Former NFL star McNair found dead in Nashville

By Pat Harris

NASHVILLE (Reuters) - Former star NFL quarterback Steve McNair was found shot to death in Nashville on Saturday, police said.

A woman's body was also found at McNair's downtown condominium. McNair was 36.

"The circumstances surrounding the shooting deaths remain under active investigation," Nashville police said in a statement. Police department spokesman Don Aaron said no suspects had been taken into custody. Police were called to the scene in the early afternoon.

McNair played 13 seasons on the NFL, mostly with the Tennessee Titans and its predecessor team, the Houston Oilers.

Drafted by the Oilers in 1995 out of Alcorn State College in Mississippi, McNair led the Titans to their only Super Bowl appearance -- after the 1999 season, losing to the St. Louis Rams. He was the NFL's co-MVP in 2003, and was selected for the Pro Bowl three times.

McNair ended his career with the Baltimore Ravens and retired 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 said in a statement on the team's website.

"He played with unquestioned heart and leadership and led us to places that we had never reached, including our only Super Bowl."

Ravens wide receiver Derrick Mason, a former teammate, said: "Steve was such a happy person. I even called him 'Smile'. He was always smiling and was always willing to lend a hand to anyone who needed it. I've known him for 13 years, and he was the most selfless, happiest and friendliest person I have known."

McNair last month opened a restaurant in Nashville -- Gridiron9.

As word of McNair's death spread around the city, fans gathered at LP Field, the Titans' stadium, to leave cards, flowers and signs.

(Writing by Ros Krasny in Chicago)