Tyler, who was 10, started crying. What happened to Steve McNair? Jenni Kazemi life unraveled, cop says Maybe they would have been anyway, had Steve McNair not been killed. "He paved the way and now it's time for you to move forward.". ". McNair holds an Oilers jersey with NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue and McNair's mother, Lucille, April 22, 1995 in New York. LIKE US ON FACEBOOK. At the time of their father's demise, Tyler started crying and got a kitchen knife and tried to kill himself, saying he can't live without his father. Nine years later, it's still hard for him to talk about McNair. Piller went to one of Trent's basketball games recently, and the younger McNair didn't disappoint. [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. "Everyone went to college and I bought them a bible and I told them,God come first, books come second and their sports come next," said Lucille. "I think it was important for [Lucille] because you see a part of your son you lost," Mechelle says. 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. Freshman year, she had a human anatomy class with McNair, and he spent most of it staring at her. "That word will always get to me. He didn't win the Heisman,but was taken 3rd in the NFL draft,heading to Houston to become an Oiler,and eventually,a Tennessee Titan. I don't. McNair signed a new six-year contract after the 1999 season worth US$47 million.[14]. Merrill: The dilemma of how to mourn McNair He took care of us. The two were living happily with each other and also parenting their two children until 2009. The fact that he was the quarterback everyone on campus was talking about held no currency with Mechelle. NFL home McNair's widow, his sons and other family members and friends will return to Nissan Stadium for the special day. One year after former Tennessee Titans star Steve McNair was shot and killed, details emerge about the life of Sahel Kazemi, the woman who police say pulled the trigger then turned the gun on herself. 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. Courtesy Mechelle McNair. McNair was shot and killed on the Fourth of July by Sahel Kazemi, a 20-year-old girlfriend who then shot herself in the head. But McNair was persistent. "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." The Metropolitan Nashville Police Department ruled it a murder-suicide, concluding that Kazemi shot McNair four times -- twice in the head -- in the early morning hours of July 4, most likely while he was sleeping on the couch of his rented condo. Did I know about some other people and some other things? How 'Family Matters' Made One of Its Biggest Characters Disappear "She's very vocal," Trent says. FOLLOW US ON TWITTER AND INSTAGRAM. There were good times, too. He could see McNair smiling and telling his boy, "Good job, Buddy. As questions swirled around the deaths of quarterback Steve McNair and his much-younger mistress, the mother of slain football star said Monday she doesn't want to know . NEW YORK (CBS) "Im gonna have all of u soon," Sahel Kazemi texted Steve McNair, her married lover and former NFL star,. See our privacy policy. Where Are Steve McNair's Wife and Kids Now? - The Cinemaholic Not only did he always keep them safe and well-provided for, but he was also present when needed. By all accounts, although Steve was usually exhausted when at home due to his practice and games, things were good for the McNair family, especially after he retired in 2008. And it was in the sports arenathat the McNair boys shined. He was 36 years old. He did not have a will, creating a painful mess that dragged on for years. 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. Tyler, who is majoring in biology at NYU while continuing to pursue his dancing dreams, forged a path so different from his father's. Mechelle found strength and independence she never thought she had. This was because of a sternum injury incurred in a 1714 win over the Kansas City Chiefs the previous game. McNair was selected with the third pick in the 1995 NFL draft by the Houston Oilerswho became the Tennessee Titans in 1999. She got on the elliptical machine, hoping some exercise would get rid of the headache. [34], On July 4, 2009, McNair was found dead from multiple gunshot wounds, along with the body of a 20-year-old woman named Sahel "Jenni" Kazemi, in a condominium rented by McNair in downtown Nashville. According to Piller, Trent hit five 3-pointers. He felt comfortable in the country, near his siblings and his mother, Lucille. I've been there.". She would wonder, later, about signs. He cleaned the fish when they got home that night, washed his truck and began to doze off on the couch. MOUNT OLIVE, Miss - (WJTV) Next Thursday marks the 10th anniversary of the death of legendary Alcorn State quarterback Steve McNair. No, I did not.". "Steve was a good person," Mechelle's mother says. By continuing to use this site, you agree to our updated Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. "He was a good dad. He told them to find something they loved and to do it well. This is just one of the many feel-good stories McNair was known for in his life. "But Steve,his feet,he just moved. Trent will put his hands on his hips and walk to the bench, and it reminds Piller of Steve heading to the huddle. Time, if you handle it right, has a way of filtering out the bad memories but leaving the good. VIDEO: