Why is Steve McNair not in the Hall of Fame?

Steve McNair is a former NFL quarterback who pioneered a playing style that is now the norm for modern quarterbacks. The dual-threat QB style used by Justin Fields, Lamar Jackson, and other athletic shot callers in the league.

Before there was Michael Vick, Cam Newton, and Lamar Jackson, there was McNair, and the Alcorn State alum was that guy. McNair played for three teams throughout his NFL career, most of his time with the Tennessee Titans.

He was at the peak of his powers when he earned co-MVP honors alongside Peyton Manning in the 2003 NFL season. That year, he led the league in most statistical categories, leading the Titans to a 10-4 record in games he started for the team.

Why hasn't Steve McNair made the NFL Hall of Fame?

Steve McNair, for all his Quarterback talents, has never made it to the semifinals of the Hall of Fame ballot. Besides his MVP season, he never put up truly elite numbers, with most elite QBs having better passing or rushing touchdowns than him.

What's more, the football Hall of Fame is notoriously hard to get into, with the criteria being more stringent than the NBA or MLB. McNair still has time to get into the Hall of Fame, but his time is running out.

How good was Steve McNair in the NFL?

McNair was a top-notch QB during the late 90s and the early 2000s, as his rushing and passing ability was rare. Nevertheless, he contributed significantly to three franchises: the Houston Oilers, Tennessee Titans, and the Baltimore Ravens.

During his career, McNair has put up a stat line of 31,304 passing yards, 3,590 rushing yards, 174 passing touchdowns, 37 rushing touchdowns, and 119 interceptions in games played.