The Houston Oilers selected him third overall in the 1995 NFL Draft, making him the highest drafted Black quarterback in NFL history at the time. Click here for a short informative video from our own Attorney Bill OLeary. But Fisher stuck with him, and McNair eventually prospered. Homicide Suspect/Suicide Victim: Sahel Kazemi. College . He wasn't all the way healthy, but he never really was. He was a player who I admired a great deal," said New England Patriots senior football adviser Floyd Reese, who was GM of the Titans when McNair played for them. The two return to Corner Pub. Mechelle McNair tended his numerous injuries at home, changing bandages and even helping with intravenous fluids in 2001 when her husband needed I.V. 6:24 and 6:25 p.m.: Kazemi places two calls to Gilliam. You be the judge. And all of them for free, Williams said. You're in disbelief that even what you're hearing and how it happened, happened.". C.J. McNair was in the front seat, but didn't break the law and was allowed to leave by taxi. 10:55 p.m.-10:58p.m.: Kazemis home computer is used. She had a single gunshot wound to the head. . All other NFL-related trademarks are trademarks of the National Football League. Steve McNair, a Mississippi native who starred at Alcorn State University and became a Heisman Trophy candidate, died on July 4, 2009. . McNair and his family frequented the restaurant where Kazemi was a waitress, according employees and patrons of Dave & Buster's in Nashville. But for that to happen to theinfallibleMcNair? The couple also had two children Tyler James McNair and Trenton Jon McNair. A family man. The team played at the RBC Center (now PNC Arena) in Raleigh. Kazemi was buried in bills, and with her family living far away in Florida, she felt overwhelmed. The browser you are using is no longer supported on this site. He also played for the Baltimore Ravens. The Guardian described the football player's tragic untimely demise as "a very modern love story." McNair was found dead in his apartment in Nashville, Tennessee, on July 4, 2009. or redistributed. He was also president of McNair Farms Inc., in Mississippi, described as a ranching and farming business. As Tennessee was driving, McNair dove over a pile and was drilled. She met McNair while both were students at Alcorn State, though she also studied nursing in Nashville and became a nurse while he played for the Titans. 3:09 a.m.: Norfleet clocks out at White Castle. You were just in disbelief.. Williams, who helped run McNair's camps,saw how involved and engaged he was when working with young players. But police in Nashville, Tennessee said yesterday that they believe the death of Steve McNair, a quarterback who helped his side muscle into the Super Bowl nine years ago, was the result of an . He was hurting, but he was in that huddle. At the time of the shooting, McNair was thought to be sleeping on the sofa. Friday night, Kazemi left the restaurant early, about 10pm, and she drove to McNair's condominium to await his return. baby whats wrong w me I can hardly breath. Kazemi does not mention anger toward McNair but does say at the end of the conversationMy life is just shit and I should end it.. "I can't even wrap my arms around it. Tennessee Titans running back Eddie George (27) takes the handoff from quarterback Steve McNair (9) during Super Bowl XXXIV, a 23 - 16 St. Louis Rams victory Jan. 30, 2000 at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta. "What people fail to realize is that when you make a transition away from the game - emotionally, physically, mentally, spiritually - you go through something. Since his death friends have intimated that he found it hard to cope with life after fame. Steve McNair's death still hurts 14 years later. McNair's tragic death in 2009. "He was one of the nice guys who would talk to you, not like the other athletes," Brandon Millichamp, Kazemi's coworker, told the Tennessean newspaper. What you saw was what you got. Its function was simply to serve asa place away from family, a sort of bachelor pad where he'd whisk young women away for quiet affairs. "I didn't know the state of his marriage. Copyright 2023 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved. 7 p.m.: Kazemi returns to Dave & Buster's andtells Farahani that she had to go home and had a flat tire on the way back to work. Noon: Norfleets friend calls someoneto pick him up from the apartment where he had spent the night. "I don't think Jenny shot Steve McNair. Kazemi drives too fast, andboth passengers tell her to slow down. Police