Steve McNair Found Dead in Nashville

Former NFL quarterback Steve McNair was found dead on Saturday, having suffered a fatal gunshot wound to the head, according to multiple published reports. McNair was 36.

The third overall pick in the 1995 draft out of Alcorn State, McNair played 13 seasons in the NFL -- 11 with the Houston Oilers/Tennessee Oilers/Tennessee Titans franchise and his final two in Baltimore.

He played in his final NFL game on Nov. 11, 2007, a 21-7 Ravens loss to the Bengals. McNair announced his official retirement in April of 2008.

NewsChannel 5 reports that police also found the body of a female victim, who was later identified as 20-year-old Sahel Kazemi. She had suffered one fatal gunshot wound to the head.

A law enforcement source close to the situation told CNN that the woman was McNair's girlfriend, and the condominium the bodies were discovered in was hers. McNair's wife since 1997, Mechelle, was originally reported to be the second victim, but those rumors were false.

Spokesperson Don Aaron said police were contacted at 1:30 p.m. CT on Saturday, but no determination had yet been made regarding when McNair and the unidentified woman were killed. Aaron said several people have been taken to police headquarters for questioning but there are no suspects yet.

"A lot of work has yet to be done," Aaron said. "I don't have any answers for you as to what happened."

"It's a shock," said former teammate, Derrick Mason, in an interview with ESPN. "We saw each other during the season and we're family and we built a close bond in the years we played together. ... It's still shocking to me. It's something that's hard for me to believe."


Titans owner Bud Adams released a statement on Saturday afternoon: "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."

That lone Super Bowl appearance came at Super Bowl XXXIV in 2000. On the final play of that classic game, McNair completed a pass to wide receiver Kevin Dyson, but Dyson was tackled one yard shy of the end zone, preserving a 23-16 St. Louis victory.

McNair was a three-time Pro Bowl selection during his NFL career, as well as a 2003 All-Pro selection. He also earned the AP's co-MVP honor that season, sharing the award with Peyton Manning.

"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.

Information from the Associated Press was used in this report.