As a matter of fact, Steve shares two children named Steve LaTreal McNair Jr. and Steven O' Brian McNair with two other women whose names are not disclosed. "At the end of the day, that's my husband," she says. His good friend Zach Piller, right, protected him on the field and served as one of his pallbearers. Tyler, who was 10, started crying. Mechelle didn't particularly want to go to such a tiny school. "You're going to have people who say, 'Oh, she knew.' When the police arrived, his corpse was on the couch with multiple wounds of the gunshot, including one to the head. A handful of them delivered. As a junior, McNair led the Mount Olive Pirates to the state championship. She was so happy at the end of their talk, when he said she could attend the next employee meeting. Right now, my mom's here with me, but like when Trent's gone off to school and meets somebody, and then my mom, who knows how long -- I'm not saying who's going to go before who because that's not necessarily true -- but she's older. More on Steve McNair [8], McNair was born in a small tin-roofed house in Mount Olive, Mississippi on February 14, 1973. Trent is headstrong and stubborn and has a bit of a temper. Jul 06, 2009 at 12:08 pm. She doesn't want to go through any more pain. He was 36 when he died, and he had just opened Gridiron9, a catfish-and-burger joint in north Nashville. Mechelle had just found out. She was slow to trust after her husband's death and never remarried. They are all in our thoughts and prayers. The well-known footballer, Steve, died on 4 July 2009 at the age of 46. "I didn't know about her at all," Mechelle says. He was also named First-Team All-SWAC for the third year in a row. [21] Speculation was that the Titans might hold onto McNair until the week before training camp in late July if the Ravens didn't come up with a satisfactory trade offer for McNair according to a league source. Lucille saidpeople will never know how kind and gentle her son was,but she says hislegacy lives on through his four boys and his family. EXCLUSIVE: Steve McNair: A mother's memories, Truck possibly connected to Hinds County jail escape found in Newton County, Woman charged after hitting, killing 19-year-old in Oxford, police say, South Jones band gets invited to 2026 St. Patricks fest in Ireland, Request a First Alert Weather School Visit, Advertising Non-Discrimination Certification. But her sons were terrified and confused. In fact,he was the first to wear the #9 jersey that his younger brother would eventually make famous. Regardless of how he left here, I know he loved us. According to the last reports, Mechelle never remarried but is dating, and she received a degree in nursing years ago. "He would just come home and be, like, dead," Tyler says. Steve and Mechelle had happily welcomed their first child, Tyler McNair, a year after getting married, followed by Trenton roughly five years later. Merrill: The dilemma of how to mourn McNair She would wonder, later, about signs. Though McNair was an NFL quarterback, he never wanted to force football or sports on his children. [23], On May 9, 2007, McNair was arrested in Nashville for drunk driving even though he was not driving at the time. For many, the pain still lingers and will never go away. Eventually, he grew on her. Her mother, Melzena Cartwright, saw the news on TV. He took care of us. Fortunately, Mechelle grabbed him and stopped him. Early in the season, McNair was diagnosed with an inflamed disk following the Titans' 3635 win over the Cincinnati Bengals, and needed surgery. "He didn't want to do anything. They are best friends. Before she met McNair, Mechelle never thought she would get married. It has been exactly ten years of Steve's demise. The game had a controversial finish when, after missing a game-winning field goal at the end of regulation time and a second failed kick in overtime was negated because of a controversial running-into-the-kicker penalty on Pittsburgh's Dewayne Washington, kicker Joe Nedney won the game from 26 yards out 2:15 into overtime. NFL home She thinks about the next chapter in her life. He could see McNair smiling and telling his boy, "Good job, Buddy. And I don't feel like that's how God wants us to be.". He accumulated this hefty amount of money from his career as a talented NFL player. So he would sacrifice his bodyto try and help his team and his teammates," said Lucille. He was drafted third overall by the Titans (then known as the Houston Oilers) in 1995, becoming the team's regular starting quarterback in 1997, their first season in Tennessee (though he started six games over the prior two seasons in Houston), and remained the starting quarterback for the Titans through 2005. "I know he's in his head," Steve would tell Mechelle. George Clark/Hattiesburg American POOL/Getty Images. It would not go away. She never imagined she'd leave Mississippi after college to move to Houston with a man who had just been selected at No. Merrill: The dilemma of how to mourn McNair Funeral services were held for McNair at the Reed Green Coliseum on the campus of the