Quarterback Steve McNair Dead at Age 36

Former Tennessee Titans Pro Bowl quarterback Steve McNair was found dead at his home today in downtown Nashville, Tennessee. McNair was only 36 years old. He was found dead apparently from a single gunshot wound to the head, and a female victim was also found dead at the scene. There are few details so far, and more information will be known later. This news comes shocking as McNair was a happy guy and always smiling. McNair is survived by his wife, Mechelle, and his four sons, Junior, Steven, Tyler, and Trenton.

Nicknamed "Air McNair" for his ability to throw the football as far as anyone, he was most remembered for Super Bowl XXXIV when his team, the Tennessee Titans, played the heavily-favored St. Louis Rams in 1999. Late in the fourth quarter with only a few seconds left, and with his team down a touchdown, he completed a pass to Kevin Dyson but Dyson was stopped one yard short of the goal line, giving the Rams the victory. It was a heartbreaking loss and had Dyson scored, the game would go into overtime. This was McNair's only chance at winning a Super Bowl and he came up just a little short.

McNair had played 13 seasons in the NFL with only two teams. He began his career when he was drafted third overall in the 1995 draft by the Houston Oilers, who later changed there name to the Tennessee Titans. He was with the club, a total of 10 seasons from 1995 up to 2005. McNair led his team to the playoffs a total of four times and was one of the best quarterbacks earlier in the decade. After missing a few games because of injuries late with his first team, McNair would be traded to the Baltimore Ravens in 2006 for a 4th round pick. In his first season with the Ravens, McNair proved he still had it and led his team to a 13-3 record, a playoff birth, and an AFC North Championship. McNair would lose his first playoff game with his new club against the Colts in a low scoring game. McNair's second season was filled with injuries and he officially announced his retirement from the NFL in April 2008.

His accomplishments include being selected to the All-Pro team in 2003 and Pro Bowl on three different occasions (2000, 2003, 2005). McNair was also a co-NFL MVP with Colts QB Peyton Manning in 2003.

McNair was a great football player and was a class act, on and off the field. He will surely be missed.