said the 36-year-old McNair was found on the sofa in the living room, and Kazemi was very close to him on the floor. McNair had been out on the town, and arrived between 1.30 and 2am. So this week I sat down with Steve McNair's mother and brother, and we talked about . He played sparingly the first two seasons, and naturally fans wanted to know why. In the lengthy conversation, McNair asks Kazemi if she spent the night at the condo, and Kazemi appears to panicover finances. Dr. A's weekly risers and fallers: Jeremy Sochan, Christian Wood make the list, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. She had found out about another one two nights earlier, sending her into a jealous rage. It was in many senses a very modern American story: the retired football legend, the mistress, the perils of fame, and a murder that has gripped the country for days. But interviews with friends revealed that she was making payments on two cars, her rent was doubling and she suspected the married McNair was having a second affair with another young woman. 5:45-6 a.m.: McNair leaves Ignagnis apartment and says he is going to his restaurant, Gridiron9. 2023 www.tennessean.com. NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Former NFL quarterback Steve McNair's shooting death was a homicide, police said Sunday, but authorities stopped short of saying it was a murder-suicide committed by the 20 . All rights reserved. 10:35 a.m. McNair: OK please let me know. But that changed in 1994, when my Sept. 26 issue of Sports Illustrated arrived in the mail. Kazemi had just split with her boyfriend and gave McNair, a regular diner, her phone number. As for her money problems -- Kazemi's bank statement, seen on "The Early Show" for the first time, shows she had more than $2,500 dollars the day she died, enough to cover her bills. Instead, McNair's death should be a reminder that we need to appreciate every breath we take and everyone we know who shares that air. Few of today's quarterbacks would play through such turmoil. She would describe this discovery to her friend, EmilyAndrews, during a phone call on July 2. After shooting McNair in the head, Kazemi apparently shot him twice in the chest before shooting him again in the head and then shooting herself. Steve McNair. She then fired three more shots at close range, sat on the couch next to his body and killed herself so that she would fall into his lap, police said. Your prayers, kind deeds and outpouring of support throughout this difficult time have been of tremendous comfort to us, she said in the statement. 3 p.m.Kazemi: baby I wanna pay some of my bills b4 I go to wrk. "People need to quit talking about what they don't know. She was also making payments on another car after she couldn't sell it. It is a sad, sad day. 'Deadly Recall: Air McNair' is an episode that examines the life, slaying, and aftermath of renowned NFL quarterback Stephen McNair, who died at the age of 36 and left behind a shocked family and fanbase. He thrilled fans with his ability to elude or knock over defenders and run the ball forward instead of just passing it or handing it off, quarterbacks' usual moves. McNair had a crash pad, a condominium at 105 Lea Ave. he rented with a friend. Co-worker Shantez Jobe, 33, said she was friends with Kazemi. Steve McNair has been legally responsible for the children since he left college at. Contributed, Jeff Meinholdt. I was working at a television station in Baltimore, Maryland, at the time and freelancing as an ACC sportswriter on the side. property damages, personal injury and/or death, arising out of or in any way connected to the Program and/or . The bodies were discovered Saturday afternoon by McNair's longtime friend Wayne Neeley, who rents the condo with McNair. She was 20. NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) Former NFL quarterback Steve McNair and a woman were found shot to death Saturday inside a residence in Nashville, police said. "Steve Jr. always seemed to play exceptionally good when his dad was there," Barr recalled. The Rams defeated the Titans 23-16. "And then he retires and he got a chance to just spend it with his family.". Keith Bulluck. April 11, 2020 8:28 am ET. QTIP Trusts: What They Are, And How They Work. Mechelle McNair has declined comment and an interview request through a publicist. "Soon as he stepped in the huddle," Mason said, "everybody knew that we were going to win the game.". Drink some water. Reach Erik Bacharach atebacharach@tennessean.comand on Twitter @ErikBacharach. 