Chelsea Handler Talks About Sex With 50 Cent & Dumping Him Because Of Ciara!!! McNair helped Baltimore to a 133 record and an AFC North Championship. The Titans opened the playoffs at home against the Buffalo Bills in a Wild Card game, winning on the "Music City Miracle" and eventually advancing to Super Bowl XXXIV in a rematch with the Rams. Lucille says Steve gave freely of his time,his talents and his money. A "True Crimes with Aphrodite Jones" episode filmed in 2013 even pointed suspicion at her. McNair was selected to the Pro Bowl four times, and was an All-Pro and Co-MVP in 2003. This time, against the St. Louis Rams in the biggest game of his life, McNair helped to turn Super Bowl XXXIV into a circus-like affair. St. Louis scored the first 16 points as McNair struggled . "He was the first one saying how proud he was of me and how proud my dad would be." His life was cut short on July 4, 2009, but his legacy lives onin family and those who knew him best. McNair threw for 3,228 yards and 15 touchdowns in '98, and he led the Titans to the Super Bowl a year later. The boys are constantly chasing a ghost, a man who, in death, is still the biggest sports legend in Nashville. [48], Titans owner Bud Adams released a statement regarding McNair:[49]. Hell graduate high school in 2022, whereas his elder brother will graduate college in 2021. The investigation later revealed that they were in a romantic relationship for over six months, and the two also texted each other, saying love you and love you too before the incident happened. You're so strong,'" Mechelle says. She doesn't want to be a hindrance to him. "I don't want to be alone," she says. The old home had too many memories. Tyler believes it's the same thing his dad would have said. He opened his own restaurant in Nashville, which he named Gridiron9. Steve McNair's Death Left Behind a Family Who Now Makes Him Proud She made faces at him to try to get him to stop. Courtesy Mechelle McNair "Steve was a good person," Mechelle's mother says. God and her friends and family who cooked and took the kids swimming and handled everything. Tyler came home for about a month, but he wasn't really there. He was human. Here Are The 7 Best Date Night Restaurants in Cleveland! Brett Favre and Ray Lewis and Jay Cutler showed up for the funeral. The enormity of his death cannot be overstated. It would not go away. The couple had first met at Alcorn State, a historically black university in Claiborne County, Mississippi. And that I still don't sometimes. It was nearly 11 years ago when former Tennessee Titans quarterback Steve McNair was found dead next to a young woman in a downtown Nashville condo. "At the end of the day, that's my husband," she says. He didn't want to watch TV, didn't want to eat anything. She is thankful for that last day McNair had with the boys and for that night when they argued and made up. [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. He was catching up with friends and hanging out at Waffle House at 2 in the morning. The house actually had been on the market before McNair died, but then the housing crisis hit, and it bounced on and off the listings for four years. She and her sons settled into a house surrounded by trees and the occasional deer that plops down in the middle of the yard. E:60's John Minton III and Ryan Smith contributed to this report. A "True Crimes with Aphrodite Jones" episode filmed in 2013 even pointed suspicion at her. Pat Boone, a singer from the 1950s, eventually bought the home. "Honestly, the most I've ever felt like a child is this year," Tyler says. I feel like I'm the weakest person sometimes. Though McNair was an NFL quarterback, he never wanted to force football or sports on his children. "He said momma,we need the moneyand I said look,your education is more important," said Lucille. But this moment in front of the school is a good one. Tyler, right, and Trent served as honorary 12th Titans in a November game against the Baltimore Ravens. He attended Mount Olive High School as a freshman in the fall of 1987, where he played football, baseball, and basketball in addition to running track. He made at least $90 million in salary over his 13-year career with the Houston Oilers, Tennessee Titans and. This article was most recently revised and updated by, https://www.britannica.com/biography/Steve-McNair, Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame - Steve McNair, Pro Football History - The Life And Career Of QB Steve McNair. I know how it is when you ain't got nothing,and I never believed that I would be in this position to help other people," said Lucille. Conspiracy theorists flooded the internet and airwaves. They met at Alcorn State, a historically black college in rural Claiborne County, Mississippi. McNair grew up in Mississippi and chose to attend the rural Alcorn State University, a historically Black Division I-AA (now Football Championship Subdivision [FCS]) school where he could play quarterback, rather than serve as defensive back at a major university. Just 24 hours earlier, McNair had taken his sons fishing. ", Though McNair was an NFL quarterback, he never wanted to force football or sports on his children. He told them to find something they loved and do it well. The 45 acre 6 bedroom ranch in Collins, MS was built by McNair for his mother; a gift to a woman, who as a single mom raised 5 rowdy boys in poor, rural Mississippi. and