Remembering Steve McNair: Once a Titan, always a Titan

PITTSBURGH-SEPTEMBER 28: Steve McNair #9 of the Tennessee Titans smiles while talking to a teammate during the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on September 28, 2003 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Titans defeated the Steelers 30-13. (Photo by Tom Pidgeon/Getty Images) /

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Titans Steve McNair /

Steve McNair’s Rocky Start

McNair was drafted as the No. 3 overall pick in 1995 by the then-Houston Oilers. He was a rare combination of talent, with a rocket for an arm, unmatched athleticism and a high football I.Q. These traits took some time to develop in the NFL, though.

Things did not get off to the start that most had hoped. As a result, McNair’s relationship with fans had a rocky beginning and his entrance into the NFL was far from perfect.

But as he did his entire career, McNair persevered. He grew. He got better.

As time went along, it was clear that McNair was not the next draft bust. The skill set that Titans fans thought they were getting when he came out of Alcorn State came to fruition, and as a result he became one of the greatest quarterbacks in franchise history.

It was in 1999 that McNair nearly navigated the Titans to the very top of the league. From there, the love of Titans fans for McNair only grew.

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