10:34 a.m. Kazemi: im gonna try to sleep. McNair didn't play a minute for Boro in Carrick's first couple of months in charge, but got a chance after Fry was sent off at Sunderland and has started five out of six games since. That was the side of McNair that so thoroughly masked the other. DeFOREST Turning in a dominant defensive performance in Saturday's sectional final against Union Grove, the McFarland girls basketball team advanced to the WIAA Division 2 state tournament. Just to realize that you know heywe never received a phone call and we never received an invite. Mechelle and Steve McNair have two sons, Tyler and Trenton, together. "He could literally flip a switch and make the pain go away," Reese said. In the early morning hours of July 4, 2009, Kazemi killed McNair and herself, police said. On July 8, Nashville Police Chief Ronal Serpas told reporters, "We do believe, no questions, that she killed Mr. McNair and then killed herself. It's impossible not to equate McNair with one of the toughest guys to ever play the sport in the NFL. Steve "Air" McNair was one of the best quarterbacks in the National Football League over 13 seasons, mostly with the Tennessee Titans. She tells him she has been arrestedand requests that he come get her car and drive it home for her. He was 36. She paid $100 for a 9mm pistol in a hurried transaction in the restaurant parking lot. ", But police say that, at 1 a.m. on July 2, Kazemi, with McNair in the car, was arrested for Driving Under the Influence. NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) Former NFL quarterback Steve McNair and a woman were found shot to death Saturday inside a residence in Nashville, police said. Ten years later, thoseclose to McNair reiterate one point but end at another. Gordon says he is going home and McNair tells him he will be at Blue Moon Lagoon. He was named the NFLs Co-Most Valuable Player in 2003 along with Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning. McNair asks Gordon if he isgoing out. The Triangle Tribune has been here since 1998 to provide news and commentary for and about the African American community. And, truth be told, didnt want to. He spent the final two seasons of his career with the Baltimore Ravens where he went 13-3 in his first season. He is one of the best players in the NFL over the last 20 years.". 9 jersey worn by former quarterback Steve McNair later this season. Appreciate what you have every year. It took him a while to calm down, but he was fine, got up afterwards.". Nashville police spokesman Don Aaron confirme Steven OBryant McNair said both he and his older brother Steve McNair Jr. were not invited to the ceremony. Investigators may never know why Kazemi shot McNair four times as he dozed on a sofa early Saturday before turning the gun on herself, Police Chief Ronal Serpas said. NASHVILLE Friends of Steve McNair say everything seemed normal. Associated Press. It took a moment for her to wrap her mind around the news. When he arrives to pick up the car, a police officer tells Norfleet that Kazemi's boyfriend was in the car with her. "And I choose to focus on the good times, the great memories.". That's why his former coach, Jeff Fisher, nearly cried Monday when saying McNair, at this time, would ask for forgiveness. July 4: News of Steve McNair's death is known. All Rights Reserved. "You couldn't script a better day for him throwing the football," NFL Network draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah said. The Associated Press contributed to this report. 9:58 a.m. McNair: Why your phone been off, 9:59 a.m. Kazemi: Im at the store tryin to fix it, 10 a.m. McNair: Did u stay at the condo because I came by there this morning, 10:02 a.m. Kazemi: yes but I have people comin to look at the furniture 2day, 10:05 a.m. Kazemi: Baby I might have a break down im so stressed, 10:06 a.m. McNair: Everything gonna be ok, 10:12 a.m. Kazemi: baby I need to pay the cell phone bills n the hospital. In the video, Kazemi repeatedly asks an officer to have McNair come to the window of the police cruiser where she's sitting. In their first summary of the case since McNair was found dead on Saturday in his Nashville apartment, investigators speculated that a woman half his age found dead next to him, Sahel Kazemi, shot him because she felt her life was unravelling and she suspected him of seeing another woman. The gun was found underneath her. "None of it sounded like Steve," George said. Never have I heard a how are you hows school, your brothers would love to see you never received any