in junior high they started doing,and I saidsomething is not right about this. [43] The Nashville police declared McNair's death a murder-suicide, with Kazemi as the perpetrator and McNair as the victim. McNair also played free safety in high school, and in 1990 alone, he intercepted 15 passes, raising his career total to 30, which tied the mark established by Terrell Buckley at Pascagoula High School. When people say that to me, I'm always like, 'Where are they getting this from?' She never worried about that with Tyler, but for some reason, she thinks about it now that it's just her and Trent. He says she needs to go out more, to have fun sometimes. Pat Boone, a singer from the 1950s, eventually bought the home. As they enter new stages of their lives, they wonder what their father would think. The 46 years old wife of Steve, Mechelle was married to her long-time husband, Steve McNair, until 2009. Sports was always one of the tougher areas for Mechelle to navigate. [6], McNair appeared in the playoffs four times with the Titans, including their run to Super Bowl XXXIV in 2000, and made his final playoff appearance in 2006 with the Ravens. Without a doubt, she must have inherited a portion of her husband's fortune. He said he couldn't live without his daddy and wanted to kill himself. For whatever reason, Michelle believes that Lucille should have to pay ($3,000/month) to live in the home that her millionaire son built. When you walk into Lucille McNair's memory room,it's hard not be overwhelmed with the accomplishments of her sons, especially the oneknown as Steve "Air" McNair; alegacy she says beganwhen Steve was a young boy,following in the footsteps of his older brother Fred. Mechelle grabbed him and told him to stop. He says that McNair would do the same thing for him, and that what he does isn't much. Why Steve McNair's Legacy Won't Be Remembered the Way It Should ON PRO FOOTBALL; McNair's Take-Control Mother Is Proud of Her Take McNair's mourners honor a hero, legend - The Denver Post The Tragic Death of Steve McNair Still Causing - Sportscasting (McNair also has two older sons from previous relationships.) Thus, after graduation, he committed to playing ball at Southern Mississippi before transferring to Pearl River Community College. [44] Kazemi had a worsening financial situation and also suspected that McNair was in another extramarital relationship. "I think it was important for [Lucille] because you see a part of your son you lost," Mechelle says. His early death became fodder for tabloids: the married McNair was found dead in a condominium alongside a woman he had been dating whom police believed killed him and then herself. In happy times, they belted out SWV songs in Mechelle's little, red, two-seater Mercedes, his tiny head bobbing to the music. When he headed back east after winter break, Trent refused to go to the airport because he didn't want to cry. Then there was Mike Mu, a longtime family friend who used to run McNair's foundation. She was slow to trust after her husband's death and never remarried. It surprises her and forces her to ask the inevitable question: Who am I when my kids are grown and gone? But did I know about her? The vehicle was registered in the names of both McNair and Kazemi. McNair was initially-offered a full scholarship to the University of Florida to play running back, but wanting to play quarterback, McNair chose Alcorn State University, a Historically Black University which competes in the NCAA's Division I-AA (now known as the Football Championship Subdivision) Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC). E:60's John Minton III and Ryan Smith contributed to this report. When news of his death flashed on the TV screen, Cartwright rushed through the house to Mechelle's room. But McNair was persistent. But Lucille was more concerned with themmoving in the classroom. All rights reserved. SUBSCRIBE ON YOUTUBE. In 2001, McNair registered career passing highs in yards (3,350), completions (264), touchdowns (21), and quarterback rating (90.2). It's his way of being around his brother still. But her sons were terrified and confused. [27], McNair's number was retired by the Titans during a halftime ceremony against the Indianapolis Colts on September 15, 2019. When people say that to me, I'm always like, 'Where are they getting this from?' Mechelle had always considered herself a private person. In 2005, he played in 14 games because of a back injury. She received her degree in nursing years ago. He probably wouldn't have spent most of the summer dreading this moment, standing in front of a college dorm, trying not to cry. "You know boys are going to be boys," she said. Mechelle told him she didn't know. Steve McNair | Biography, Statistics, Death, & Facts | Britannica Steve McNair death: Timeline of how it happened - The Tennessean Regardless of how he left here, I know he loved us. After thirteen seasons in the NFL, McNair announced his retirement from professional football in April 2008. He was found dead with the body of a young woman, Sahel Kazemi, in a rented house at 105 Lea Avenue in downtown Nashville. Peep the video below. Her statement read, in part, Your prayers, kind deeds, and outpouring of support throughout this difficult time have been of tremendous comfort to usYou are appreciated beyond measure. Moreover, in the months that followed, despite the fact that Steve had not left a will, her lawyers revealed that, as per instructions, she would not exclude any of his kids from his estate. 