McNair's Excellence in the Community Will Be Long Remembered

**

NASHVILLE, Tenn. --** Steve McNair was inducted into the Titans/Oilers Hall of Fame on Nov. 27, 2009 but his efforts to improve the lives of others in Tennessee and his home state of Mississippi made him a Hall of Famer in their hearts years earlier.

Much like his play on the field, McNair's work in the community was done without a desire to receive publicity for his efforts. He did it for the love of helping others and the smiles his work would invariably bring to those who benefited from his generosity.

For his incredible efforts in the community, Steve was selected as the 2005 Titans Walter Payton Award Winner given to the team's Community Man of the Year.

"My community work is not about the awards, but I am very grateful for this," McNair said upon receiving his award. "I'm about helping families and through the work of my foundation I have the ability to influence a lot of young kids and adults. I want to help people that haven't had the fair opportunity to be successful in life and then give them a chance of hope."

McNair spoke of the importance of setting the example for his younger teammates getting involved in the community.

"As young guys come along, they don't often realize how important it is to not only be successful on the football field but off the field as well," McNair said. "I hope my work off the field will lead the younger guys towards doing things in the future like I'm doing now. The young guys have to realize how important it is to get out in the community to help those that are in need."

McNair made a significant impact in Tennessee since the team's arrival in 1997. In addition to earning NFL MVP honors in 2003 and leading the Titans to Super Bowl XXXIV, he garnered MVP status off the field as well.

Steve and his wife Mechelle have been active philanthropists in the Nashville community and founded the Steve McNair Foundation in 2000 to assist with causes dear to Steve and his family. Over 25 non-profit organizations throughout Tennessee and Mississippi have benefited from his foundation. McNair was devoted to serving underprivileged youth through programs focusing on inspiring and empowering today's youth to utilize the educational and civic opportunities available to them. McNair also strongly believed in giving his personal time, energy and attention to many worthwhile endeavors.

McNair was personally impacted by Hurricane Katrina as his home and family are in Mississippi. McNair hosted a relief drive in the parking lot of LP Field to aid the victims on the Mississippi Gulf Coast and surrounding areas for the Hurricane Katrina Relief Fund.

Steve's foundation collected 20 semi-trucks full of supplies and $50,000 during the 12-hour relief drive. McNair then joined Brett Favre and Peyton Manning as NFL spokesmen for the Hurricane Relief Fund in partnership with the American Red Cross. The Steve McNair Foundation raised in excess of $250,000 for the Hurricane Katrina Relief Fund and distributed approximately 500,000 pounds of supplies. A distribution center was set up in the Waveland/Bay St. Louis, MS area for anyone needing supplies.

On Nov. 16, 2005 McNair was named the 2005 Philanthropist of the Year by the Nashville Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) for efforts such as these. The AFP is an international organization working to advance philanthropy and mentor fundraising professionals.

"Every year we have many, many players that make a significant contribution to a number of charities," Titans coach Jeff Fisher said at the time. "They do it without the intention of getting personal recognition and that is what Steve and his teammates are all about."