Reflecting on Jordan McNair’s heartbreaking death

Life is precious. Life is fragile. Life is to be cherished and never taken for granted.

Maryland offensive tackle Jordan McNair was 19 years old when he died yesterday. He had been in the hospital for two weeks and received a liver transplant, but it was still almost impossible to believe this news would actually come. It’s still hard to come to grips with.

McNair was spoken of in a universally positive manner, both as a player and a person. His death came with an entire football career ahead of him, and it’s easy to think of the games he could have helped Maryland win or the NFL potential he might have had. But he also seemed destined to use whatever platform he gained from athletics to make a positive difference in the world around him, and that lost potential stings even more.

Death is every bit as uncomfortable as it is heartbreaking. This story has been uncomfortable to report at every turn, and that will continue as more information becomes available. Our summer football preview series isn’t going anywhere, but caring about wins and losses feels a lot less important now. Stats and records might feel less important all season.

Death has a way of forcing everything into perspective. It also has a way of making those affected by it appreciate life. It’s a blessing that only lasts for so long, and there’s no way of knowing when that blessing will disappear.

So remind someone you love them today. Do the same tomorrow. Make a habit of it. Because you never know how many of those chances you have left.

In other news

Kevin Huerter had surgery on his right hand after playing through a torn ligament throughout the NBA Draft process. He’s still a projected first-round pick, but a two-month recovery would keep him out of summer league and a little past that.

Maryland basketball will reportedly host Seton Hall on Dec. 22 as part of a home-and-home series.

We kept Quarterbacks Week going with Max Bortenschlager, who has the most starting experience of any Maryland quarterback but isn’t favored to win the job at the moment.

Maryland volleyball has a late All-American addition to its 2018 class. Here’s Todd with more.

As has long been expected, Maryland baseball‘s Nick Dunn has signed his professional contract.

In more large-scale news, the NCAA is doing away with the rule that allows schools to block players from transferring. However, conferences with such legislation are not being overridden.