TRUE LEADER: Steve McNair (1973-2009) will be remembered as a Pro-Bowl quarterback and an equally fine human being. (Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
Authorities found no signs of forced entry into his apartment.
According to an Associated Press (AP) story from Saturday, McNair, 36, was shot four times, twice in the head and chest. Laying next to him was the lifeless body of his girlfriend, Sahel Kazemi, 20, who was also found dead with a gunshot wound to the head.
Police found a pistol under her body but are not speculating whether or not she murdered McNair and then took her own life. They are also not ruling her as a death a homicide, as the case is pending further investigation.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF) is assisting the Nashville authorities in tracing the origin of the gun, including any information on purchase and ownership.
Steve McNair was best known as “Air McNair” because he had a rifle arm and displayed incredible mobility and toughness, often playing with bruised bones.
Drafted by the Houston Oilers in 1995 from Alcorn State, a Division 1-AA school in Mississippi, McNair broke dozens of records and was third in Heisman Trophy voting his senior year.
After playing a few seasons in Houston, McNair moved with the team to Tennessee and became the face of the franchise for several years alongside running back Eddie George.
George commented on McNair’s untimely passing with www.titansonline.com, “To see what he has been able to accomplish in his lifetime and just knowing Steve, he was a great father to his sons and his children and just a pillar in the community. From the Titans and everyone else we lost a great human being that brought so much joy to us. He was a great friend.
“We say goodbye to Steve in the human form, but his spirit and his memory with always last forever.”
With McNair at the helm, the Titans advanced to their only Super Bowl in 1999 but lost to the St. Louis Rams in the waning seconds of the game after a pass to wide receiver Kevin Dyson was stopped one yard short of the goal line.
However, despite that tough loss McNair was a proven winner on and off the field. During his 13 years in the NFL he was known as a man of character and great generosity, devoted to charity work throughout his community in Mississippi. When Hurricane Katrina struck his hometown in 2005, he eagerly rallied support for victims.
Before ending his career with the Baltimore Ravens in 2007, McNair was named to three Pro Bowls and was the 2003 co-NFL MVP with Colts quarterback Peyton Manning.