![]() If he had chosen to play running back or defensive back, McNair would have become a Division I athlete. McNair knew he could succeed as a quarterback, but that would mean playing in a lower college division. The University of Florida offered him an opportunity to play running back. However, his love of football led him to focus on the gridiron and where he would play college ball. That tied a state mark for total interceptions.Īfter his senior season, McNair was named a high school All-American by Super Prep Magazine.Īs he was mulling his college choices, McNair was drafted by the Seattle Mariners in the 35th round of the 1991 draft. In his senior year, he intercepted 15 passes which raised his prep career total to 30. In addition to quarterback, McNair also played running back and free safety. Life in Mount Olive really got interesting when McNair entered high school.ĭuring his four years at Mount Olive High School, McNair excelled in three sports, football, baseball, and basketball.Īs a junior, he led the Pirates football team to the state championship. It later became known that he was born in a small tin-roofed house and shared that space with four brothers, Fred, Jason, Michael, and Tim. Stephen (Steve) LaTreal McNair was born on Valentine’s Day 1972 in Mount Olive, Mississippi. This is a look at the life and career of Steve McNair. Then, his life was taken from him before his post-career aspirations had barely begun. He became someone that people could look up to as a testament to what you can achieve if you put your mind to it.Īfter his pro career ended, McNair began a second act as an ambassador to young people. McNair’s unfailing belief in himself inspired many other young athletes from around the country. He overcame long odds to nearly win college football’s highest award as well as the biggest game in the NFL. McNair came out of tiny Mount Olive, Mississippi, played at slightly bigger Alcorn State, and found stardom as a professional athlete. Names such as Andre Reed (Kutztown University), Larry Little (Bethune-Cookman), Wayne Chrebet (Hofstra), and Shannon Sharpe (Savannah State) come to mind.Īnother former small college player who made it big in the pros was Steve McNair. These rather obscure athletes from destinations mostly unknown made a name for themselves on the sport’s biggest stage. The NFL has seen its share of small college players find success in the pros.
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