Words unsaid about Steve McNair

Amid all the praise of Steve McNair after his tragic death it is easy to lose sight of certain realities about his life. He is described as a a great warrior for his exploits on the football field, and undoubtedly there is some truth to that. He certainly could 'take a hit' and come back for more with the best of them. However - like many athletes possessing of great natural gifts he squandered his opportunities to take full advantage of those gifts. His natural talent took him far, but his personal failings prevented him from reaching his full potential. It isn't just that he was tempted, as so many athletes with great wealth and status are, to seek companionship from a myriad of beautiful young women. It is the preoccupation with the night life, drink and drugs that accompanied everything else that brought him down. Truth be known, McNair clearly succumbed to the deleterious effects of money after he signed his last big contract with the Ravens in 2006 (12 mil guaranteed). Oh sure - he had something to prove to the Titans in 2006 after they let him go. He had a reasonably decent year in helping guide the Ravens to the playoffs. However - his arm was essentially shot then - at age 33 - an awfully young age to have a shot arm. His true colors showed through in 2007 when he reported to camp overweight and out of shape. It didn't help matters that he was arrested for drunk driving during the offseason. I believe it was obvious to most observers that McNair didn't put in the time necessary to be football ready for the season. The results were predicatable. Poor performance and injury dogged him throughout the year - his last as a professional athlete. But at least he did get that last 12 million. McNair didn't give his best in that last contract, and in light of the events that followed, his personal demons helped to derail what could have been a Hall of Fame career. Sure - he did some notably excellent things as a player. But it could have, and should have, been so much more. Bottom line is, McNair was lackadaisacal, especially near the end of his career. His personal demons overtook his competitive desires on the football field. For that, he should be justly criticized.