07-Nov-2009 17:56pm
 
RealTime Fantasy Sports
Former NFL quarterback McNair killed in Tennessee

By KRISTIN M. HALL - Associated Press Writer
    2009-07-04 19:36

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -Former NFL quarterback Steve McNair, whose most noted drive was the final one of the 2000 Super Bowl, was found dead with a gunshot wound to the head Saturday afternoon in a downtown condominium. Police said a woman was also shot dead.

McNair was 36 and played 13 seasons before retiring in April 2008. Police spokesman Don Aaron said officials tentatively identified the woman, but did not release her name. He confirmed she wasn't McNair's wife, Mechelle.

He 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.

``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.

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.

In June, McNair opened a restaurant near the Tennessee State University campus. It was closed Saturday evening, but had become a small memorial, where flowers, candles and notes had been placed outside the door.

On the restaurant's windows were messages: ``We will miss you Steve'' and ``We love you Steve.''

A note attached to a small blue teddy bear read, ``We will never forget you, Steve. Once a Titan, always a Titan.''

McNair, a four-time Pro Bowler, 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.

His most noted drive, the last one in that Super Bowl, came when he led the Titans 87 yards in the final minute and 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.

``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.''

``If you were going to draw a football player, the physical part, the mental part, everything about being a professional, he is your guy,'' former Ravens and Titans teammate Samari Rolle said. ``I can't even wrap my arms around it. It is a sad, sad day. The world lost a great man today.''

McNair became a nationally known college football star playing for Alcorn State, a Division I-AA school in his home state. His performance in the Southwestern Athletic Conference was so dominant, he became a Heisman Trophy contender and national media flocked to the school in Lorman, Miss., to get look at ``Air McNair.'' He still holds the Division I-AA (now known as Football Championship Subdivision) records for career yards passing (14,496) and total offense (16,823).

McNair began his NFL 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.

``On the field, there isn't player that was as tough as him, especially at the quarterback position,'' the Ravens' Derrick Mason said. ``What I have seen him play through on the field, and what he dealt with during the week to get ready for a game, I have never known a better teammate.''

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 put him in those 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 for them. ``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.''

Titans coach Jeff Fisher was out of the country, taking part in the first NFL-USO coaches tour to Iraq.

Ozzie Newsome, Ravens executive vice president and general manager, said he immediately thought of McNair's four sons.

``This is so, so sad. We immediately think of his family, his boys. They are all in our thoughts and prayers,'' he said ``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.''

---

AP Sports Writer Teresa Walker and Associated Press Writers Randall Paul Dickerson and Lucas L. Johnson II contributed to this report.


Recommend this story: Email to a friend Submit to Digg.com Submit to Del.icio.us Save to Technorati.com

Fantasy Football Player Notes RSS FeedPLAYER NOTES

Jason FergusonNov 6 08:33p

Miami Dolphins DT Jason Ferguson (elbow) and LB Channing Crowder (shoulder) were limited in practice Friday, Nov. 6, but both are listed as doubtful for Week 9.

Devin HesterNov 6 08:33p

Brad Biggs, of the Chicago Sun-Times, reports Chicago Bears WR Devin Hester (ankle) was limited in practice Friday, Nov. 6. He is listed as questionable for Week 9, [ More ]

Jack WilliamsNov 6 07:03p

Denver Broncos CB Jack Williams (illness) and SS David Bruton (groin) fully participated in practice Friday, Nov. 6. They are expected to play in Week 9.

Calvin JohnsonNov 6 07:03p

Nicholas J. Cotsonika, of the Detroit Free Press, reports Detroit Lions WR Calvin Johnson (knee) practiced Friday, Nov. 6, and is expected to play in Week 9. He looked [ More ]

Scott StarksNov 6 07:03p

Jacksonville Jaguars CB Scott Starks (hamstring) did not participate in practice Friday, Nov. 6. He has been ruled out for Week 9.

Josh BarrettNov 6 06:53p

Denver Broncos FS Josh Barrett (undisclosed) was limited during practice Friday, Nov. 6. He will be a game-time decision for Week 9 but should play.

Kevin SmithNov 6 06:53p

Nicholas J. Cotsonika, of the Detroit Free Press, reports Detroit Lions RB Kevin Smith (shoulder) practiced Friday, Nov. 6, and is expected to play in Week 9.

Jeremiah RatliffNov 6 06:43p

Dallas Cowboys DT Jay Ratliff (knee) and SS Gerald Sensabaugh (thumb) participated in practice Friday, Nov. 6. They are listed as probable for Week 9 and will be able to play.

Demetric EvansNov 6 06:23p

Matt Maiocco, of The Santa Rosa Press Democrat, reports San Francisco 49ers DL Demetric Evans (shoulder) did not practice Friday, Nov. 6, and will not play in Week 9.

Takeo SpikesNov 6 06:23p

Matt Maiocco, of The Santa Rosa Press Democrat, reports San Francisco 49ers LB Takeo Spikes (shoulder) practiced in full Friday, Nov. 6, and is expected to play in Week 9.