of that, he said. His career as a professional athlete was dotted with examples of giving back, and he had no plans of halting that trend as he began retirement in 2007. It is highly recommended that you use the latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience. "He established his business in the heart of the black community over at TSU to have a strong and powerful impact,"former Titans running back Eddie George said. When Nashville, Tennessee, finally got its own team in the National Football League in 1999, it named its new stadium the Coliseum. Nashville police spokesman Don Aaron identified the woman as Sahel Kazemi, whom he called a "friend" of McNair's. It's every day you need to perform to a certain level, you need to do something. NASHVILLE, Tenn. Former NFL star Steve McNair was shot dead in his sleep last week by a 20-year-old girlfriend distraught about mounting financial problems and her belief that he was seeing someone else, police said Wednesday. 1:39 p.m.: The first officer arrives at the scene. Steve McNair's death on the Fourth of July has revealed that the former football star may have had a dark side that had been hidden from public view, the AP writes.Indeed, even McNair's wife may have only become aware of the romantic affair he had been carrying on with 20-year-old Sahel Kazemi after his death, sources told the New York Daily News The strong-armed McNair was considered a game-changing warrior on the field. By 1997 he was the starter, and two years later, the Oilers-turned-Titans were headed to Super Bowl XXXIV. Exclusive Pictures: McNair's Lover Sahel Kazemi. The death of iconic Tennessee Titans quarterback Steve McNair shook the sports world to its core back in 2009. There are a bunch of tragic stories of famous players and entertainers. But now those closest to Kazemi -- speaking for the first time -- say they find that ruling impossible to believe. SI: True Crime's first narrative podcast, Steve McNair: Fall of a Titan will make you re-examine everything you think you know about the quarterback. He also played for the Baltimore Ravens before retiring in April 2008. McNair, 36, was among the best football quarterbacks of his era, an African-American excelling in a position typically dominated by whites. But associate Mike Mu, who has worked with McNair's charitable association for years, said McNair's wife, Mechelle McNair, "didn't know who this girl is." "It was like, he has no enemies. JACKSON, Miss. December 7, 2017. 6:02 p.m.: Kazemi receives a call from Gilliam. In the July 8 news conference, Serpas said, "She had become very distraught unraveling messed up She was spinning out of control.". Fisher offered McNair a chance to attend the Titans' minicamp this year to mentor some of the team's young players and to see if maybe he wanted to eventually coach. You don't have to look far to figure out which players George meant. McNair's dalliance with a woman 16 years younger than him, while he was married, has sullied his saintly image. Despite the . "Everything has to fit. Cook said reporters looking at Mechelle McNairs emergency petition may have been confused by the routine filing, but that she followed a judges direction and Tennessee law when filling out the paperwork. Serpas said detectives learned that Kazemi recently found out about another young woman she thought McNair was romantically involved with and had even followed that woman home, though she did not confront her. Steve McNair was 36 years old. The enormity of his death cannot be overstated. Steve McNair, a former NFL quarterback with the Houston Oilers, Tennessee Titans, and Baltimore Ravens, was shot to death in Nashville on July 4, 2009. He had other properties as well, including The Ranch, the 647-acre farm and house near his boyhood home of Mount Olive in southern Mississippi. His violent death -- and hers -- is something hard for many to stomach. They are all in our thoughts and prayers," he said "What we admired most about Steve when we played against him was his competitive spirit, and we were lucky enough to have that with us for two years. Then again, it feels even weirder that McNair's story already has an ending. Gaddy later said what he saw would haunt him every day for the rest of his life. FameUSA TodayMcNair's Widow Gets Control of . On July 4, 2009, Steve McNair and Sahel 'Jenni' Kazemi were found dead with gunshot wounds in a condo that McNair had rented in Nashville. And why is the headline saying, Hand Him the Heisman.. He later made her bail. And then obviously stuff started to come out and whatnot, but still. According to an arrest affidavit, Kazemi had bloodshot eyes and alcohol on her breath. The pain was turned up a notch for two of McNairs sons who said they were not invited to their fathers jersey-retirement ceremony last year. 1:17 a.m.: Gilliam texts Kazemi, "u good". McNairs death shocked the country on the Fourth of July in 2009. