NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Steve McNair, a former NFL star quarterback who led the Tennessee Titans to the 2000 Super Bowl, was found dead Saturday. He was 36.
McNair and a 20-year-old woman named Sahel Kazemi were found shot to death at the quarterback’s condominium in downtown Nashville, Tenn.
Authorities said McNair was found dead on a sofa with multiple gunshot wounds, including one to the head. Kazemi, described by authorities as a “friend” of McNair’s, was lying nearby on the floor with a gun next to her. Police said the weapon was not “readily apparent” at first.
The bodies were discovered in the afternoon by Wayne Neeley, a longtime friend of McNair’s who rented the condo with him.
McNair’s wife, Mechelle, whom he married in 1997, was described as “very distraught.” Police said she is not likely involved in the shooting.
On Thursday, Nashville police arrested Kazemi on a DUI charge. The 2007 Escalade that she was driving was registered to her and McNair. The four-time Pro Bowler was a passenger and allowed to leave by taxi following the arrest.
While police said the investigation remains wide open, many have speculated that McNair may have died in a murder-suicide.
Autopsies on both McNair and Kazemi are expected to be performed early Sunday.
After starring at Alcorn State, McNair was drafted in 1995 by the Houston Oilers, who eventually became the Titans. He threw for more than 31,000 yards during his career, which ended in 2008 after two seasons with the Baltimore Ravens.
McNair’s most magical season came in 1999-2000 when he led the Titans to the Super Bowl against the St. Louis Rams. With his team trailing 23-16 in the closing minutes, McNair led the Titans down the field. His final pass went to Kevin Dyson, who ended up being tackled at the 1-yard line as the game ended. The game is considered as one of the greatest in both NFL and Super Bowl history.
“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 teammate Samari Rolle told ESPN of McNair, who shared NFL co-MVP honors in 2003 with Peyton Manning. “I can’t even wrap my arms around it. It is a sad, sad day. The world lost a great man today.”
In addition to his wife, McNair is survived by four children, all of whom are sons: Junior (born 1991), Steven (born 1994), Tyler (born 1998) and Trenton (born 2004).