Reggie SmithNov 6 06:23p

Matt Maiocco, of The Santa Rosa Press Democrat, reports San Francisco 49ers CB Reggie Smith (groin) practiced in full Friday, Nov. 6, and is probable for Week 9. He will be a game-time decision.

Kelvin HaydenNov 6 06:23p

Indianapolis Colts CB Kelvin Hayden (knee) did not participate in practice Friday, Nov. 6. He has been ruled out for Week 9.

Stephen SpachNov 6 06:03p

Darren Urban, of AZCardinals.com, reports Arizona Cardinals TE Stephen Spach (ankle) practiced in full Friday, Nov. 6, and is probable for Week 9. He will be available, but might [ More ]

David StewartNov 6 06:03p

Jim Wyatt, of The Tennessean, reports Tennessee Titans OT David Stewart (hamstring) did not participate in practice Friday, Nov. 26. He is listed as questionable for Week 9 and [ More ]

Nick FergusonNov 6 05:53p

Houston Texans DL Tim Bulman (ribs), LB Xavier Adibi (ankle), LB Kevin Bentley (shoulder) and SS Nick Ferguson (knee) are expected to play in the team's Week 9 game.

Benjamin WatsonNov 6 05:43p

New England Patriots TE Benjamin Watson (back) was limited during practice Friday, Nov. 6. He is listed as questionable for Week 9 and will be a game-time decision.

Matt LightNov 6 05:33p

New England Patriots WR Julian Edelman (forearm), RB Fred Taylor (ankle), RB Sammy Morris (knee), OT Matt Light (knee) and DL Jarvis Green (knee) did not participate in practice [ More ]

Donald BrownNov 6 05:13p

Indianapolis Colts RB Donald Brown (shoulder) did not practice Friday, Nov. 6, and is questionable for Week 9.

Pierre GarconNov 6 05:13p

Indianapolis Colts WR Pierre Garcon (ankle) did not practice Friday, Nov. 6, and is questionable for Week 9.

Sinorice MossNov 6 05:13p

Ralph Vacchiano, of the New York Daily News, reports New York Giants WR Sinorice Moss (foot) and WR Mario Manningham (shoulder) will be able to play in Week 9.

Chris CantyNov 6 05:13p

Ralph Vacchiano, of the New York Daily News, reports New York Giants DT Chris Canty (calf) and LB Michael Boley (knee) are expected to play in Week 9.

Dominique BarberNov 6 05:13p

Houston Texans SS Dominique Barber (ankle) did not practice Friday, Nov. 6, and will not play in Week 9.

Antonio BryantNov 6 05:03p

Roy Cummings, of The Tampa Tribune, reports Tampa Bay Buccaneers WR Antonio Bryant (knee) did not participate in practice Friday, Nov. 6. He is listed as questionable for Week [ More ]

Michael ClaytonNov 6 04:53p

Roy Cummings, of The Tampa Tribune, reports Tampa Bay Buccaneers WR Michael Clayton (wrist) participated in practice Friday, Nov. 6. He is listed as questionable for Week 9 but is expected to play.

Jeremi JohnsonNov 6 04:43p

Joe Reedy, of The Cincinnati Enquirer, reports Cincinnati Bengals RB Bernard Scott (knee) and FB Jeremi Johnson (knee) are expected to play in Week 9.

Roy WilliamsNov 6 04:43p

Joe Reedy, of The Cincinnati Enquirer, reports Cincinnati Bengals DL Tank Johnson (foot) and SS Roy L. Williams (forearm) will be game-time decisions for Week 9 but are expected to play.

Brian WestbrookNov 6 04:33p

Les Bowen, of the Philadelphia Daily News, reports Philadelphia Eagles head coach Andy Reid indicated that RB Brian Westbrook (concussion) should be able to play in Week 9.

Jason PetersNov 6 04:33p

Les Bowen, of the Philadelphia Daily News, reports Philadelphia Eagles OG Nick Cole (knee), OG Todd Herremans (foot), OG Max Jean-Gilles (shoulder) and OT Jason Peters (ankle) will be [ More ]

Darren HowardNov 6 04:33p

Les Bowen, of the Philadelphia Daily News, reports Philadelphia Eagles DE Darren Howard (ankle) and DE Chris Clemons (shoulder, elbow) will be able to play in Week 9.

Jarret JohnsonNov 6 04:23p

Jamison Hensley, of The Baltimore Sun, reports Baltimore Ravens LS Matt Katula (elbow), LB Jarret Johnson (shoulder), SS Haruki Nakamura (chest), LB Prescott Burgess (illness) and CB Frank Walker [ More ]

Curtis LoftonNov 6 04:03p

D. Orlando Ledbetter, of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, reports Atlanta Falcons LB Curtis Lofton (knee, ankle) participated in practice Friday, Nov. 6. He is listed as questionable for Week 9 but is expected to play.

Brian FinneranNov 6 04:03p

D. Orlando Ledbetter, of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, reports Atlanta Falcons WR Brian Finneran (ankle) and DT Jonathan Babineaux (ankle) were limited during practice Friday, Nov. 6. They are listed [ More ]

RSS Feeds

NFL News:
 
Player Notes:
 
Forum Posts: