Steve McNair’s meteoric rise and tragic fall take center stage in Untold: The Murder of Air McNair, a gripping documentary that tackles the NFL star’s complex legacy both on and off the field.

McNair, a quarterback, was killed on July 4, 2009. He was shot multiple times by Sahel Kazemi, a 20-year-old woman with whom he was having an extramarital affair. After shooting McNair, Kazemi turned the gun on herself in an apparent murder-suicide.

The film meticulously traces McNair’s journey from humble beginnings at Alcorn State to NFL stardom. It highlights his exceptional resilience and skill as quarterback for the Houston Oilers, who later became the Tennessee Titans.

McNair’s career reached its zenith with a nail-biting performance in Super Bowl XXXIV, where he led the Titans to within yards of victory. This moment, though ending in defeat, cemented his place in football history.

But Untold doesn’t just focus on McNair’s athletic prowess. Through intimate interviews with teammates, friends, and family, the documentary peels back the layers of a man whose outward success masked inner turmoil.

The stark contrast between McNair’s public persona and private challenges becomes increasingly apparent as the narrative unfolds. The film doesn’t shy away from exploring the pressures of fame and the strain it put on his personal relationships.

The film delves into McNair’s ongoing battles with injuries during this period, offering insight into the physical toll of his mad-bull playing style. These health struggles added another layer of complexity to an already complicated life.

Untold also explores the web of personal relationships that surrounded McNair in his final years. While it treads carefully, the documentary provides context for the circumstances that would ultimately lead to his shocking murder in 2009.

Perhaps the film’s only shortcoming is its occasional reluctance to dive deeper into psychological analysis. Some viewers may be left with unanswered questions about the inner workings of McNair’s mind.

Nevertheless, Untold: The Murder of Air McNair offers a sobering look at the vulnerabilities that can lie behind a hero’s facade. It not only honors McNair’s considerable contributions to the sport, but also serves as a poignant reminder of the human being behind the jersey.