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. She had one job: to raise their sons. [9], With the third overall pick in the 1995 NFL Draft, the Houston Oilers and new head coach Jeff Fisher selected McNair, making him at the time the highest-drafted African-American quarterback in NFL history and signing him to a seven-year contract. She said she couldn't bear to lose both of them. Sahel Kazemi was 20 years old and swept up: He gave her a Cadillac Escalade for her birthday and took her on trips to places such as Key West, Fla., and Las Vegas. He was human. "She's very vocal," Trent says. Times when McNair would take the boys out on his motorcycle and they didn't even need to talk. She said she couldn't bear to lose both of them. Mechelle appreciates the little things, such as the neighbor who used to replace the boys' basketball net whenever it looked worn, or the random texts Piller sends to the boys to ask how it's going. There wasn't anything those children wanted that he didn't get for them. Trent will put his hands on his hips and walk to the bench, and it reminds Piller of Steve heading to the huddle. God and her friends and family who cooked and took the kids swimming and handled everything. Steelers coach Bill Cowher said that he called a timeout before the winning kick took place. Her husband would have done things differently. McNair left a large estate behind that's in probate in both Tennessee and Mississippi. At that point, Mechelle had a boyfriend and was only focused on pursuing a career in the medical field as a doctor. He says she needs to go out more, to have fun sometimes. The family Tennessee Titans legend Steve McNair left behind - ESPN She wanted to be a doctor and wanted one child, but she didn't think much about a partner. When it hit her, she fell to the floor, screaming. [9], The Seattle Mariners drafted him in the 35th round of the 1991 MLB amateur draft.[10]. From that moment on, she could not let her children see her break down. 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 accumulated this hefty amount of money from his career as a talented NFL player. Today, his estate is still dealing with his lack of planning. They got married in Vicksburg, Mississippi, in 1997, and a year later, Tyler came along. NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Shot twice in the head and two more times in the chest, former NFL quarterback Steve McNair was the victim of a homicide, police declared Sunday. Years ago, after Cartwright lost her own husband, Steve had told her to pack her bags and come live with them. Sahel Kazemi: A study in the woman police say killed Steve McNair a A handful of them delivered. The night of his death, McNair put his children to bed, then at 11:00p.m. he texted Kazemi "On my way. Mechelle had always considered herself a private person. A handful of them delivered. She was so happy at the end of their talk, when he said she could attend the next employee meeting. He was found dead with the body of a young woman, Sahel Kazemi, in a rented house at 105 Lea Avenue in downtown Nashville. Mechelle McNair married to Steve McNair on 1997 and divorce on 2009. He loved us. The funeral program included memories from McNair's mother, his wife . The man who had taken epidurals and basically crawled around in pain six days a week but somehow played football on Sundays couldn't be gone. Time, if you handle it right, has a way of filtering out the bad memories but leaving the good. He'd say, 'I just need some rest.'". "He didn't want to do anything. Aside from kid functions and dinners out, she lived the life of a homebody. Thus, all of Steve's assets were left to her. Nashville Police Chief Ronal Serpas said, "The police department has concluded that Steve McNair was murdered by Sahel Kazemi and that, in turn, Sahel Kazemi killed herself with a single gunshot wound to her head.". [22] However, on June 7, 2006, the two teams worked out a deal to send McNair to the Ravens for a 4th-round pick in the 2007 NFL Draft. The driver failed a field sobriety test and was arrested for DUI; McNair was charged with DUI by consent. She would wonder, later, about signs. She didn't usually get as much . A few months after his death, the restaurant was sold. [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. Steve McNair, in full Steve LaTreal McNair, byname Air McNair, (born February 14, 1973, Mount Olive, Mississippi, U.S.died July 4, 2009, Nashville, Tennessee), American gridiron football player who threw 174 touchdown passes during his 13 National Football League (NFL) seasons (1995-2008), primarily while playing for the Tennessee Titans. The couple had first met at Alcorn State, a historically black university in Claiborne County, Mississippi. Unfortunately, she has been very tight-lipped concerning her professional life. He did annoying things, peeking at her test answers, sticking his giant feet on her book bag. According to his wife, Michele, the will that his agent claimed was drawn up has been lost. The McNairs never had a lot,but Lucille saysthey had each other. Lucille had to rush him to the hospital. Sometimes on the Fourth of July, he picked up the kids and bought fireworks and did anything that took their minds off the anniversary. Tennessee Titans quarterback Steve McNair (9) scrambles during the