McNair: Calling it a day

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Baltimore Ravens quarterback Steve McNair has announced his retirement after a 13-year career in the NFL.

The 35-year-old was voted to the Pro Bowl three-times and was also named co-MVP along with Peyton Manning in 2003.

Hampered by injuries to his back and shoulder, he played in only six games last year but did have surgery in the off-season with a view to returning.

McNair finished having thrown for 31,304 yards and 174 touchdowns, while he also rushed for over 3,000 yards on the ground.

Passion

"My career speaks for itself," McNair said at a news conference staged to annouce his retirement.

"I enjoyed it, but I can look back on it and reflect back on it and I wouldn't change a thing.

"The way I played the game, the way I approached the game, the love I have for the game - I wouldn't change that.

"I played the game with a lot of passion, I played the game with a lot of heart, and it showed over the course of my 13 years."

McNair started out with the Houston Oilers, following the franchise to Tennessee where he led them to the Super Bowl in 1999.

He then moved onto Baltimore, steering the Ravens to a franchise-best record of 13-3 in 2006 before injuries curtailed his appearances.

Praise

The Titans paid tribute to their former star, head coach Jeff Fisher hailing the quarterback as a "tremendous leader".

"It should be a day of celebration for Steve McNair because we now have a chance to reflect back on his career and celebrate all the great things he has accomplished," Fisher said in a statement.

"He was the face of this franchise for nearly 10 years. As he developed, so did the franchise.

"He was a tremendous leader and set a great example for all the players that played with him."