Regardless of the demise betaken by Steve McNair, his playing career told that of a warrior and a trailblazer.

When McNair was found dead last Saturday along with a 20-year-old mistress, many were saddened and many were shocked, and most everyone now sees McNair in a new light.

McNair had developed an iconic image both on and off the field with his warrior type play and community involvement. Now that he was found dead in his Nashville, TN condominium with his mistress Sachel Kazemi, most fans are struck by the sudden end to the former MVP’s life but are confused as to whether they truly knew their hometown hero.

It is without question a tremendous tragedy to fall on any weekend let alone a weekend in which most in America celebrate her independence. There is no question in the minds of the Nashville Metro police that McNair’s death is an homicide as he was found with four gunshot wounds. Kazemi was found with one gunshot wound to the side of the head and the weapon was found under her body which could lead one to believe that this was a murder-suicide.

Police have stated that all scenarios are still on the table which include murder-suicide, Mechelle McNair as a suspect or both being victims of an unknown killer. At this time, police are not actively pursuing any suspects.

Regardless of how McNair’s life ended, one thing for sure is that he lived his public life up until this tragic incident with class, grit, determination and a helpful hand.

All that had interacted with McNair through his time playing in Tennessee have been flooding news outlets with reports of how they felt like they were best friends with McNair minutes after meeting him. He was always courteous and gracious with his time and tried his best to help those that were less fortunate through the Steve McNair Foundation. The foundation funded many charitable and community efforts including aiding in Hurricane Katrina relief efforts, Thanksgiving turkey give-a-ways and youth football camps.

Titans fans seem determined to remember their hero for his Sunday heroics rather than his scandalous final chapter, as well they should.

McNair was drafted by the Houston Oilers with the third overall pick after finishing third in Heisman Trophy voting as a Division 1-AA quarterback at Alcorn State. In 1997, the Oilers made the move to Tennessee and became the Titans and this is where McNair really began to shine as an NFL quarterback.

In 2000, McNair lead his team all the way to Super Bowl XXXIV falling within one yard of forcing overtime in an epic 23-16 loss to the St. Louis Rams. During the following season, McNair made his first of three Pro Bowl appearances. In 2002, McNair lead the Titans to a 5-0 start despite not practicing for five weeks due to turf toe, strained ribs and a sore back.

In 2004, McNair had his best individual season despite missing two games to injury and was named co-MVP, along with Peyton Manning, becoming the first African American quarterback to win the award. In 2006, after being traded to the Baltimore Ravens, McNair became the third player in NFL history to pass for 30,000 and run for 3,500 career yards joining Hall-of-Famers Fran Tarkenton and Steve Young.

McNair retired from football in April of 2008 citing injuries but still managed to have an influence on the game by being a positive influence on the young stars of today and trailblazing their path. One such influence was bestowed on the current Titans backup quarterback Vince Young.

"I'm still in shock since hearing the news," Young said in a statement released by the team. "Since I was a teenager, he was like a father to me. I hear his advice in my head with everything I do. Life will be very different without him."

After playing as an absolute warrior on the field, performing through injuries, breaking and setting numerous NFL and NCAA records, ‘Air McNair’ will now be remembered for a tragic end, but what will and should be thought of first is a wonderful life and great playing career.