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ENLARGE
Steve McNair, who led the Tennessee Titans within a yard of forcing overtime in the 2000 Superbowl and led the Baltimore Ravens to the playoffs, has been shot and killed on Saturday, July 4, 2009. Nashville police spokesman Don Aaron confirmed that police were called to a residence and found McNair and a woman shot to death inside. Aaron said authorities don't yet know the circumstances of the shooting.
Steve McNair Quote Box
Comments on the death of former NFL quarterback Steve McNair on Saturday:
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“He was one of the finest players to play for our organization and one of the most beloved players by our fans. He played with unquestioned heart and leadership and led us to places that we had never reached, including our only Super Bowl.” —Titans owner Bud Adams.
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“This is so, so sad. What we admired most about Steve when we played against him was his competitive spirit, and we were lucky enough to have that with us for two years. He is one of the best players in the NFL over the last 20 years.” —Baltimore Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome.
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“There wasn't a tougher quarterback out there,” Dyson said. “I've seen him take his shots, pull himself up off the ground and get back up in the huddle and not say a word.” —Former Tennessee wide receiver Kevin Dyson.
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“He was a tremendous leader and an absolute warrior. 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.” —New England Patriots senior football adviser Floyd Reese, who was GM of the Titans when McNair played there.
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“Steve was special and as tough and competitive of a guy that I have ever been around. As soon as we got him in Baltimore, he gave our team instant confidence and I was fortunate to be around him for two seasons. As great of a player as he was, it was more of an honor to know him as a person. My heart and prayers go out to his family.” —Jets coach Rex Ryan, Baltimore's defensive coordinator during McNair's two seasons with the Ravens.
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“I am in utter disbelief. Steve always came to work with a smile and a joy about him. I remember him as a dad that brought his kids to the facility and we all embraced them as our own. Not only will Steve's family miss him, but the entire NFL family has lost a brother. His death was far too early and my thoughts and prayers are with his family.” —Jets linebacker Bart Scott, McNair's teammate in Baltimore for two seasons.
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“It's bad that stuff happens like that, and it's just disappointing, especially when it's a member of your club. It's real hard to lose somebody as it is. It just makes you appreciate the people you have.” —Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Kellen Winslow.
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“I'm speechless. ... He was always 'Air McNair' to me.” —Orlando Magic guard Vince Carter.
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“I am saddened and shocked by the sudden passing of Steve McNair. During McNair's career in the SWAC and the NFL he was a fierce competitor. McNair's collegiate career was one of the greatest in NCAA history and he will always be remembered for the tenacity and toughness that he displayed. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.” —Southwestern Athletic Conference commissioner Duer Sharp.
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“He would come into the restaurant and eat and talk to customers just like anyone else. You would not know he was a star. This hurts so very, very much. Our community is going to miss him.” —Tennessee Sen. Thelma Harper, D-Nashville, a friend of McNair's who owns a restaurant near the one he recently opened.
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“It's a bit of a shock. I'm a big Titans fan. I'm a big McNair fan. I can't imagine why anyone would want to do this,” he said. “He's such a standup guy —he does so much work for the community, he has done so much for the city. I know we tend to idolize athletes but I always thought McNair was one of the few that was worthy of the adulation.” —Ken Schrupp, resident of the Nashville neighborhood where McNair's body was found.
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“Steve was such a happy person. He was always smiling and was always willing to lend a hand to anyone who needed it. I've known him for 13 years, and he was the most selfless, happiest and friendliest person I have known. It is a devastating day. Steve will always have a place in my heart.” —Wide receiver Derrick Mason, who played with McNair in Tennessee and Baltimore.
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“He was one of the finest players to play for our organization and one of the most beloved players by our fans. He played with unquestioned heart and leadership and led us to places that we had never reached, including our only Super Bowl.” —Titans owner Bud Adams.
———
“This is so, so sad. What we admired most about Steve when we played against him was his competitive spirit, and we were lucky enough to have that with us for two years. He is one of the best players in the NFL over the last 20 years.” —Baltimore Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome.
———
“There wasn't a tougher quarterback out there,” Dyson said. “I've seen him take his shots, pull himself up off the ground and get back up in the huddle and not say a word.” —Former Tennessee wide receiver Kevin Dyson.
———
“He was a tremendous leader and an absolute warrior. 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.” —New England Patriots senior football adviser Floyd Reese, who was GM of the Titans when McNair played there.
