McNair's Death Hits UT Martin Football Team

UT MARTIN FOOTBALL TEAM MOURNS DEATH OF FORMER NFL QUARTERBACK
MARTIN, Tenn. –

The University of Tennessee at Martin Skyhawk football team was saddened to learn about the death of former NFL quarterback Steve McNair on the Fourth of July.
“It’s horrible,” said Jason Simpson, the Skyhawks’ fourth-year head coach. McNair’s nephew and cousin, Jason and Julius McNair both play for Simpson. Both players were redshirted last season, but will be utilized this season.

“I will call Jason (McNair) tomorrow to check on him,” Simpson said late Saturday night. “I want to give him some time with his family.” The coach said both McNairs were scheduled to come to campus next weekend for voluntary workouts.

Simpson and the Skyhawks had a chance to meet Steve McNair this past August when he came to campus to visit Jason McNair. (Steve) McNair shared a few words of wisdom with the team about what to focus on as they worked through preseason camp, both on and off the field.
He shared personal stories from his college and NFL days about how he wanted to give up, but had to fight through the pain and injuries in order to be successful. "It is the work you put in now that determines if you are ready to make that final play in the fourth quarter when it counts," said (Steve) McNair.

Steve McNair, 36, played 13 years in the NFL, including 11 with the Tennessee Titans. Injuries forced him to retire in April 2008. He recently opened a restaurant called Gridiron9 near Tennessee State University in Nashville. McNair was a three-time Pro Bowl selection, and he was named co-MVP of the league in 2003. In 161 games (153 starts), McNair threw for 31,304 yards on 2,733- of-4,544 passing, with 174 touchdowns. He also ran for 3,590 career yards and 37 TDs.

UT Martin senior linebacker Brent Acker remembers Steve McNair’s visit. “He encouraged us to be the best we can be when we are on the field. Then he told us to do the right things on and off the field,” Acker said.