University of Southern Mississippi on July 11; he was buried at Griffith Cemetery in Prentiss, Mississippi. George Clark/Hattiesburg American POOL/Getty Images Ex-linemen tell stories about how she used to sit in the stands and yell at them to protect her husband. She had hoped to go to Southern Miss. Tyler came home for about a month, but he wasn't really there. She noticed her husband wasn't home and made a number of phone calls trying to find him. "I don't think he's doing that, but I want him to see me doing something where he feels like he has a drive.". From that moment on, she could not let her children see her break down. You may remember, on July 4, 2009, NFL star Steve McNair was fatally shot by his mistress, Sahel Kazemi (seen below), in a murder-suicide. ". She and Steve McNair had two sons together. She never worried about that with Tyler, but for some reason, she thinks about it now that it's just her and Trent. McNair was born in a small tin-roofed house in Mount Olive, Mississippi on February 14, 1973. He ran to the kitchen and got a knife. McNair helped Alcorn State to another good year in 1993, as the Braves upped their record to 83 while McNair threw for more than 3,000 yards and 30 touchdowns. He didn't want to watch TV, didn't want to eat anything. She would go to her room, door closed, and sob. It was a good day for two little boys who saw their dad as a superhero. At the time, it was considered one of the biggest funerals in the state. Piller downplays his involvement. She was slow to trust after her husband's death and never remarried. On the morning of July 4, 2009, Mechelle McNair woke up with a crushing headache. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. She once took him on a girlfriends-only trip to the Bahamas, and if anyone took issue with it, well, tough. McNair said he loved them. "[38] There was also a conversation about financial issues where McNair transferred $2,000 to Kazemi, who claimed she was "stressed" and needed to pay her phone bill. Judy Winslow Was an Integral Part of the 'Family Matters' Dynamic. He sat behind her in class and constantly flirted. "He paved the way and now it's time for you to move forward.". Steve turned down an opportunity out of high school to be drafted into baseball. [47] The police later stated that after being released from jail, Kazemi purchased the gun from a convicted murderer she met while looking for a buyer for her Kia. FOLLOW US ON TWITTER AND INSTAGRAM. But Lucille was more concerned with themmoving in the classroom. Pat Boone, a singer from the 1950s, eventually bought the home. Mechelle grabbed him and told him to stop. Eventually, he grew on her. The old home had too many memories. He's going to kick the world's ass. "You're going to have people who say, 'Oh, she knew.' Here Are The 7 Best Date Night Restaurants in Cleveland! He led the Titans to the franchises first Super Bowl berth in 2000. He did annoying things, peeking at her test answers, sticking his giant feet on her book bag. According to Piller, Trent hit five 3-pointers. McNair played in all sixteen games in 2000 but did not start the first of two annual games against the Steelers. Every season, Mechelle sends Trent's basketball schedule to Mu and to Zach Piller. As they enter new stages of their lives, they wonder what their father would think. Mrs. McNair talked about the time Steve, not yet a teen, was raking leaves and burning them in the yard. No, I did not." He leaned on his mother, Mechelle, and Tyler, at left. But this moment in front of the school is a good one. In 2013, she sold their 13,000-square-foot house and moved to a smaller home. He could see McNair smiling and telling his boy, "Good job, Buddy." She has thought about becoming a foster parent. The Titans ended at 124, the same record as the Colts, but Indianapolis took the AFC South division championship by virtue of its two victories over Tennessee. But,according to his mother,that was just a fraction of who Steve McNair was. What's my passion?" Nobody knew where he was. And them. At first, Mechelle thought he should stick it out. and in junior high they started doing,and I saidsomething is not right about this. In his last days, McNair seemed overwhelmed at times, almost as if he was at a crossroads, Mechelle says. In the week 14 game against the Kansas City Chiefs, McNair threw the longest regular-season touchdown pass in the Ravens' history, an 89-yard touchdown pass to Mark Clayton. Christmas break is over, and the house is quiet. She loves taking care of people. He leaned on his mother, Mechelle, and Tyler, at left. Please read our Comment Policy before commenting. The boxes are unpacked, the dorm room is clean, and there is nothing else to do but say goodbye. Years ago, after Cartwright lost her own husband, Steve had told her to pack her bags and come live with them. McNair's death shocked the country on the Fourth of July in 2009. She tried to explain to the boys what had happened, the best she could, but Trent wanted to read about his father in the paper. Dont miss to subscribe to our new feeds, kindly fill the form below. The estate of the former pro, who played 11 seasons with the Tennessee Titans and two with the. He's going to kick the world's ass. ". In happy times, they belted out SWV songs in Mechelle's little, red, two-seater Mercedes, his tiny head bobbing to the music. He will want to spend more time with his friends, not his mom. There wasn't anything those children wanted that he didn't get for them." "I don't want to be alone," she says. That same show aired as a rerun last week, on the night of the Super Bowl. Mu was the one who took them to father-son breakfasts and NBA games. 