———
“Steve was special and as tough and competitive of a guy that I have ever been around. As soon as we got him in Baltimore, he gave our team instant confidence and I was fortunate to be around him for two seasons. As great of a player as he was, it was more of an honor to know him as a person. My heart and prayers go out to his family.” —Jets coach Rex Ryan, Baltimore's defensive coordinator during McNair's two seasons with the Ravens.
———
“I am in utter disbelief. Steve always came to work with a smile and a joy about him. I remember him as a dad that brought his kids to the facility and we all embraced them as our own. Not only will Steve's family miss him, but the entire NFL family has lost a brother. His death was far too early and my thoughts and prayers are with his family.” —Jets linebacker Bart Scott, McNair's teammate in Baltimore for two seasons.
———
“It's bad that stuff happens like that, and it's just disappointing, especially when it's a member of your club. It's real hard to lose somebody as it is. It just makes you appreciate the people you have.” —Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Kellen Winslow.
———
“I'm speechless. ... He was always 'Air McNair' to me.” —Orlando Magic guard Vince Carter.
———
“I am saddened and shocked by the sudden passing of Steve McNair. During McNair's career in the SWAC and the NFL he was a fierce competitor. McNair's collegiate career was one of the greatest in NCAA history and he will always be remembered for the tenacity and toughness that he displayed. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.” —Southwestern Athletic Conference commissioner Duer Sharp.
———
“He would come into the restaurant and eat and talk to customers just like anyone else. You would not know he was a star. This hurts so very, very much. Our community is going to miss him.” —Tennessee Sen. Thelma Harper, D-Nashville, a friend of McNair's who owns a restaurant near the one he recently opened.
———
“It's a bit of a shock. I'm a big Titans fan. I'm a big McNair fan. I can't imagine why anyone would want to do this,” he said. “He's such a standup guy —he does so much work for the community, he has done so much for the city. I know we tend to idolize athletes but I always thought McNair was one of the few that was worthy of the adulation.” —Ken Schrupp, resident of the Nashville neighborhood where McNair's body was found.
———
“Steve was such a happy person. He was always smiling and was always willing to lend a hand to anyone who needed it. I've known him for 13 years, and he was the most selfless, happiest and friendliest person I have known. It is a devastating day. Steve will always have a place in my heart.” —Wide receiver Derrick Mason, who played with McNair in Tennessee and Baltimore.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Former NFL quarterback Steve McNair and a woman were found shot to death Saturday afternoon inside a condominium in downtown Nashville, police said.
Police spokesman Don Aaron said authorities were still investigating the shootings and that no suspects were in custody.
“I don't have any answers for you now as to what's happened, who's responsible,” Aaron said.
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.
“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,” he said.
Aaron said officers went to the scene after receiving a call about injured persons inside the condo.
“When police officers arrived in response to that call, they found two individuals who had been shot to death inside the residence,” he said.
The condominium is one that McNair was known to frequent, but police spokeswoman Kristin Mumford said she didn't know if he was the owner.
McNair played 13 seasons in the NFL and led the Titans within a yard of forcing overtime in the 2000 Super Bowl, which they lost 23-16 to the St. Louis Rams. He also played for the Baltimore Ravens before retiring in April 2008.
“We don't know the details, but it is a terrible tragedy and our hearts go out to the families involved,” NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement.
“We are saddened and shocked to hear the news of Steve McNair's passing today,” Titans owner Bud Adams said in a statement. “He was one of the finest players to play for our organization and one of the most beloved players by our fans. He played with unquestioned heart and leadership and led us to places that we had never reached, including our only Super Bowl.”
About 50 people crowded just beyond police tape outside the complex in the upscale Rutledge Hill neighborhood, some wearing Titans hats. The condominium is located within walking distance of an area filled with restaurants and nightspots, a few blocks from the Cumberland River and within view of the Titans' stadium.
McNair began his career in 1995 with the Houston Oilers, who eventually became the Titans, and finished with 31,304 yards passing and 174 touchdowns. McNair played with pain for several years, and the injuries ultimately forced him to retire.
McNair's most noted drive was the final one of the 2000 Super Bowl. He drove the Titans 87 yards in the final minute, 48 seconds, only to come up a yard short of the tying touchdown. Kevin Dyson caught his 9-yard pass, but was tackled at the 1-yard line by the Rams' Mike Jones.
McNair accounted for all of Tennessee's yards in that drive, throwing for 48 yards and rushing for 14. The rest of the yardage came on penalties against the Rams. Before that, he brought the Titans back from a 16-0 deficit to tie the game.
