After posting a disappointing 2007 campaign (highlighted by a nine-game skid, last place in the AFC North, and a substandard 5-11 record) following a franchise-best 13-win season in 2006, the Baltimore Ravens have yet another piece of the puzzle to figure out as the starting quarterback position comes into serious question. Former Co-MVP Steve “the Air” McNair announced he would hang up his cleats and retire prior to kicking off the ’08 season, tentatively leaving the full-time reigns of the offense to either Kyle Boller or Troy Smith, resulting in panic attacks all across the Old Line State.
The three-time Pro Bowler cited back and shoulder problems (which kept him out of all but six games last year) as the primary reason for trading-in gridiron glory for driving drunk to the golf course and/or fishing boat this fall. McNair will file his retirement papers after playing in 161 games in which he threw for over 31,000 yards and 174 touchdowns, and will surely be remembered for his Young-like mobility in and out of the pocket, allowing him to gain 3,590 yards on the ground and an impressive 37 trips to paydirt.
Steve’s best year arguably came in an MVP-worthy 2003 season, but his closest chance for football immortality came in 2000, where he, Eddie George, and his Tennessee Titans lost Super Bowl XXXIV by 35 inches to Warner, Faulk, and the Greatest Show on Turf. It’s safe to say Mike Jones will probably not be invited to the retirement pot luck.
Here’s to you, Stevie.