3 in the NFL draft. She wanted to see him so she could help him. He was one of the finest players to play for our organization and one of the most beloved players by our fans. He was found dead with the body of a young woman, Sahel Kazemi, in a rented house at 105 Lea Avenue in downtown Nashville. Between the 2002 and 2003 seasons, McNair was arrested for DUI and illegal gun possession (in May 2003). When McNair was alive, if one of the boys was struggling with a batting stance or a shot, he could go outside, spend 30 minutes with him and get it figured out. The Braves fashioned a record of 74, including a last-second victory in their rematch with Grambling. Her husband would have done things differently. [51], McNair died without a last will and testament, and his assets were frozen pending probate of his estate. McNair was selected to the Pro Bowl four times, and was an All-Pro and Co-MVP in 2003. The well-known footballer, Steve, died on 4 July 2009 at the age of 46. He said he had to go, and kissed the boys goodbye. She once took him on a girlfriends-only trip to the Bahamas, and if anyone took issue with it, well, tough. Freshman year, she had a human anatomy class with McNair, and he spent most of it staring at her. And I don't feel like that's how God wants us to be." McNair came in and threw a touchdown to Erron Kinney; a missed Steelers field goal attempt resulted in the Titans winning 2320. But she put off doing the paperwork, and Alcorn was the school that offered her a scholarship. Well, Steve was a prominent American football player who played as a quarterback in the NFL (National Football League) for Baltimore Ravens before retirement. You're so strong,'" Mechelle says. Wade Payne/AP Photo Sometimes, when she's rushing to a game or going to Bible study, it hits her -- the absence of tears and drama, the return to normal. He also played for the Baltimore Ravens. He loved us. Mechelle knows life will change again soon, when Trent gets his driver's license. One of the popular celebrity wives, Mechelle McNair, is best-known as the wife of late Steve McNair. The closest town, if you want to call it that, is Lorman, a community with one known claim to fame, the Old Country Store, which serves fried chicken that people drive hours for. The couple had first met at Alcorn State, a historically black university in Claiborne County, Mississippi. Then, despite a leg injury, he tucked the ball under his arm and dove into the end zone for the winning touchdown. God and her friends and family who cooked and took the kids swimming and handled everything. He felt pressure from fans, students and coaches to stay on the basketball team. It was just like 2009. In the winter of 2016, Tyler was one of the best basketball players at Brentwood Academy, a Christian school with a powerhouse basketball program. Everyone wanted to know what Mechelle was feeling. Yes, he made mistakes and was figuring out what to do outside football, but he was a good husband and father to all four of his children, as per his now-widow. [27], McNair's number was retired by the Titans during a halftime ceremony against the Indianapolis Colts on September 15, 2019. [6][11], He was a member of the fraternity Omega Psi Phi, highlighting his allegiance by tattooing "Omega Man" on his arm. He pictured his dad sitting in a pew, his leg sticking out in the aisle because the seat was too small for his giant body. On the second-to-last play with the Titans facing 3rd down and 5 to go, McNair was hit by two Rams defenders, but he somehow got away and completed a 16-yard pass to Kevin Dyson to gain a 1st down at the Rams' 10-yard line. "I loved him. Piller, a former guard for the Titans, was one of McNair's pallbearers. I can't wallow in it. He felt pressure from fans, students and coaches to stay on the basketball team. "I had it in my mindbut I didn't tell nobody. [6] McNair's record for total offensive yards still stands as of 2018, but his mark for career passing yards was eclipsed by Samford quarterback Devlin Hodges in 2018. Just 24 hours earlier, McNair had taken his sons fishing. For more, watch E:60's story, "Heir McNair," on Sunday at 9 a.m. on ESPN, or stream it on WatchESPN. She is a spiritual woman who thanks God every morning for waking up and for allowing the rest of her family to wake up, too. Christmas break is over, and the house is quiet. He says she needs to go out more, to have fun sometimes. Sahel Kazemi allegedly shot and killed Steve McNair, then