In 2001, McNair stood up for an entire flight because of a painful lower back on a west coast trip to Oakland, but guided the Titans to a win the next night.
In 2002, despite not practicing all week, McNair took a pain-killing shot before a game against the New York Giants and finished them off before the shot wore off. Or close to it – McNair had to switch the football from his right hand to his left hand so he could raise it into the air in celebration because the pain-killing shot on the right side had actually worn off.
In 2003, his co-MVP season, McNair dislocated a finger on his throwing hand at Indianapolis, popped it back into place, and re-entered the game. In his mind, a piece of tape on the finger was all he needed.
The stories went on and on.
"Growing up on a farm, it brings out a lot of mental toughness and physical toughness in you,'' McNair once said. "When the competition level rises, the pain decreases. I just go out and compete."
"You know it is there, but at the same time you have to worry about what's important. Are you worried about this injury? Or are you worried about leading this team to victory?''