Tribute to Steve McNair

I don’t know about you, but I’ve been pretty ticked off by the type of coverage that has been given to the death of Steve McNair.  I understand that a homicide (possible murder-suicide) can create quite a story, but it isn’t more important than the story of a man’s life.  For the most part, the media has been striking this balance with Michael Jackson.  For all the questions that surrounded Michael, we are still able to recognize him for his life’s work and the special things that made him a valuable person on this earth.  Steve McNair deserves that same gift and I think we should give it to him.

It’s really easy to point out his football accomplishments.  McNair came in third for the Heisman trophy, was the third pick in the 1995 NFL draft, famously took the Titans to the Super Bowl in 2000 (got one yard away from winning it), and shared the MVP award with Peyton Manning in 2003.  Those are just the highlights, but it’s impressive by any standard.

Growing up, Steve focused on more than just football.  He was “All State” in track, basketball, baseball, and football.  He was so good in baseball that he was drafted by the Seattle Mariners, but turned it down to play college football.  Wherever Steve is now, I’m guessing he would want to be remembered for more than JUST football (and certainly for more than his tragic end).  Steve ran a summer youth football camp in both Tennessee and Mississippi where he passed on his knowledge to the next generation.  His foundation also provided over 5,000 grants to underprivileged young men that would not have been able to attend without them.  He also “saved the day” for his hometown Boys and Girls Club when their summer program was almost shut down.  Steve immediately stepped in and provided the funding they needed.  He had a real commitment to passing on his good fortune and teaching the next generation.  Vince Young (the guy who took his job as quarterback for the Titans) was known to be mentored by Steve and called him “Pops” as a sign of affection.  This was someone who cared about the world he was a part of.  Nobody is perfect and I’m not sure what lead Steve to his last minutes, but it won’t change what the days and years before meant to the people who cared for him and the lives he touched.

I feel like I can’t cut on the TV these days without being reminded how precious life is.  I take that to heart and value every breath I get to take on this earth.  Still, writing this post made me think of a country song I once heard and need to remind myself of from time to time.  “It’s not what you take when you leave this world behind you, It’s what you leave behind you when you go.”

Donovan McNabb (Tribute to Michael Jackson)

I’m not going to pretend like this post is specifically about football or giving gifts.  It is with enormous shock that I feel compelled to pay a tribute to Michael Jackson tonight.  Admittedly there is great speculation into the personal life of Michael, but I don’t think his impact on music or pop culture can EVER be disputed.  Michael Jackson and I share a birthday (August 29th) and it was a fact that always made my birthday feel special.  This year, I’m celebrating a milestone birthday and I plan to make a CD set for some of my family and friends.  I want to select thirty songs that represent the happiest times in my life (to date).  One of those songs would definitely have to be Thriller.  From the first time I saw the video on MTV to the last time I danced to it (just a month ago while in Budapest), that song never failed to make me feel young, excited, and cool.  Apparently Donovan McNabb felt the same way about Thriller and famously made it into a touchdown dance (pictured above). 

Speaking only on Michael’s work, he touched a lot of lives.  He truly shaped my adolescence.  Michael made us appreciate what artistic greatness looks like.  He was legendary and will be missed.  If there is any gift tip to take here, it is that the world can change in a day.  Nobody is promised tomorrow and that includes icons.  Take the time to show the people you love how much you love them.  That time together is truly a gift.