HBCU Football: 10 of the best players of all time

1. Steve McNair, QB, Alcorn State

Steve McNair is often remembered for the pass to Kevin Dyson and falling just short of the 1-yard line against the St. Louis Rams in the Super Bowl. Before becoming an MVP-caliber quarterback for the Tennessee Titans, “Air” McNair was an All-American and Walter Payton Award winner at Alcorn State University.

McNair was an elite athlete while at Mount Olive High School in Mississippi. Playing both quarterback and safety, he had 30 career interceptions tying the state record with former Florida State star Terrell Buckley.

McNair was also a standout baseball player while at Mount Olive as well. The Seattle Mariners drafted McNair in the 35th round of the 1991 MLB Draft. “Air” McNair decided to go to college instead.

Steve Spurrier and the Florida Gators offered McNair a scholarship to play running back. Alcorn State allowed McNair to play quarterback. While at Alcorn, McNair rewrote the record book.

McNair ended his career at Alcon State with a then FCS record of 14,496 passing yards and an FCS record of total yards. That year (1994), McNair won the Payton award, was named an All-American, and finished third in the Heisman voting.

McNair’s career at Alcorn was second to none, and his toughness was without question.