Steve McNair rose to NFL fame during the early 2000s, establishing himself as a gritty quarterback lauded for his toughness who ultimately turned the Tennessee Titans into an annual playoff contender.
His life, however, took a tragic turn during the summer of 2009 — which will become the emphasis of the next documentary from Netflix.
Newest ‘Untold’ Set To Highlight Steve McNair
The streaming service’s critically acclaimed “Untold” series is kicking off its 2024 season by spotlighting the slain former passer.
“Untold: The Murder of Air McNair” will officially premiere on Wednesday, Aug. 21.
The documentary is set to chronicle the life and legacy of the three-time Pro Bowl quarterback. The film will likely include McNair’s epic 1999 campaign, which witnessed the first and only AFC title run for the Titans, plus also his even more stellar 2003 season which saw him share NFL Most Valuable Player honors with Peyton Manning.
McNair first ascended into NFL conversations for his stellar play at an HBCU (Historically Black College and University), Alcorn State. He became a Heisman Trophy candidate before he emerged as a top 10 draft pick in 1995. His nickname “Air McNair” was born while in college because of his impressive arm strength.
The 6’2”, 225-pound QB went on to play 13 seasons in the league for the Titans franchise (including their time as the Houston/Tennessee Oilers from 1995 to 1996) and wrapping up his career with the Baltimore Ravens. He produced six 3,000-yard campaigns and went 96-67 overall as a starter.
The Netflix sports documentary series is best known for showcasing some of the more edgier, controversial sports stories and subjects. In 2023, “Untold” shined a light on former Heisman Trophy winner and NFL first-round QB bust Johnny Manziel, plus they held a three-episode series looking back at the Florida Gators football teams led by former head coach Urban Meyer.
The series also produced the widely acclaimed “The Girlfriend Who Didn’t Exist” in 2022 — spotlighting former NFL linebacker Manti Te’o and the online catfishing saga he got embroiled in during his rise at Norte Dame.
How To Watch ‘Untold: The Murder of Air McNair’
Streaming option: Netflix
Available to Stream: Wednesday, Aug. 20
Cost: Viewers can sign up for an ad-free standard plan set at $15.49 a month. Also available is an ad-free premium plan for $22.99. But viewers also have a standard plan option priced at $6.99 a month, which includes ads.
Looking Back at McNair’s Shocking Murder
Unfortunately, viewers who tune into the documentary will be reminded, or informed, about the tragedy surrounding McNair.
The former QB was discovered dead from multiple gunshot wounds inside the Nashville, Tenn., condominium of his estranged girlfriend Sahel “Jenni” Kazemi on July 4, 2009. Nashville police officials eventually ruled their deaths as a murder-suicide. McNair was only 36 at the time of his death and already two years removed from playing in the NFL.
Following McNair’s murder, details later emerged about the relationship he was having with the 20-year-old Kazemi, who is expected to have a central focus in the upcoming documentary. The film is more than likely going to touch on how their relationship began and what led to the ’09 Fourth of July tragedy — including their final text messages to one another that surfaced following their deaths.
McNair also left behind his wife Mechelle, whom he married in 1997, and four children — two of whom he shared with his wife. He was also raising two more sons with two other women he was involved with before his marriage.
Former teammates, including Eddie George, Ray Lewis, and his QB successor for the Titans Vince Young, all spoke at McNair’s funeral.
