Steve McNair's death happened exactly five years ago whist everyone's enjoying their Fourth of July celebrations. Today, the former American football quarterback's death is remembered by his fans and NFL patrons alike.
Steve McNair's death was reportedly due to his then 20-year-old girlfriend, Sahel Kazemi, who reportedly shot and killed the quarterback in a murder-suicide on July 4, 2009.
The tragic killing of Steve McNair (born Stephen LaTreal McNair) took place just two years after the 36-year-old footballer was removed from the NFL field.
McNair's remembered as an imposing player, who has proven his skills by being a three-time Pro Bowl QB for the Houston Oilers, Tennessee Titans and Baltimore Ravens.
On the official website of NFL, Steve McNair's death is remembered with a post about his contributions to the NFL field.
The entry even noted that McNair's 1999 Titans team managed to come within a yard of tying Super Bowl XXXIV in the final seconds.
During that game, Kurt Warner, was said to be the winning quarterback. In a recent interview with Warner, he opened up about McNair.
"I remember watching him make a lot of plays in this game where you just sit back and I'm probably thinking, 'Man, I wish I could do this,'" Warner said. "I wish I had this part of my game.'"
Additionally, McNair is always remembered for his toughness and steadfast attitude in the face of uncertainty.
Eddie George, a longtime teammate of the late player dished about McNair's "inner strength" during a 2012 NFL Network interview.
"I don't think I ever saw Steve practice a full week," George said. "He spent the majority time in the trainer's room trying to get his body right. He was just so mentally tough. He would go out there on Sundays and play from his heart. You could see how he just uplifted everybody, you could see how he uplifted his own spirit to go out there and play beyond the threshold of pain."
Now, to commemorate Steve McNair's death anniversary, his family and friends have gathered to celebrate his life as a player, friend, and family member.
"He knew how much people in the community cared for him," McNair's brother Fred said, according to Sporting News.
"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," Fred added.
