Steve McNair News

"Some 24 hours after Steve McNair announced his retirement, Troy Smith said he had yet to speak individually to his former teammate, mentor and friend, only as part of the team farewell meeting that had ended in a standing ovation."

"Ravens quarterback Steve McNair announced his retirement today after 13 seasons in the NFL. "I played the game with a lot of passion," McNair said during an afternoon news conference at team headquarters in Owings Mills. "I played the game with a lot of heart." McNair told teammates of his decision during an emotional meeting this morning before the start of coach John Harbaugh's first minicamp."

"Of course, now the Ravens have no real idea who will be their quarterback in 2008. At the recent NFL scouting combine, general manager Ozzie Newsome said McNair would be the starter at this moment but added a disclaimer - it's only February."

"Quarterback Steve McNair is rehabilitating his shoulder every day, either at the Ravens training facility in Owings Mills or in his home state of Tennessee. He has heard talk about his possible retirement and speculation that the Ravens might trade for Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb."

"The Baltimore Ravens placed quarterback Steve McNair on injured reserve Monday, ending a frustrating season for the 13-year veteran. He will undergo surgery on his left (non-throwing) shoulder Tuesday to repair a partially torn rotator cuff."

"Steve McNair will have season-ending surgery on his shoulder Tuesday and will not play for the remainder of the season after being placed on injured reserve, the Ravens announced Monday afternoon."

"Reluctant all season to bench Steve McNair, coach Brian Billick might not have to take away the starting job from his struggling veteran after all. A newly discovered injury could do it for him."

"Even Steve McNair seemed resigned to the possibility that he would be replaced as the starting quarterback of the Baltimore Ravens this week, as he spoke with reporters Sunday following another turnover-laden, ineffective performance. "

"Steve McNair’s status for Sunday’s game against Cleveland is uncertain after the embattled quarterback said he hurt his left shoulder during a 21-7 loss to Cincinnati on Sunday."

"We were all hanging around the Castle yesterday wondering when the envelope was going to be opened. Was it going to be Steve McNair or Kyle Boller? And the winner is ... no one."

"Before the game, Steve McNair spoke up for himself. After the game, his teammates spoke up for him. But his actions have spoken louder than any of their words. His actions are screaming out: This is the end."

"At a time when the season could be slipping away from the Ravens, there are no more excuses for their offense and besieged quarterback Steve McNair. "

"For Owner Steve Bisciotti and General Manager Ozzie Newsome, the rebuilding project should start now. And their first order of business should be to draw up plans to send Billick and McNair packing, as soon as the Ravens conclude this lost season against the playoff-bound Steelers on Dec. 30."

"Only three members of the Steelers' defense were around in 2000 when, with just three plays, Steve McNair showed why he might be the most difficult quarterback they have ever had to defend."

"Derrick Mason noticed a difference in Steve McNair as the Baltimore Ravens practiced Thursday. The veteran quarterback was back with the starting offense after a three-week respite to allow some nagging injuries to heal."

"In allowing injured Steve McNair to rest for another week, the Ravens are adamant about avoiding an unwanted pain -- a quarterback controversy."

"Ravens quarterback Steve McNair is 'unlikely' to start Sunday's road game against the Buffalo Bills, coach Brian Billick said. McNair was sidelined with a back injury for yesterday's 22-3 win over the St. Louis Rams."

"Eight seasons ago, Steve McNair led his team to the Super Bowl against the St. Louis Rams. Today, whether or not he is healthy enough to face the Rams at M&T Bank Stadium, there are questions about whether he can consistently lead the Ravens to the end zone."

"Ravens quarterback Steve McNair missed his second straight practice with a stiff back, and his status is considered a game-time decision for tomorrow's contest against the winless St. Louis Rams."

"Ravens quarterback Steve McNair missed practice yesterday because of a stiff back, but the Ravens seem confident that he will start Sunday against the winless St. Louis Rams."

"A year after silencing critics who said he was prone to injury, Ravens quarterback Steve McNair has yet to play a complete game this season."

"Ravens coach Brian Billick said he would continue to monitor starting quarterback Steve McNair and wouldn't rule out removing him for Kyle Boller late in a game again."

"One day after Boller replaced starter Steve McNair in the fourth quarter against the Arizona Cardinals and led the Ravens to a winning field goal, Coach Brian Billick said he has no qualms turning to Boller in late-game situations as McNair continues to recover from a strained groin."

"Ravens coach Brian Billick is now walking a fine line between his top two quarterbacks, and a mistake here could cause his entire team to fall."

"So sure - why not? - an early rest for McNair couldn't hurt, and it's nice to know Boller can handle the closer's duties. Nevertheless, there is now less reason than last week to feel comfortable about the Ravens' quarterback situation. "

""No Donovan McNabb questions, please," McNair said with a smile after practice in Owings Mills. The Philadelphia Eagles quarterback's comments on a national television show Tuesday night about black quarterbacks in the NFL being judged more critically and facing more pressure than their white counterparts remain a touchy subject, and one that McNair, a 13-year veteran, wouldn't touch."

"The drunken driving-related charge against Baltimore Ravens quarterback Steve McNair was dismissed in a Nashville court yesterday, and McNair likely will avoid disciplinary action by the NFL."