Titans' 30-17 win over the Atlanta Falcons in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, Dec. 19, 1999. . "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.". She wanted to see him so she could help him. More on Steve McNair This past summer, Mechelle and her sons visited Lucille in Mississippi. He doesn't believe anyone can play quarterback as well as his father did, so why even try? Before she met McNair, Mechelle never thought she would get married. But authorities wouldn't. After his death, Mechelle went to the court and claimed $500,000 each for their children's care and expenses from her husband's assets. It is a misdemeanor offense in Tennessee for an owner of a motor vehicle to knowingly allow an intoxicated person to drive the vehicle. Nothing's going to change how I feel about my husband. Fortunately, Mechelle grabbed him and stopped him. The team officially changed its name from Oilers to Titans for the 1999 season as they debuted a new stadium, Adelphia Coliseum. EXCLUSIVE: Steve McNair: A mother's memories - wlbt.com She never worried about that with Tyler, but for some reason, she thinks about it now that it's just her and Trent. Although she didn't grow up playing sports, Mechelle quickly acclimated herself to the life of a football wife. McNair had dreams of his restaurant becoming a chain. Mechelle says she could hear Steve's footsteps in the house sometimes. Ex-linemen tell stories about how she used to sit in the stands and yell at them to protect her husband. "I loved him. They carry pieces of Steve, from Tyler's mannerisms to the way Trent calls people "Buddy." In the process, he surpassed more than a dozen records and was named an All-American. In 2002, Tennessee finished the regular season 115 and reached the playoffs. The last full conversation he had with Mechelle centered on the restaurant's nightly receipts constantly being off and her desire to help. Ordered To Return Faith Evans' $164K Mercedes After Joyriding To Coachella, Michael Jackson's Mother Katherine Jackson Battles With Pop Star's Estate Over Secret Deal. When you walk into Lucille McNair's memory room, it's hard not be overwhelmed with the accomplishments of her sons, especially the one known as Steve "Air" McNair; a legacy she says began when Steve was a young boy, following in the footsteps of his older brother Fred. McNair came in and threw a touchdown to Erron Kinney; a missed Steelers field goal attempt resulted in the Titans winning 2320. "Nope," she says. We care about your data. "What's my purpose? Yes. He pushed an air mattress beside Tyler's bed when his brother was home and slept there. Nine years after Mechelle McNair's world caved in, her oldest son, Tyler, is going to NYU on an academic scholarship. He sat behind her in class and constantly flirted. Trent shows flashes of great talent at quarterback, but he won't play the position. "Honestly, the most I've ever felt like a child is this year," Tyler says. Those assets included the million dollar mansion he had built for his mother, Lucille, to live in during her twilight years. "I look at Tyler," she says, "and he knows exactly what his passion is. "When they were saying hand him the Heisman,I was likewhat is the Heisman and they were giving me different people names who had won the Heisman.". You may remember, on July 4, 2009, NFL star Steve McNair was fatally shot by his mistress, Sahel Kazemi (seen below), in a murdersuicide. 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. Mrs. McNair talked about the time Steve, not yet a teen, was raking leaves and burning them in the yard. She had plans. I do know that. She would not lose it in front of them. Steve McNair was buried on a Saturday in his home state of Mississippi. "Most of the time I really don't hear it that much, but when I do, it's a little bit embarrassing. She had plenty to cheer about by the time the franchise moved to Tennessee in 1997. "Nope," she says. He doesn't believe anyone can play quarterback as well as his father did, so why even try? A post shared by Trent McNair (@trentmac9). He said he had to go, and kissed the boys goodbye. Freshman year, she had a human anatomy class with McNair, and he spent most of it staring at her. She never played. I don't want to be here by myself. Trent, who was 5, rested his head on his mother's. He will want to spend more time with his friends, not his mom. And them. When the police arrived, his corpse was on the couch with . I'm used to it by now. "I think that [Trent] would be attached to his dad.". Well, Steve was a prominent American football player who played as a quarterback in the NFL (National Football League) for Baltimore Ravens before retirement. 3 in the NFL draft. "He didn't want to do anything. [9] An All-State selection (offense), McNair was named an All-American by Super Prep magazine (defense). "At the end of the day, that's my husband," she says. Mechelle appreciates the little things, such as the neighbor who used to replace the boys' basketball net whenever it looked worn, or the random texts Piller sends to the boys to ask how it's going. McNairs wife Michele cut his mother out of her grandchildrens life. He was catching up with friends and hanging out at Waffle House at 2 in the morning. He tried to do both at first, but soon it was too much. In the worst times, she kept both of her little boys beside her in bed, where she could keep them close and safe.