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. "He seemed to almost enjoy the pain.". Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. That time in December 2002 when he scrambled for a tying two-point conversion in an overtime win against the Giants, despite not practicing all week because of a rib injury. That reality, on top of McNair being gone, won't make moving on any easier for his family, especially his children, who, by all accounts, were the most important things in his life. Kazemi wasnt his only mistress at the time of his death. 1:47 p.m.: Neeley leaves the scene and contacts General Sessions Judge Casey Moreland, whom he has known for 15 years,to inform him about the bodies. The investigative summary produced by investigators noted that McNair's cellphone records contained text message correspondence with numerous women. "From that point on, there wasn't a player who was coming off the field unless it was on a stretcher," George said. Keith Norfleet, Kazemi's ex-boyfriend, told The Tennessean that McNair and Kazemi met at the restaurant. He was shot four timestwice in the body and once in the head. The average cost has climbed 12.7% from USD 3.86 million in the 2020 report.". Fred McNair, Steve McNair's oldest brother, said some family members likely will travel to Nashville on Monday to consult with Steve McNair's wife. Last September, the Tennessee Titans retired the jersey numbers of both Steve McNair and Eddie George at halftime of their game against the Indianapolis Colts. All rights reserved. The McNair Family appreciates and continues to request your prayers at this time.". In 1999, when the team was renamed the Titans and moved into its permanent home, McNair engineered a Super Bowl run. NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) Former NFL quarterback Steve McNair and a woman were found shot to death Saturday inside a residence in Nashville, police said. "When I walked in I knew it immediately [something was wrong]," Gaddy said. "I am still shook up.". October 19, 2009 / 8:13 AM Cause of death: An investigation by Nashville police determined she and McNair died as the result of a murder-suicide. Not to mention McNair was a big family man. Some, like myself, have their career shortened by injuries. The four-time Pro Bowl quarterback was being remembered Wednesday at the stadium where he played much of his career. Time unknown: Andrew Gilliam Jr. goes to Kazemi'sapartment, and she asks him about a gun. USA Today reported that the Metro Nashville Police Department concluded Kazemi shot and killed . Steve McNair died a senseless death at the hands of his girlfriend. Complaint Number: 2009-527875. Born Stephen LaTreal McNair (February 14, 1973 - July 4, 2009) in Mount . NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Former NFL star Steve McNair was shot dead in his sleep last week by a 20-year-old girlfriend distraught about mounting financial problems and her belief . He greeted Kazemi, sat down on the couch for a nap, and never woke up. !function(e,t,n,a,s,c,i){if(!e[s]){i=e[s]=function(){i.process?i.process.apply(i,arguments):i.queue.push(arguments)},i.queue=[],i.t=1*new Date;var o=t.createElement(n);o.async=1,o.src=a+"?t="+Math.ceil(new Date/c)*c;var r=t.getElementsByTagName(n)[0];r.parentNode.insertBefore(o,r)}}(window,document,"script","https://navi.lawmatics.com/intake.min.js","lm_intake",864e5),lm_intake("51d8f502-c645-43c3-8d38-adc7be82724d", "subme02"); !function(e,t,n,a,s,c,i){if(!e[s]){i=e[s]=function(){i.process?i.process.apply(i,arguments):i.queue.push(arguments)},i.queue=[],i.t=1*new Date;var o=t.createElement(n);o.async=1,o.src=a+"?t="+Math.ceil(new Date/c)*c;var r=t.getElementsByTagName(n)[0];r.parentNode.insertBefore(o,r)}}(window,document,"script","https://navi.lawmatics.com/intake.min.js","lm_intake",864e5),lm_intake("51d8f502-c645-43c3-8d38-adc7be82724d", "subme3"); Copyright 2020 Legacy Planning Law Group. Yet, it was McNair the football player who has made us pay attention to all this. Kazemi, known as Jenny to her friends, fled Iran as a teenager with her family. 