Hall of Fame

Steve "Air" McNair

  • Class
  • Induction
    2009
  • Sport(s)
    Legend
  • Alcorn State
Early Life & Choosing Alcorn State
  • Steve McNair was born February 14, 1973, in Mount Olive, Mississippi.
  • In high school he excelled on defense (interceptions) and offense, but many major programs recruited him as a defensive back. He chose Alcorn State so he could play quarterback.
  • Alcorn State is a historically Black university (HBCU) and competed in what was then NCAA Division I-AA (now FCS) in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC).
Collegiate Achievements at Alcorn State
  • McNair played four full seasons (1991-1994) for the Alcorn State Braves.
  • He became the university’s all-time leading passer with 14,496 career passing yards.
  • He also totaled 16,823 yards of total offense in his college career — a record for FCS at that time.
  • Single season highlight: In 1994 he threw 5,377 yards and 47 touchdowns, while rushing for 904 yards and 9 TDs.