“The people who didn't know Steve McNair before will know him now,” Tennessee tight end Frank Wycheck said after the game. “Did you see that desire? Did you see that heart?”
During a five-game stretch at the end of the 2002 season, McNair was so bruised he couldn't practice. But he started all five games and won them, leading the Titans to an 11-5 finish and a berth in the AFC championship game for the second time in four seasons.
McNair played all 16 games in 2006, his first season in Baltimore, and guided the Ravens to a 13-3 record. But he injured his groin during the season opener last season and never regained the form that enabled him to earn a berth in four Pro Bowls.
“I am deeply saddened to learn of today's tragic news regarding the death of Steve McNair. He was a player who I admired a great deal,” said New England Patriots senior football adviser Floyd Reese, who was GM of the Titans when McNair played there. “He was a tremendous leader and an absolute warrior. 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,” Reese said. “My heartfelt condolences go out to his family, his friends and the many teammates who loved and admired him.”
Titans coach Jeff Fisher was out of the country, taking part in the first NFL-USO coaches tour to Iraq.
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AP Sports Writer Teresa Walker and Associated Press Writer Randall Paul Dickerson contributed to this report.
Police spokesman Don Aaron said authorities were still investigating the shootings and that no suspects were in custody.
“I don't have any answers for you now as to what's happened, who's responsible,” Aaron said.
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.
“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,” he said.
Aaron said officers went to the scene after receiving a call about injured persons inside the condo.
“When police officers arrived in response to that call, they found two individuals who had been shot to death inside the residence,” he said.
The condominium is one that McNair was known to frequent, but police spokeswoman Kristin Mumford said she didn't know if he was the owner.
McNair played 13 seasons in the NFL and led the Titans within a yard of forcing overtime in the 2000 Super Bowl, which they lost 23-16 to the St. Louis Rams. He also played for the Baltimore Ravens before retiring in April 2008.
“We don't know the details, but it is a terrible tragedy and our hearts go out to the families involved,” NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement.
“We are saddened and shocked to hear the news of Steve McNair's passing today,” Titans owner Bud Adams said in a statement. “He was one of the finest players to play for our organization and one of the most beloved players by our fans. He played with unquestioned heart and leadership and led us to places that we had never reached, including our only Super Bowl.”
About 50 people crowded just beyond police tape outside the complex in the upscale Rutledge Hill neighborhood, some wearing Titans hats. The condominium is located within walking distance of an area filled with restaurants and nightspots, a few blocks from the Cumberland River and within view of the Titans' stadium.
McNair began his career in 1995 with the Houston Oilers, who eventually became the Titans, and finished with 31,304 yards passing and 174 touchdowns. McNair played with pain for several years, and the injuries ultimately forced him to retire.
McNair's most noted drive was the final one of the 2000 Super Bowl. He drove the Titans 87 yards in the final minute, 48 seconds, only to come up a yard short of the tying touchdown. Kevin Dyson caught his 9-yard pass, but was tackled at the 1-yard line by the Rams' Mike Jones.
McNair accounted for all of Tennessee's yards in that drive, throwing for 48 yards and rushing for 14. The rest of the yardage came on penalties against the Rams. Before that, he brought the Titans back from a 16-0 deficit to tie the game.
“The people who didn't know Steve McNair before will know him now,” Tennessee tight end Frank Wycheck said after the game. “Did you see that desire? Did you see that heart?”
During a five-game stretch at the end of the 2002 season, McNair was so bruised he couldn't practice. But he started all five games and won them, leading the Titans to an 11-5 finish and a berth in the AFC championship game for the second time in four seasons.
McNair played all 16 games in 2006, his first season in Baltimore, and guided the Ravens to a 13-3 record. But he injured his groin during the season opener last season and never regained the form that enabled him to earn a berth in four Pro Bowls.
“I am deeply saddened to learn of today's tragic news regarding the death of Steve McNair. He was a player who I admired a great deal,” said New England Patriots senior football adviser Floyd Reese, who was GM of the Titans when McNair played there. “He was a tremendous leader and an absolute warrior. 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,” Reese said. “My heartfelt condolences go out to his family, his friends and the many teammates who loved and admired him.”
Titans coach Jeff Fisher was out of the country, taking part in the first NFL-USO coaches tour to Iraq.
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AP Sports Writer Teresa Walker and Associated Press Writer Randall Paul Dickerson contributed to this report.
