Ravens QB McNair retires

http://sportstwo.com/NFL/Story/NFL/2069008

Ravens QB McNair retires
Thursday, April 17, 2008 04:17 PM

OWINGS MILLS, Maryland (Ticker) -- After 13 seasons of battling through an assortment of injuries, Steve McNair has had enough of the NFL.

The 34-year-old Baltimore Ravens quarterback, known as one of the toughest competitors in the game, officially announced his retirement Thursday during a press conference at the team's headquarters.

"Your mind and body have to be on the same page," McNair said. "Mentally, I could go out and play but physically I couldn't do it anymore."

McNair's decision, which was made Wednesday, caught new Ravens coach John Harbaugh by surprise.

"I'm disappointed," said Harbaugh, who is taking over for Brian Billick in Baltimore. "It was going to be an opportunity to be involved with one of the great warriors in the game. It hits you a little bit like a ton of bricks."

But the injuries have taken a toll on McNair, who finished the 2007 campaign on injured reserve after suffering a slightly separated left shoulder and underwent surgery on December 6 to repair the injury.

"I had a lot of injuries because I played physical, because I gave 110 percent every game, whether we were up by 30 or down by 30," McNair said.

Regardless of his shoulder problem, McNair's struggled mightily this past season, leading many to believe that his days as the Ravens' starting quarterback were numbered.

Limited by groin and back injuries earlier in the campaign, McNair appeared in six games for the Ravens, throwing four interceptions and losing seven fumbles while tossing just two touchdown passes - none since September 30.

A four-time Pro Bowler, McNair admitted that he was limited by the separated shoulder following a 21-7 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals on November 11.

"I got a deeper and greater appreciation of Steve yesterday when he walked into my office," Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome said. "He looked me right in the eyes and said, 'Mentally, I can do it for another three years', but he told me physically he can't do it anymore.

"There aren't too many guys who can walk away from this game on their own accord."

McNair spent his first 11 seasons with the Houston Oilers/Tennessee Titans franchise after being selected with the third pick in the 1995 draft following an oustanding four-year career at Alcorn State.

He helped lead the Titans to an AFC championship in 1999 and an appearance in Super Bowl XXXIV, where they lost 23-16 to the St. Louis Rams.

McNair was traded to the Ravens following the 2006 season for a fourth-round draft pick.

"It's been a long road, 13 years, from Houston, to Memphis, to Nashville and now in Baltimore," McNair said. "But I've been fortunate to surround myself with great coaches, great people, great teammates. When you have that support, you can achieve almost anything in life. Wherever I go, it's like family."

McNair's former teammates in Tennessee also expressed their admiration.

"You name the injury, and Steve had it, and he still showed up," Titans running back Eddie George said. "Not only did he show up, but he showed up and played extremely well. In his MVP year (in 2003), he played most of the year hurt. It is a testament to his willingness to win and how he sacrificed his body for the team."

For his career, McNair appeared in 161 games, completing 2,733 of 4,544 passes for 31,304 yards with 174 touchdowns and 119 interceptions.

Known as one of the best running quarterbacks in the history of the league, McNair's 3,590 career rushing yards and 37 rushing touchdowns rank fifth and third, respectively, all-time among NFL quarterbacks.

"When I heard the news today, it was a complete shock," Tennessee quarterback Vince Young said. "I love him as a father figure and I cherish the relationship that we have. He taught me so much not just about the game, but about life and I owe him a great deal."

McNair, who kept his emotions in check during the news conference, said he is now looking forward to spending more time with his family.

"I can be the father I need to be to my kids," he said. "I can see them grow up."