Steve McNair Announces Retirement

After 13 years, former MVP quarterback Steve McNair officially announced his retirement form the NFL in a press conference today. 

"It's been a long road," McNair said during the conference. "But I've been fortunate to surround myself with great people, great coaches, great teammates, great family."

McNair finished his career with two seasons as a Baltimore Raven. He played his first 11 years in the NFL with the Tennessee Titans. McNair was a four-time Pro Bowl selection, and the league's co-MVP, sharing the honors with Peyton Manning in 2003.

"My career speaks for itself," McNair said. "I enjoyed it. I can look back on it, reflect back on it, and I wouldn't change a thing."

The 35-year-old McNair came from Division I-AA Alcorn State, where he was the Walter Payton Award winner as the level's most outstanding player in 1994. He also finished third in the 1994 Heisman Trophy balloting.

He was a third overall draft pick in 1995, selected by the Houston Oilers. When the franchise relocated to Tennesse in 1997, McNair became the face of the Titans.

McNair lead the Titans to four playoff appearances, and to the Super Bowl in 1999. Despite McNairs efforts to rally his team in the closing minutes of Super Bowl XXXIV against the St. Lous Rams, his final pass to Kevin Dyson fell one yard short of the end zone, closing the game at 23-16 for the Rams.

After the 2005 season, McNair moved to the Ravens, and lead them to the AFC North title in his first year. That season he also became the third quarterback in NFL history to throw for 30,000 yards and rush for 3,500, joining the likes of Fran Tarkenton and Steve Young.

"This journey was with a lot of people," McNair said. "I've been fortunate to be part of this organization. And I'd like to thank the fans in Tennessee, and also in Baltimore. It's been a great ride."