Steve McNair Found Shot Dead in Nashville; Investigation Being Treated as Homicide

Three-time Pro Bowl quarterback and 2003 NFL MVP of the Year Steve McNair was found dead Saturday, July 4, in a Nashville, Tennessee, condominium, the apparent victim of a gunshot. Steve McNair, 36, had retired from professional football last year after thirteen seasons in the National Football League. According to the Tennessean, a woman was also found dead at the scene with Steve McNair. Authorities have identified the woman but have released no details about her pending notification of next of kin and confirmation of her identity.

Thus far, police have very few details. Nashville Police spokesperson Don Aaron said, "At this point, we don't know the circumstances of these shooting deaths. The investigation is going to be conducted by the police department's centralized homicide unit. Those detectives have assembled here at the scene. The condominium still has to be processed. There is a lot of work yet to be done. It's going to take many hours to process the scene. I don't have any answers for you now as to what's happened, who's responsible, what the circumstances are."

Police began canvassing the condominium complex and the surrounding area immediately, questioning residents and hoping to turn up witnesses.

Steve McNair, who finished his career with the Baltimore Ravens, played the first eleven NFL seasons of his 13-season career with the Houston Oilers and Tennessee Titans (the same franchise, but moved to Memphis, then Nashville, changing their name to Tennessee Titans). Many believe McNair to be instrumental in building the Tennessee Titans organization into what it is today -- a perennial Super Bowl contender. He led the Titans to Super Bowl XXXIV, where they lost to the St. Louis Rams.

But that loss wasn't for lack of trying. On the last play of the game, Steve McNair passed to Kevin Dyson, who was tackled at the goal line. Since the ball did not break the plane of the goal line, the St. Louis Rams held on to win, 23-16. Some consider Super Bowl XXXIV to be one of the most exciting Super Bowls ever played, often citing Tennessee's last drive and the goal line stop by the St. Louis Rams as evidence.

Tennessee Titans owner, Bud Adams, issued a statement: "We are saddened and shocked to hear the news of Steve McNair's passing today. 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. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family as they deal with his untimely passing."

The former Pro Bowl quarterback had just recently opened a restaurant, the Gridiron9, in June in Nashville.

Steve McNair leaves behind his wife, Mechelle, and four sons.

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Sources:

Tennessean.com

"Steve McNair: Biography," Answers.com