With the tragic news of the passing of Steve McNair on the Fourth of July, it’s difficult to contemplate his legacy, both in the NFL and here in Baltimore.
McNair will not only be remembered as the man who helped lead the Baltimore Ravens to their best regular season record, a 13-3 mark in 2006, but also as a worthy adversary playing for the Tennessee Titans.
Prior to the league’s switch to the current AFC North division format in 2002, the Ravens’ fiercest AFC Central rival was the Titans with McNair and running back Eddie George leading the way. The tenacious McNair was a feared opponent for the Ravens’ vaunted defense, breaking Baltimore hearts in the 2003 Wild Card matchup at M&T Bank Stadium.
My favorite memory of McNair will always be his preseason debut as the Ravens’ quarterback against the New York Giants in 2006. Though McNair played only one series, he led the team on an 80-yard drive, culminating with a 6-yard touchdown run.
The electricty in M&T Bank Stadium—for a preseason game no less—was palpable and set the tone for what would be a memorable 13-3 regular season. After witnessing quarterback after quarterback fail to lead the Ravens’ offense, the mere presence of McNair brought excitement and hope to an offense-starved fan base.
Though McNair would not bring a Super Bowl to the Ravens, his contribution to the 2006 season will not be forgotten. McNair’s legacy undoubtedly belongs in Nashville with the Titans, but his brief time in the Charm City will hold a special place in the hearts of many Ravens fans.
My thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and former teammates during this terribly difficult time.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jxavv9ZLHf8&feature=related[/youtube]
Luke Jones
Luke Jones is the Ravens and Orioles beat reporter for WNST BaltimorePositive.com and is a PFWA member. His mind is consumed with useless sports knowledge, pro wrestling promos, and movie quotes, but he often forgets where he put his phone. Luke's favorite sports memories include being one of the thousands of kids who waited for Cal Ripken's autograph after Orioles games in the summer of 1995, attending the Super Bowl XXXV victory parade with his dad in the pouring rain, and watching the Terps advance to the Final Four at the Carrier Dome in 2002. Follow him on social media @BaltimoreLuke or email him at Luke@wnst.net.
8
Paid Advertisement
Podcast Audio Vault
88Paid Advertisement
Share the Post:
8Paid Advertisement
Right Now in Baltimore
Ravens cornerback Nate Wiggins carted off field, but reportedly avoids major injury
The third-year defensive back got tangled up with rookie wide receiver Ja'Kobi Lane during a one-on-one drill on Tuesday.
The Rush of live music – and the cost and value of your freewill
Leonard Raskin and Nestor discuss the rush of music and price of concerts and experiences to make memories
Orioles giving "chase" in AL race to the bottom of the wild card
Can the Baltimore Orioles still make a playoff run? Well, sure, when you're only a few games back of the final (and lowly) AL Wild Card slot but as Luke Jones and Nestor witness these defensive flaws and swiss cheese bats, they wonder aloud about the real destiny of Gunnar Henderson now that Adley Rutschman has been dispatched to Boston.
888Paid Advertisement
