Steve McNair's Unaired Public Service Announcement Against Suicide Airs Years After His Death

Strategic Insights -

As the football world deals with injuries and pandemic-related setbacks, a poignant reminder of the importance of mental health emerges in the form of a public service announcement recorded by former NFL quarterback Steve McNair just weeks before his tragic death. In April, McNair donated his time to film the announcement, which urges young people struggling with suicidal thoughts to call the 1-800-273-TALK hotline.

McNair's message, never aired before his murder-suicide on July 4, 2009, has been released by the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities in response to a public records request. The announcement comes as Tennessee grapples with a critical issue: suicide among young people. Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network reports that suicide is the third leading cause of death for those aged 15-24, and about a third of the state's counties have suicide rates exceeding the national average.

Key Takeaways:

  • Steve McNair recorded a public service announcement in April 2009 urging young people contemplating suicide to call the 1-800-273-TALK hotline.
  • McNair's announcement was shelved by the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities after his tragic death and was never aired.
  • The announcement was released by the department in response to a public records request, with three versions (10-, 15-, and 30-second) made available.
  • Last year, Tennessee received a $1.5 million federal grant to help prevent suicide among young people.
  • Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network reports that suicide is the third leading cause of death for those aged 15-24.
  • About a third of Tennessee counties have suicide rates exceeding the national average.
  • Police investigating McNair's death concluded that his mistress, Sahel Kazemi, had been "spinning out of control" in the days leading up to her murder-suicide.

Statistics:

  • Suicides among young people in Tennessee: 15-24 years old (third leading cause of death).
  • Number of Tennessee counties with suicide rates exceeding the national average: about a third.
  • Date of McNair's death: July 4, 2009.
  • Date of McNair's public service announcement recording: April 2009.
  • Federal grant to help prevent suicide among young people in Tennessee: $1.5 million.

Sources:

  • AP, "Tennessee releases Steve McNair's suicide prevention PSA" (exact formatting)
  • Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities
  • Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network