Steve McNair found DEAD! R.I.P. Black Quarterback

Just like black actors, black quarterbacks have gotta stick together...

Wow…

that the is the first thing that comes to mind, along with profound sadness. What the hell is going on this week?

Steve LaTreal McNair (February 14, 1973 – July 4, 2009)^[2], nicknamed Air McNair, was an American football quarterback in the National Football League. He was originally drafted by the Houston Oilers third overall in the 1995 NFL Draft. He played college football at Alcorn State.

McNair was selected to the Pro Bowl three times and was the Co-AP NFL MVP in 2003.

ESPN.com is reporting that he is no longer with us…

Former Tennessee Titans quarterback Steve McNair has been killed, a source has confirmed to ESPN.com.

McNair, 36, suffered a fatal gunshot wound to the head in downtown Nashville, police spokesperson Don Aaron said. A female victim was also found dead. Aaron said the woman has not been identified, pending notification of next of kin.

The incident happened near 2nd South & Lea Ave in Nashville.

McNair played 13 seasons in the NFL, 11 were with the Titans. He played his final two years with the Baltimore Ravens, retiring after the 2007 season.

“We are saddened and shocked to hear the news of Steve McNair’s passing today,” Titans owner K.S. “Bud” Adams Jr. 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. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family as they deal with his untimely passing.”

McNair was picked third overall in the 1995 draft out of Alcorn State by the then Houston Oilers.

Air McNair was the prototype QB.  He had a laser for an arm, able to put the ball into places that other QB’s couldn’t reach.  Plus, he was mobile and could use his legs to get out of dangerous situations.

I found a tribute video of some of his highlights…

UPDATE It seems as though it was a murder suicide, but not the way I had first feared.  I don’t have all the facts, but now ESPN has posted that McNair was shot multiple times.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Former NFL quarterback Steve McNair was shot multiple times, including once in the head, and a pistol was discovered near the body of the 20-year-old woman found dead with him Saturday in a downtown condominium.

Nashville police spokesman Don Aaron identified the woman as Sahel Kazemi, whom he called a “friend” of McNair’s. She had a single gunshot wound to the head.