3 p.m.: Kazemi texts McNair about her bills. He informs her he has received a card regarding a $5,000 line of credit he applied for to help out with her bills and asks her what shes going to do. 8:38 p.m.: Kazemi clocks out for her lunch break. Nothing seemed amiss. McNair left a large estate behind thats in probate in both Tennessee and Mississippi. Time unknown:Kazemi and friend Emily Andrews speak on the phone about Kazemi'sDUI arrest. Death. Thats the side that opened the door for a young, unsettled mistress to enter his life. Kazemi clocks out at Dave & Buster's. Aaron said Neeley told authorities he went into the condo, saw McNair on the sofa and Kazemi on the floor but walked first into the kitchen before going back into the living room, where he saw the blood. I Want to Leave An Inheritance to My Child, But Not Their Spouse. "Ageneration of young people came to Steve's camps.". He threw 14 touchdown passes and threw for 2,665 yards. The McNairs married in 1997, and Mechelle is the mother of two of his four sons. Ten years later, those close . Williams estimates 11,000 kids attended those camps. As the No. Forgot your password? McNair had been wincing in pain from the outset. Kazemi laughs and teases the officer but also says she's scared of going to jail. Gordon and McNair go to open the restaurant. 10:45 p.m.-11 p.m.: Crowe calls Fowzi Said Ali of the Yellow Cab Co. to pick them up from Blue Moon Lagoon. She told a friend on Friday that "My life is a ball of s- and I should end it," Serpas said. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. "Appreciate what you have because this is a very short window. On July 4, 2009, Steve McNair and Sahel Jenni Kazemi were found dead with gunshot wounds in a condo that McNair had rented in Nashville. Rams win, but a star in Tennessee was born. Nashville police spokesman Don Aaron . In June, McNair opened a restaurant near the Tennessee State University campus. Now, you young'uns might consider that ancient, but those of us 50 and older know that McNair, though retired from football, could still be living life to the fullest. "We can't put ourselves in the minds of people who do these terribly irrational acts, but we do believe there's evidence that she was spinning out of control," Ronal Serpas, Nashville's police chief said. There were no signs of forced entry or struggle, police say. Sign In. Just imagine going from what you do every day and all of a sudden you're forced into doing something different. A faithful man. "Would've loved to see what he could've blossomed into as a businessman, as a philanthropist, as a man of God," George said. But he started all five games and won them, leading the Titans to an 11-5 finish and a berth in the AFC championship game for the second time in four seasons. antibiotics for an infection that developed after shoulder surgery. Corrupt Crimes Death of a Football Legend Pro-football legend Steve McNair's secret affair ends in a murder/suicide; Chicago cop Jon Burge provides extremely cruel and unusual punishment. You change, and you're constantly searching for something," former teammate Eddie George told CNN. Time unknown: Kazemi finds used condoms in the bathroom at McNairs downtown condo. 12:02 a.m.: Gilliam calls Kazemi and asks if they can get together. Time unknown: After she is bonded out, Kazemi catches up with McNair and is seen to be angry and yelling at him. But, he adds, "We've discovered it's not that simple.". Polite spoke to Kazemi just hours before her death and says, "She sounded like normal, happy, bubbly Jenni. Mechelle disputed that they werent invited. "He was a tremendous leader and an absolute warrior. Gaddy, who did not immediately return a text message to his cell phone from The Associated Press on Wednesday, said the McNairs' Nashville home was on the market because they were looking for a new house. "It was like something you might imagine seeing on TV or in the movies, but never imagine you would see it first-hand, to have that happen to someone you love," Gaddy said, according to The Tennessean of Nashville. Jordan McNair struggled through the final sprints of an offseason workout before receiving help. McNair started all 16 games in 1997, guiding the team to an 8-8 record. McNair explained he wanted to spend more time with his family after an injury-riddled career, and it made perfect sense. "I am deeply saddened to learn of today's tragic news regarding the death of Steve McNair. One of McNairs final community efforts was opening Gridiron9, a since-closed restaurant on Jefferson Street intendedto give Tennessee State students an affordable place to eat.
