Since I heard the news of the tragic passing of Steve McNair, my mind has been racing and, like many, has been filled with sadness.
Back in 1999, I was a wide-eyed college junior who lucked out and landed an internship with the Titans Radio Network. Through hard work and a lot of luck, I was able to stick around the organization – in several different capacities – for six more seasons. Over that time I got to know Steve very well on and off the field.
On the field he was a warrior. Whatever you read about him and his toughness will never accurately portray how tough he truly was. There are countless stories of him overcoming severe injuries or not practicing almost an entire season, but playing at an MVP level on game day. I can vividly remember him coming off the bench in Pittsburgh, throwing the game-winning touchdown and then get carried onto the team plane because he was in so much pain.
Not only was Steve impressive on the field, but off of it as well. In 2005, when Hurricane Katrina ravaged the gulf coast, he orchestrated a drive to send desperately needed goods down to his home state of Mississippi. What started as three to four tractor trailers turned into a convoy of almost 20 semis full of supplies headed down to the region. But most of the time, Steve would do things for the community that no one knew about and that is the way that he wanted it. He did those things because he wanted too, not for the attention that would come of it.
Thankfully I got to spend a few minutes with him in 2006 when the Ravens came to Denver. Before the game, he gave me a hard time (as he did to most of us that worked with him) about the awful weather that night. Then after the game, despite the fact that the Ravens lost, he still made time to come over and say goodbye and tell me how happy he was for me to be in Denver.
He was a true warrior, an unbelievable person and I am truly honored that I was fortunate enough to spend seven years working with him. My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire McNair family along with the Titans and Ravens organizations.
Thanks for allowing me a couple of minutes to share my feelings.
R.I.P. Mac…
–Kyle Sonneman
Tags: Personal Thoughts, Steve McNair
RIP McNair.
R.I.P. McNair. as Kyle said, you we’re a true warrior, on and off the field.
During that 2006 MNF game Darrent caught Steve’s pass and was celebrated by the whole D.
2,5 years later both are dead. Sad and cruel world, that we live in…
R.I.P. Steve…
I remember that rainy night at Mile High Stadium. McNair was a great player. Smart guy and showed a lot of charisma. He will be missed.
Don’t know the whole story as to why he was shot? Will wait for more info before making a judgment on what happen. RIP McNair.
I was reading through the last 100 comments on our 1500+ posts and I saw Aussie’s request of writing articles for the blog. I suppose it would help during the slow times to have something to talk about. Unlike the other blogs, we can go by fan vote favorite. Chose subjects and vote on them? Then give me a little time to research and write (generally within 24 hours). I’m fairly good at locating info that is “hard to find.” If Aussie wants to contact Kyle, that’s fine. I know I sent Doc the address before. He asked me for it about 4 days ago. I don’t mind giving out my email address. Just don’t send me a lot of spam or any hate mail, ha, ha. I have a pretty full email site, as is (hate mail, ha, ha). Actually, I get emails from my ex students saying how well they are doing, etc. and emails from family and friends (yes, I actually have friends, go figure). Plus the multitude of spam that I have to sort through to delete (I didn’t know that I needed viagra or that I won the Euro lotto, but apparantly they did, lol).
dynamicdave8@yahoo.com
RIP McNair… May God rest your soul. I’m sure he was an awesome person to know and he sure was something special on the field even if he wasn’t a Bronco. Where is the love in this world?? So sad this crap still happens.
So they ruled McNair’s death a homicide but don’t know who’s to blame. People have just gone and lost their minds in this world. Some sad stuff. Here’s the newest link on this whole thing.
http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=ap-mcnairkilled&prov=ap&type=lgns
Hey Kyle,
I am very sad to hear you lost a good friend. I consider you a friend for our couple of interactions on this site, as I consider most on this site friends. I sincerely offer my condolences to you, and the McNair Family. May he rest in peace.
+1, Torain ATV fan, I could’nt have said it better.
Kyle, I consider you and most on this site friends as well and I would also like to offer my condolences to you and the McNair Family.
TIME OF POSSESSION ! ! !
GO BRONCOS ! ! !
Kyle, when I first heard the news I was shocked. Dismay would be too mild to describe my feelings as we in our own organization have lost to violence as well. This brought back the memories of hearing those news flashes. But if I, and others are shocked, dismayed and/or appalled, I can only imagine how you must have felt and what you are going through now, as with his own family. The REAL tragedies serve to make me realize just how petty a lot of our other “problems” really are. You’re the best Kyle and I can only wish that you and his family did not have to experience and go through this. So yes, please allow me to join those who have left comments ahead of me in wishing you and the McNair family my most since condolences.
I was very saddened about McNair’s passing. I have always thought he was a good Quarterback and most of all a sweet gently man. He will be missed, may he rest in peace. God Bless his family and help them through this difficult time.
Annie
Peace for Steeve, to his family and everyone close to him.
RIP
RIP Steve McNair
He will be missed..
I was shocked to hear this news. He was a great player. My prayers go out to his family ,friends and also fans of this great caring man.
I don’t know all the details of his death all I know is it wasn’t pretty. no matter what one has done, nobody deserves death.