NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Ten years ago today, NFL and Tennessee Titans player Steve McNair died when a young woman, Sahel "Jenni" Kazemi, killed him in a murder-suicide.
McNair spent the bulk of his career playing for the Tennessee Titans. This history extends even before they were called the Titans, and before they were based in Tennessee. When he joined the team after being selected by Coach Jeff Fisher during the 1995 NFL Draft, they were the Houston Oilers.
He was with the Oilers for their last seasons in Houston, and he was with them when they moved to Tennessee for the 1997 season.
The team's first year in the Volunteer State was also McNair's first year as the Oilers' starting quarterback. The Oilers went 8-8 in McNair's first season under center. He also led the team in rushing touchdowns, with eight of them, the third-highest total for a quarterback.
In 1999, the team officially changed its name from the Oilers to the Titans, and that same year, they debuted their new stadium, Adelphia Stadium (which would later become Nissan Stadium).
The 1999 season is also the season the Titans made it to the Super Bowl against the Rams. They made it there under McNair as the quarterback, who led them to a 13-3 record and second place in the AFC Central.
In the Super Bowl against the St. Louis Rams, during the penultimate play of the game, McNair - who had the ball - was struck by two of the Rams' defenders. Somehow breaking free from them, McNair completed a 16-yard pass to wide receiver Kevin Dyson.
On the final play of the game down by seven, McNair completed another pass to Dyson. The play later dubbed "One Yard Short" gave the Rams the victory and the Lombardi Trophy.
Following the game, McNair signed a six-year contract to stay with the Titans.
Over the next few years, McNair continued his healthy career with the team, and throughout the time, became a household name not just for passionate football fans and Titans fans, but also for casual fans and the people of Nashville and its surrounding areas.
McNair battle injury during his last few years as Titan. A sternum injury led to McNair playing only half of the season.
He joined the Baltimore Ravens in 2006 ending his time in Nashville.
McNair played for the Ravens for the 2006 and 2007 seasons. In 2008, McNair announced his retirement from the NFL.
Ten years ago today, the Titans legend was found shot and killed at a condo rented by him. Found with it was the body of Sahel "Jenni" Kazemi. The scene was ruled a murder-suicide with McNair as the victim.
Despite ending his career with the Baltimore Ravens, he spent most of his career with the team that ultimately became the Tennessee Titans.
The Titans, as well as all of Nashville, know where his true home was.
Once a Titan, always a Titan, and McNair is among the best of them.
