Who Is Steve McNair? Age, Biography and Wiki
Steve McNair was born on February 14, 1973, in Mount Olive, Mississippi. He rose to prominence as a talented American football quarterback, celebrated for his skills on and off the field. McNair played 13 seasons in the National Football League (NFL), primarily with the Tennessee Titans and the Baltimore Ravens. His illustrious career was marked by impressive statistics, including multiple Pro Bowl selections and a coveted MVP title in 2003. Tragically, McNair’s life was cut short when he passed away on July 4, 2009. In 2025, McNair's legacy continues to resonate within the football community and among fans.
| Occupation | Football Players |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | February 14, 1973 |
| Age | 36 Years |
| Birth Place | Mount Olive, Mississippi, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Aquarius |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 4 July, 2009 |
| Died Place | Nashville, Tennessee, U.S. |
Popularity
Steve McNair's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Steve McNair stood at an imposing height of 6 feet 2 inches (1.88 meters) and weighed approximately 230 pounds (104 kg) during his playing days. His athletic build, combined with his agility, contributed to his success as a quarterback, allowing him to perform at a high level in one of the most physically demanding positions in sports.
McNair was initially offered a full scholarship to the University of Florida to play running back, but wanting to play quarterback, McNair chose Alcorn State University, a Historically Black University which competes in the NCAA's Division I-AA (now known as the Football Championship Subdivision) Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC).
In 1992, McNair threw 3,541 yards and 29 touchdowns, and ran in for 10 more scores. The Braves fashioned a record of 7–4, including a last-second victory in their rematch with Grambling. In that contest, McNair returned from an injury and helped Alcorn State, trailing late in the final period, move deep into Tigers' territory.
Then, despite a leg injury, he tucked the ball under his arm and dove into the end zone for the winning touchdown. The victory over Grambling helped the Braves qualify for the I-AA playoffs where they faced off against then-Northeast Louisiana, falling 78–27 to the Indians on November 21, 1992.
McNair helped Alcorn State to another good year in 1993, as the Braves upped their record to 8–3 while McNair threw for more than 3,000 yards and 30 touchdowns. He was also named First-Team All-SWAC for the third year in a row.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Steve McNair was married to Mechelle McNair, and the couple shared four children. Throughout his career, he was known for being a devoted father and family man. As of 2025, while there are no reports or credible sources indicating any new relationships or changes in his family dynamics, McNair remains a beloved figure whose family continues to honor his memory.
McNair appeared in the playoffs four times with the Titans, including their run to Super Bowl XXXIV in 2000, and made his final playoff appearance in 2006 with the Ravens. McNair was selected to the Pro Bowl three times, and was an All-Pro and Co-MVP in 2003.
McNair was the first African-American quarterback to win AP NFL MVP and remains, along with Cam Newton, Patrick Mahomes, and Lamar Jackson, only one of four to win the award. In 2009, McNair was shot and killed by his girlfriend in a murder–suicide; he was 36.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his passing, Steve McNair had an estimated net worth of $30 million, accumulated through his NFL contracts, endorsements, and various business ventures. His financial legacy has continued to impact his family, who manage his earnings responsibly. Given the lucrative nature of NFL contracts and McNair's popularity, he was one of the highest-paid quarterbacks during his career.
This series of season-ending injuries prompted the Titans to make the business decision of locking McNair out of team headquarters in the 2006 offseason.
The team would not let him rehab in its building because it feared an injury would force the franchise to pay him $23.46 million (his contract had been restructured so often that his salary cap reached a hard-to-manage amount).
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.
Career, Business, and Investments
McNair's NFL career began when he was drafted third overall in 1995 by the Houston Oilers, later transitioning to the Tennessee Titans when the franchise relocated. He became a household name, known for his strong arm, leadership skills, and ability to perform in clutch situations. In addition to his on-field success, McNair ventured into business post-retirement, engaging in various entrepreneurial endeavors. His contributions extended to philanthropy, where he focused on helping youth and supporting community initiatives until his untimely death.
He had four brothers, Fred, Jason, Michael, and Tim. He attended Mount Olive High School as a freshman in the fall of 1987, where he played football, baseball, and basketball in addition to running track. As a junior, McNair led the Mount Olive Pirates to the state championship.
McNair also played free safety in high school, and in 1990 alone, he intercepted 15 passes, raising his career total to 30, which tied the mark established by Terrell Buckley at Pascagoula High School. An All-State selection (offense), McNair was named an All-American by Super Prep magazine (defense).
Social Network
Though Steve McNair is not present on social media platforms in the same way as contemporary figures, his legacy lives on through fan pages and tribute accounts. Supporters share memories, highlights from his career, and updates on the impact of his charitable work. In 2025, there is a renewed interest in his contributions to the sport, reflecting a lasting appreciation for his talent and character.
Education
Steve McNair attended Alcorn State University, where he played collegiate football and honed his skills. His time at Alcorn State was pivotal in shaping him into the quarterback he became, as he set several records and garnered attention for his gameplay. He graduated with a degree in physical education, underscoring his commitment to not only sports but also his intention to inspire future generations.
McNair played college football for the Alcorn State Braves, with whom he won the 1994 Walter Payton Award as the top player in NCAA Division I-AA. He was selected third overall by the Oilers in the 1995 NFL draft.
He started six games in his first two seasons combined before becoming the team's regular starting quarterback for the 1997 season, and he remained the starting quarterback for the Titans through 2005. After the 2005 season, McNair was traded to the Ravens, with whom he played for two seasons before retiring.