herself. They are best friends. He was catching up with friends and hanging out at Waffle House at 2 in the morning. Her husband would have done things differently. Before everything changed. He was still trying to figure out his world outside of football. He took care of us. More on Steve McNair Obviously this is just one side of the story, but what the HELL could this woman have done to Michelle to make her take her home away from her and prevent her from seeing her grandchildren??? Mechelle is 45 now, and she does not look old enough to be dropping a son off at college. You're so strong,'" Mechelle says. She knew how much potential he had. How do you think she was feeling? There wasn't anything those children wanted that he didn't get for them. "He was tough from day one.". After all, her sons are almost grown-up. He was 36 years old. Omissions? "I can't say that I didn't have my bitter moments. At first, Mechelle thought he should stick it out. Steve McNair Jr.was still in high school when his dad died, starring on the gridiron at Oak Grove High School in Hattiesburg. He told them to find something they loved and do it well. [39][40][41] After killing him, Kazemi sat on the couch beside him and shot herself in the temple. I'm not going to do it." There were many people at McNair's funeral who vowed to be there for Tyler and Trent. Lucille says Steve gave freely of his time,his talents and his money. On a recent winter afternoon, Mechelle is sitting in the dining room of their house in the hills of Nashville, waiting to pick Trent up from school. Mechelle is 45 now, and she does not look old enough to be dropping a son off at college. But soon,everyone knew. The widow of Steve, Mechelle's net worth is estimated at around $450 Thousand as of 2019, which is similar to the model Karizma Ramirez. He went on to commit to play wide receiver at Southern Miss before playing at Pearl River Community College. She said she couldn't bear to lose both of them. McNair had dreams of his restaurant becoming a chain. I'm not going to do it.". In his stead entered Neil O'Donnell, a veteran who had guided the Pittsburgh Steelers to the Super Bowl four years earlier. Maybe they would have been anyway, had Steve McNair not been killed. The boxes are unpacked, the dorm room is clean, and there is nothing else to do but say goodbye. "She's very vocal," Trent says. I do know that. George Gojkovich/Getty Images. She had hoped to go to Southern Miss. I saidthese boys is kinda special," added Lucille. Eventually, there will be more goodbyes. Steve McNair was born on Valentine's Day, and he died on the Fourth of July. This past summer, Mechelle and her sons visited Lucille in Mississippi. In 1998, McNair set career passing highs with 492 attempts, 289 completions, 3,228 yards, and 15 touchdowns for the Oilers, now competing in Nashville. Those assets included the million dollar mansion he had built for his mother, Lucille, to live in during her twilight years. But when she saw how committed Tyler was to dance, she told him to do what makes him happy. 27 Jerseys at Sunday's Game", "Remembering 'Air McNair' NCAA Football", "Shooting Unveils Very Different Sides of Ex-NFL Quarterback Steve McNair", "McNair helped bring stability and success to vagabond franchise", "MVP Patrick Mahomes is now part of the legendary black quarterback fraternity", "MLB Amateur Draft Picks with the Name Matching: mcnair", "Devlin Hodges notches FCS mark with 14,584 career passing yards", "Jacksonville Jaguars at Houston Oilers - December 8th, 1996 - Pro-Football-Reference.com", Notes: Favre backs McNair; Leinart hires Condon, Judge: Officer didn't have 'sufficient basis' to stop McNair for DUI, "NFL players from historically black colleges", "McNair visits Titans, doesn't have animosity over parting National Football League", McNair introduced as Ravens' new starting QB, "McNair's case to be heard today in Tenn", McNair could have playoff impact in Baltimore, "A Look Back at the Career of Steve McNair", "McNair Says Goodbye to Ravens, National Football League", "NFF Announces Storied 2020 College Football Hall of Fame Class Presented by ETT", "Former Titans' QB opens Nashville restaurant", "Demario Davis Remembers His Cousin, Steve McNair", "Police: Steve McNair death is apparent murder-suicide", "Woman's gun ID'd in Steve McNair death, but questions linger", "Sahel Kazemi and Steve McNair Final Texts Show Worries of Love and Money", "Tenn. police rule ex-QB McNair's death a homicide", "Autopsy planned for slain NFL star Steve McNair", "ESPN A Football Life The tragic passing of Steve McNair", "Police Release 911 Tapes in Steve McNair Case", "Coroner: Steve McNair a Victim of Murder-Suicide", "Police: McNair mistress knew gun seller for weeks", "The 2009 Murder of Steve McNair: Jenni Kazemi had known man who sold gun to her", "Statement From Titans Owner K.S. a venetian ambassadors report on the st bartholomew's day massacre, location of red barn polstead, what percentage of american households make over $150k 2020,
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