Ravens QB Steve McNair Steps Away After 13 Seasons

McNair led the Ravens to a 13-3 record in 2006, his first season in Baltimore after 11 years in Tennessee.

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Steve McNair is retiring from the NFL after 13 seasons. Photo courtesy: Baltimore Ravens

OWINGS MILLS, Md - Baltimore Ravens quarterback Steve McNair is retiring from the NFL after 13 seasons.

McNair told teammates of his decision during an emotional meeting Thursday morning before the launch of coach John Harbaugh's first minicamp. The team has called a press conference for 1 p.m. ET to formally announce the former league MVP's decision to retire.

The 35-year-old McNair led the Ravens to a 13-3 record in 2006, his first season in Baltimore after 11 years in Tennessee. But groin, back and shoulder injuries limited him to six games in 2007. He threw just two touchdown passes while losing seven fumbles and throwing four interceptions as the Ravens struggled to a 5-11 record.

McNair started the 2007 season with hopes of building on his first year in Baltimore, when he played in all 16 games, threw 16 touchdowns passes and led the Ravens to a 13-3 record and a berth in the playoffs.

But he hurt his groin on the second play of the season and never completely recovered. He was replaced by Kyle Boller in the opener at Cincinnati, was held out of Baltimore's second game and returned to play for three straight weeks before being slowed by a back injury.

Ravens coach Brian Billick held McNair out for two weeks before the team's bye on Oct. 28, hoping the rest would enable his ailing body to heal. But the quarterback was ineffective upon his return: He lost two fumbles and threw an interception in a 38-7 defeat at Pittsburgh, then threw for only 128 yards before being replaced in the fourth quarter of a 21-7 loss to Cincinnati.

It turned out to be his last game of the season ... and his career.

In the days leading up to that game, McNair, a four-time Pro Bowler and 2003 NFL co-MVP, reacted defiantly to criticism he had received from the media and fans.

"Look what kind career I've had. I don't let people tell me, outside this organization, I'm not capable of playing or I don't need to be playing," he said. "For what? They ain't never played the position of the quarterback. They never go through the things I go through, mentally or physically. How are you going to tell me I'm not able to play? I know what my body can do. My teammates know what my body can do, and I know what I can do on the field."

After the game against the Bengals, however, McNair conceded that he simply was not playing well.

"Right now, my turnovers have been killing this team," he said. "I don't know what the coaches are going to decide. If they decide to go with Kyle, that's fine. I'll probably agree with them."

McNair's decision to retire almost assures the Ravens will target a quarterback in next weekend's draft. The team is left with only Boller and Troy Smith on the roster.

The Ravens own the eighth overall pick this year, a spot that could position them to select Boston College's Matt Ryan. They also own the seventh pick in the second round, where second-tier quarterbacks like Louisville's Brian Brohm, Joe Flacco of Delaware and Michigan's Chad Henne could still be available.

McNair led Tennessee to the Super Bowl in 1999, where the Titans lost to the St. Louis Rams. He was named co-MVP of the league in 2003, sharing the award with Peyton Manning.

Source: NFL.com

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