Steve McNair's Retirement: The Real Reasons Behind the NFL Quarterback's Early Exit
Steve McNair's Retirement: The Real Reasons Behind th...
By Arslan Saleem August 27, 2024 09:51
Steve McNair's 2008 NFL retirement at age 35 caught many football fans off-guard. The dazzling "Air McNair" had been a 10-year star at quarterback, taking teams to the playoffs and winning NFL Co-MVP honors. But he retired early, in his mid-30s, a baby compared to the vast majority of NFL quarterbacks. This article tells the complicated story of how Steve McNair ended up having a very short professional football career.
McNair's Storied NFL Career
To measure the absolute magnitude of McNair's retirement, you must start with where it came from in a decorated NFL career. The Houston Oilers selected Steve McNair 3rd overall in the first round of the 1995 NFL draft. He ended up as the team's quarterback in their move to Tennessee and won four more playoff games, leading them to Super Bowl XXXIV in 2000.
During his 13-year NFL career, he earned many honors and marks of distinction, including:
- Pro Bowl (2000, 2003, 2005)
- 2003 NFL Co-Most Valuable Player (with Peyton Manning)
- Four appearances in the postseason with the Titans (1999-2003)
- First black quarterback to win NFL MVP
- All-time leading passer at Boise State
McNair was recognized for his toughness, leadership, and as a dual-threat quarterback. He was a player who battled through many niggles down the years and had the respect of teammates as much as any opponent, for he did it all on sheer guts.
The Last Seasons: The Toll of Injury Begins to Build
McNair spent much of his career playing hurt, but the injuries started to wear on him in his final years. McNair was traded to the Baltimore Ravens in 2006 & took them with an astounding record of 13-3, and led them into a playoff game, his first season there. However, McNair appeared in only six games, totaling starts during the season.
McNair was slowed by a rash of injuries that began to accumulate, limiting his effectiveness. The wear on Watson was just too much for a 35-year-old quarterback to overcome.
The Decision to Retire
After the 2008 season, on April 17th of 08, Steve McNair retired from professional football. McNair had two years left on his contract with the Ravens but opted to retire at that point, leaving a game he once loved.
McNair stated that he did not want to be pushed out because of his poor play. As he told ESPN, "I am retiring from the NFL on my own terms. But it was a decision that I honestly think is in good hands."
Injuries were the obvious catalyst for McNair's departure and a likely factor in his decision to retire from the NFL before he turned 35.
1. Protecting his health in retirement: After playing through countless injuries on the field, McNair knew that every second he spent closer to NFL action increased the risk of long-term bodily damage.
2. Family: McNair said he needed more time with his family, specifically young children. In his retirement announcement, he explains: "I can be that father to my kids.".
3. Fulfilling his NFL accomplishments: McNair could have easily felt he had nothing more to give in the NFL scene, especially because of awards like helping a team win the NFL MVP and playing for a shot at competing in a Super Bowl.
4. Mental and Emotional Wear and Tear: After 13 seasons in the NFL, McNair had to be at least a little worn out by life in the Office. Continual injuries and rehab exercises are emotionally draining on the players.
5. Financials: He had made tens of millions in salary as an established NFL star, so there was little pressure to continue playing from a financial standpoint.
The Impact Of McNair's Retirement And Legacy
McNair remained a visible and influential figure after his playing days. He was also elected to the Black College Football Hall of Fame in 2012. Eventually, down the road from his days playing for the Seminoles, he's now an impressive speaker who still looks like a fearsome gentleman bouncer behind one scene. He was also entered into The College Football Hall of Fame. His #9 jersey was also retired by the Tennessee Titans in 2019.
The injuries had taken a toll, and in 2007, Steve McNair, who was only 35, announced his retirement from the NFL. In letting McNair retire, he had the satisfaction of exiting on his terms and leaving behind a league where an athlete willing to play through numerous injuries was long driven away. Honestly, his choice illustrates how a player can still value their future health and quality of life over earning the extra paycheck to extend their career.
The relatively early retirement of Steve McNair reminds us just how much NFL careers, even those played by the toughest human nuggets, can take a physical and mental toll on its subjects.
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