About Us
The Jordan McNair Foundation was established in June 2018 by Tonya Wilson & Martin “Marty” McNair following the death of their beloved son Jordan Martin Mcnair, an offensive lineman for the University of Maryland. Jordan’s untimely death was the result of a heatstroke he suffered during an organized offseason team workout.
How We Got Here
Jordan was a highly-recruited offensive lineman for the McDonogh School. A four-star prospect with offers from football powerhouses such as Penn State, Auburn University and the University of Michigan, Jordan chose to attend the University of Maryland to remain close to home and the support system that had journeyed with him for 18 years.
On May 29, 2018, following an organized team workout, Jordan was airlifted to R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center at the University of Maryland Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland. A specialized team of doctors worked around the clock to save Jordan’s life. It was a tireless journey that lasted two weeks, but ultimately ended with his body leaving this earth, but his spirit remaining here forever. On June 13, 2018, Jordan passed away surrounded by the people he loved the most and that had journeyed with him to the very end: his family.
Jordan’s death was a shock to his family, friends, former classmates, and the entire football community near and far. His parents were left with a void and pain that only those who have lost a child could fully understand. But in his death, the world learned about the humble young man whose smile communicated more than words ever could. Jordan was a quiet spirit, whose size never went unnoticed in any room, but whose spirit took up the entire room.
Why We Are Here
Jordan’s death spurred into action the need to create a Foundation that would educate student athletes, parents, and the football community at large on the signs and symptoms of heatstroke and heat-related illnesses. With the right information, students and all involved in the athletic community can make informed decisions regarding the health and safety of all athletes. One life lost is one life too many and the Jordan McNair Foundation aims to reduce the occurrence of heatstroke and heat-related illnesses in student athletes.
Get Involved
Have questions or want to get involved? Let us know here.
EIN: 83-0962616