Steve McNair’s football story is well-known. Fans are aware of his journey from a standout quarterback at HBCU Alcorn State to becoming a Heisman Trophy finalist and the No. 3 pick in the 1995 NFL Draft by the Houston Oilers.
He led the Tennessee Titans to Super Bowl XXXIV and was the 2003 NFL co-MVP alongside Peyton Manning. Known for his tough playing style, McNair spent 13 seasons with the Oilers/Titans and Baltimore Ravens. He had his No. 9 jersey retired by the Titans in 2019 and was inducted into the Black College Football Hall of Fame in 2012 and the College Football Hall of Fame in 2020.
Despite his successful career, questions surrounding McNair’s death have lingered for over 15 years.
“Untold: The Murder of Air McNair” is a new Netflix documentary that explores his rise in the NFL and the circumstances surrounding his tragic murder in Nashville on July 4, 2009.
The documentary, however, does not provide any groundbreaking information beyond what is already known.
A 1998 photo of Steve McNair as a member of the Tennessee Oilers. (Larry McCormack / The Tennessean via Imagn)
The official account states that McNair was shot and killed by his mistress, 20-year-old Sahel “Jenni” Kazemi, who then took her own life due to financial troubles and discovering McNair’s infidelities. Other theories are presented, such as those from private investigator Vincent Hill, who raised concerns about the investigation. Adrian Gilliam, a convicted felon who sold Kazemi the gun, is also mentioned.
The documentary touches on McNair’s relationships and business dealings, but doesn’t delve deeply into his post-football life. Questions remain unanswered about McNair’s thoughts on life after retiring from the NFL.
While the film sheds some light on the events leading to McNair’s tragic death, it falls short in exploring his life beyond football. It might have benefited from a more extensive look into McNair’s legacy and impact off the field.
Ultimately, perhaps it’s best to let McNair’s football accomplishments speak for themselves rather than repeatedly revisiting the details of his untimely passing.
(Top photo: Doug Pensinger / Getty Images)