, often known as “Air McNair,” had a remarkable career both in college and the NFL. He played college football at Alcorn State, where he became one of the most prolific passers in NCAA history. McNair set numerous records, including throwing for 14,496 yards and 119 touchdowns. His senior year saw him finishing third in Heisman Trophy voting, a rare feat for a player from a historically black college and university (HBCU). McNair’s performance earned him the Walter Payton Award, recognizing him as the best player in Division I-AA (now FCS) football.
McNair was selected third overall by the Houston Oilers in the 1995 NFL Draft, becoming the highest-drafted African American quarterback at the time. Over his 13-year NFL career, McNair played for the Oilers, who later became the Tennessee Titans, and the Baltimore Ravens. He led the Titans to a Super Bowl appearance in 2000 and was named NFL co-MVP in 2003. McNair was known for his toughness, mobility, and ability to perform under pressure, amassing over 31,000 passing yards and 174 touchdown passes in his career. His legacy continues to inspire, and he is remembered as one of the greatest quarterbacks to emerge from an HBCU.
“The 2009 murder of Steve “Air” McNair, best known for his exciting run to the Super Bowl a decade earlier with the Tennessee Titans, and the unanswered questions still surrounding his death,” says the Netflix release.