Former NFL QB McNair killed
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By BOB GLAUBER Newsday - Published: July 5, 2009
Former NFL quarterback Steve McNair, who played 13 seasons and led the Tennessee Titans to the Super Bowl in 2000, was found shot to death on Saturday afternoon inside a condominium in Nashville, Tenn. A woman whose identity was not revealed was also found dead inside the condominium. McNair was 36.
Details of the shootings remained sketchy as of Saturday night, and police still were investigating, according to the Associated Press. Nashville police spokesman Don Aaron said no suspects were in custody.
"I don't have any answers for you now as to what's happened, who's responsible," Aaron told reporters.
Aaron said the 36-year-old McNair died of a gunshot wound to the head. He said police tentatively identified the woman, but did not release her name.
CNN reported Saturday night a law enforcement source close to the investigation said the woman is McNair's girlfriend and that the residence is her condominium. Witnesses said McNair was a frequent visitor there, according to the report.
"There are persons who were around the complex today, visitors, who have been taken to headquarters for questioning, just to see what they know, what they may have seen," Aaron said. Police spokeswoman Kristin Mumford said she didn't know if McNair was the owner of the condominium.
McNair is survived by his wife, Mechelle, and four sons.
McNair's death brought shock and sadness to the NFL community, especially to those who knew and played with the former quarterback, a first-round pick of the then Houston Oilers in 1995.
"He was one of the finest players to play for our organization and one of the most beloved players by our fans," Titans owner Bud Adams said in a statement. "He played with unquestioned heart and leadership and led us to places that we had never reached, including our only Super Bowl."
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement: "We don't know the details, but it is a terrible tragedy and our hearts go out to the families involved."
McNair played 11 seasons for the Oilers/Titans, and spent his final two seasons with the Ravens. He threw for 31,304 yards, 174 touchdowns and 119 interceptions, and also rushed for 3,590 yards.
He led the Titans to the 2000 Super Bowl against the Rams. On the game's final drive, with the Titans trailing the Rams 23-16, McNair drove Tennessee 87 yards in the final 1:48. He threw a last-ditch pass to Kevin Dyson at the end of regulation, but the receiver fell 1 yard short of the end zone.
McNair was traded to the Ravens after the 2005 season and led Baltimore to a 13-3 regular-season record in 2006. The Ravens were beaten by the eventual Super Bowl champion Colts in the second round of the playoffs.
"If you were going to draw a football player, the physical part, the mental part, everything about being a professional, he is your guy," said Ravens cornerback Samari Rolle, who also played with McNair in Tennessee. "It is a sad, sad day. The world lost a great man."
Former Titans and Oilers general manager Floyd Reese, who drafted McNair out of Alcorn (Miss.) State in 1995, was devastated by the news.
"He was a tremendous leader and an absolute warrior," said Reese, now a member of the Patriots' front office. "He felt like it was his responsibility to lead by working hard every day, no matter what. I don't think there was a player who played with him or against him that didn't look up to him and respect him."
Ravens receiver Derrick Mason, who also played in Tennessee before joining the Ravens, was one of McNair's closest friends. Mason once nicknamed the quarterback "Smile."
"He was always smiling and was always willing to lend a hand to anyone who needed it," Mason said. "I've known him for 13 years, and he was the most selfless, happiest and friendliest person I have known. His family and my family are close, and it is a blow to us all.
"It is a devastating day."
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