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Coaches, Teammates Remember McNair

Posted Jul 09, 2009 9:45PM By FanHouse Newswire (RSS feed)

Filed Under: Titans

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NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- Steve McNair's family, friends, former teammates and coaches gathered Thursday night along with thousands of fans to remember the slain ex-NFL quarterback's accomplishments on and off the field.

Ravens receiver Derrick Mason, who played with McNair in both Tennessee and Baltimore, called the loss heartbreaking.

"I still remember that smile of his," Mason said before heading into Mount Zion Baptist Church, where he was to speak at the memorial service. "That'll never grow old."

Fans lined up starting Thursday morning to view McNair's closed silvery-gray casket at a funeral home and later outside the church. A helicopter provided live TV footage as McNair's body was moved by hearse, and three of four local TV stations showed the memorial service live.

McNair's casket was on display at Mount Zion, where he had attended services since moving to Nashville in 1997. It was flanked by a large photo of him posing with his 2003 NFL MVP award on the right and another of him holding a football on the left.

McNair, who was married, was shot to death at his condo early Saturday by his 20-year-old girlfriend, Sahel Kazemi, who then turned the gun on herself. Police said her life was spinning out of control. But that wasn't how those who knew him chose to remember him.

Bishop James W. Walker III opened the service by calling McNair one of Nashville's own.

The program included a statement from the McNair family.

"Today in our loss, our hurt, and our pain we recognize our gains in you our friends and loved ones ... They have all been a source of strength and comfort at this time to our family," the statement read.

Titans owner Bud Adams, Tennessee Gov. Phil Bredesen, Nashville Mayor Karl Dean and more than 30 of McNair's former teammates attended. Titans coach Jeff Fisher also was scheduled to speak.

Eddie George, who helped McNair take the Titans to their lone Super Bowl in 2000, was among the pallbearers along with four of the quarterback's former offensive linemen. George said he doesn't think they will ever truly get over McNair's death.

"I think you just start to accept the fact that Steve is no longer here in the physical form," George said. "And today obviously is to bring closure to us and to celebrate his life with all his accomplishments as a player, as a man in the community, as a teammate, as a friend."

Jean Ryan got in line nearly two hours before doors opened at Mount Zion to say goodbye to the man she had followed since the NFL team moved to town in 1997.

"I love him, and he was a beautiful man and I will remember not the circumstances of his death but the great things he did for the Titans and the community," she said, wearing a Titans' pin and crying at what she called the "utter sadness."

Approximately 4,500 filled the church sanctuary for the service, and church officials had overflow areas with a handful of people there.

The Titans estimated approximately 9,000 people had visited LP Field, where fans were invited to reminisce about his career, between Wednesday and midday Thursday. Radio stations were broadcasting from the stadium, where the shop had sold out all of its McNair merchandise except for a few children's shirts.

Derrick Lewis said McNair "put the Titans on the map."

Lewis, wearing a Titans jersey, said he and his family were devastated when they learned of McNair's death.

"Myself and my family were completely shocked and some of us were crying because you almost feel like you are related," Lewis said.

But Lewis said the details of the killing haven't changed his opinion of McNair.

"I will always remember him for the good things that he did for the community and the Tennessee Titans," Lewis said. "Nobody's perfect."

Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. The information contained in the AP news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press. Active hyperlinks have been inserted by AOL.

Remembering Steve McNair

    Three-time Pro Bowl quarterback Steve McNair is remembered for being an incredibly hard worker, a dedicated teammate and a true NFL leader. Click through the gallery to recap McNair's memorable 13-year career.

    Ronen Zilberman, AP

    McNair signed a seven-year contract with the Houston Oilers after being selected third overall in the 1995 NFL Draft. As a prolific quarterback at Alcorn State, he shattered Division I-AA records, won the Walter Payton Award, and finished third in Heisman Trophy voting behind Rashaan Salaam and Ki-Jana Carter.

    Mark Phillips, AFP / Getty Images

    During his early NFL career, McNair remained a backup to Chris Chandler until starting a game in December 1996 against the Jaguars. In his first season as the Oilers' starter in 1997, he led the team to an 8-8 record, and his 2,665 passing yards were the most for the Oilers since Warren Moon in 1993. He also collected 674 yards on the ground, the third-highest total for a quarterback in NFL history.

    Pat Sullivan, AP

    McNair developed a special bond with his teammates as the franchise progressed and the team's name was changed to the Tennessee Titans. With emerging stars such as wide receiver Derrick Mason, pictured, McNair led the Titans to victory in seven of their last nine games during the 1999 season. Tennessee finished with a 13

    Elsa, Getty Images

    McNair and the Titans battled throughout the 1999 playoffs, including a shocking wild-card win over Buffalo on a play dubbed the "Music City Miracle." His most notable drive came in Super Bowl XXXIV, when he carried the Titans 87 yards in the final minute and 48 seconds, only to come up just shy when Kevin Dyson was tackled at the 1-yard-line. The Titans lost 23-16 in a heartbreaker.

    Morry Gash, AP

    Despite missing two games with an injured calf and ankle during the 2003 season, McNair finished with the best numbers of his career -- including 24 touchdown passes and a quarterback rating of 100.4. McNair and Peyton Manning were named co-NFL MVPs following the season. "I'm sharing it with Peyton Manning, I'm sharing it with a great guy," said McNair.

    John Russell, AP

    Titans head coach Jeff Fisher, left, told The Tennessean that he'll always remember McNair as one of his favorite players. "It is an extremely emotional moment and I don

    Mark Humphrey, AP

    McNair, referred to as a "warrior" by former teammate Al Del Greco, fought through numerous aches and pains during his career. He missed eight games in 2004 with a bruised sternum, but rebounded for a successful closing season with the Titans in 2005.

    Mark Humphrey, AP

    In June 2006, McNair's long stay with the Titans ended with a trade to Baltimore, where he played the final two seasons of his career. He led the Ravens to a 13-3 record and an AFC South championship in 2006 before faltering in 2007 due to back and shoulder injuries.

    Mark Humphrey, AP

    With both the Titans and Ravens, the respected veteran paved the way for young black quarterbacks such as Vince Young, right, and Troy Smith. "He taught me so much - not about the game, but about life, and I owe him a great deal," said Young.

    Andy Lyons, Getty Images

Tags: Jeff+Fisher, sahel+kazemi, Steve+McNair

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