BALTIMORE — It’s been nearly four years since the death of Maryland forward Jordan McNair.
The 19-year-old died of heat stroke in 2018.
Since then, the Jordan McNair Foundation has worked to raise awareness of heat-related injuries across the country.
Today, the organization launched its new partnership with Morgan State University.
“Listen to your bodies” is the message Marty McNair, father of Jordan McNair, is drilling into the minds of student-athletes.
“We’re here to learn about football, but also to learn about the importance of taking care of your bodies,” according to Morgan State University football coach Damon Wilson.
Marty said he educates people about how to keep student-athletes safe and about new legislation in effect.
Marty said he wishes he knew about things like this before his son died.
“When I took Jordan to these things, all I did was sit in the stands… There was no parental safety education,” Marty said.
After Jordan died, his family turned pain into purpose. They are dedicated to heat-related injury awareness and student-athlete safety.
Student-athletes like 10-year-old Evan Badgley spent their morning learning drills from Morgan State University football players and learning about heat-related injuries.
“You never know what can happen … you always have to prepare yourself,” Badgley said.
Health information has also been useful for parents.
“My son has been playing for five years … I didn’t even know these things existed,” said parent Amber Duckett.
Badgley said he learned a lot from the clinic.
“If you need to rest, then you can rest,” Badgley said. “There’s always going to be a next show and if you don’t, then there may never be another show.”
The McNair family hopes to continue expanding partnerships with HBCU schools, not only throughout Maryland, but across the nation.
