5 Key Takeaways from Netflix’s Steve McNair Murder Documentary

A deeper look into the tragedy that shook the NFL.

The tragic murder of former Tennessee Titans quarterback Steve McNair in 2009 has haunted Nashville and the broader sports community for years.

Netflix’s new documentary, “Untold: The Murder of Air McNair,” sheds new light on the events surrounding his death, bringing forth new details and re-examining some of the controversies that arose after the incident.

Here are five major takeaways from the documentary, which was released on Netflix on August 20, 2024.

1. A Delayed Call to Police Raises Questions

Wayne Neely, a friend of Steve McNair and co-renter of the apartment where McNair was found dead, discovered the bodies of McNair and Sahel Kazemi on July 4, 2009.

However, instead of immediately contacting the police, Neely called McNair’s long-time friend, Robert Gaddy. Gaddy then reported the incident to the authorities.

In the documentary, previously unseen footage from Neely’s initial police interview reveals a curious moment: Neely, visibly shaken, shows a handful of cash to the detectives and says, “I don’t know how this works.”

Although Neely was never charged with any crime related to McNair’s death, this odd exchange leaves lingering questions about the initial handling of the situation.

2. The Fallout Between McNair and Robert Gaddy

McNair and Gaddy had been close friends since their days at Alcorn State, but according to the documentary, their relationship became strained in the weeks before McNair’s death.

The rift centered around a business venture—specifically a restaurant called “Gridiron 9.” Gaddy expressed his disappointment that McNair chose to pursue the restaurant idea instead of a different business he had proposed.

The documentary reveals that their falling-out was over a $13,000 check, a point of contention that contributed to the strain.

Gaddy, reflecting on McNair’s death, expresses regret, wondering if things could have been different had their friendship remained intact.

3. Kazemi’s Ex-Boyfriend and His Troubling Admiration for McNair

Kazemi’s ex-boyfriend, Keith Norfleet, was initially a person of interest in the investigation due to his close relationship with Kazemi.

In the documentary, Norfleet admits that McNair was his “favorite football player of all time” until he discovered that Kazemi, whom he was still in love with, was involved with McNair.

Norfleet’s jealousy and frustration were evident in vague posts on his now-deleted MySpace page. Despite the tensions, Norfleet was never charged with any crime in connection to McNair’s murder.

4. Jeff Fisher’s Heartfelt Words After the Super Bowl 34 Loss

The documentary revisits McNair’s stellar 11-year career with the Titans, including the heartbreaking loss in Super Bowl 34.

The Titans came within a yard of victory, but fell short, with McNair at the helm. Former Titans coach Jeff Fisher is seen consoling McNair on the field after the game.

For the first time, Fisher reveals in the documentary what he said to McNair in that moment: “I told him I loved him and said it would be OK.” McNair’s response was equally emotional: “I love you too, bro.”

5. Unanswered Questions Surround McNair’s Death

In the final moments of the documentary, Fisher voices his doubts about the official account of McNair’s death.

He hints that certain aspects “don’t add up,” echoing the concerns of private investigator Vincent Hill, who has long questioned the thoroughness of the investigation.

Hill’s research suggests that more attention should have been paid to Adrian Gilliam, the man who sold Kazemi the gun. Despite these lingering doubts, efforts to reopen the case have been unsuccessful.

Final Thoughts on Netflix’s Steve McNair Murder Documentary

Netflix’s “Untold: The Murder of Air McNair” offers a compelling re-examination of the tragic events surrounding Steve McNair’s death.

While some questions remain unanswered, the documentary provides new insights and raises important questions that will likely continue to fuel discussions among fans and investigators alike.