Steve McNair Retiring

I always like McNair as a QB. Too bad he could not go out on a better note, but his body has seen better days. Retire while you can still walk a bit!

 

Well this means Baltimore will def draft a QB

 

Ravens' McNair Announces Retirement
AP
Posted: 2008-04-17 12:11:14
http://sports.aol.com/nfl/story/_a/ravens-mcnair-announces-retirement/20080417112309990001

OWINGS MILLS, Md. (April 17) - Baltimore Ravens quarterback Steve McNair is retiring from the NFL after a 13-year career in which he was named co-MVP and led the Tennessee Titans to the Super Bowl.

McNair told teammates of his decision during an emotional meeting Thursday morning before the launch of coach John Harbaugh's first minicamp.

The 35-year-old McNair guided the Ravens to a 13-3 record in 2006, his first season in Baltimore after 11 years in Tennessee. But he injured his groin during the season opener last season and never regained the form that enabled him to earn a berth in four Pro Bowls.

McNair developed back and shoulder injuries and played in only six games in 2007. He threw only two touchdown passes, was intercepted four times and lost seven fumbles before being placed on injured reserve in December, ending his most frustrating season in the NFL.


McNair began his career in 1995 with the Houston Oilers, who eventually became the Tennessee Titans. He led the team to four playoff appearances, including the Super Bowl after the 1999 season. He was named co-MVP of the league in 2003, sharing the award with Peyton Manning, after throwing for 3,215 yards and 24 touchdowns with only seven interceptions.

McNair fought injuries during the latter part of his career with Tennessee and was dealt to the Ravens in June 2006 for a fourth-round draft pick. He signed a five-year contract.

In his first season with Baltimore, McNair played in all 16 games and finished the season with an invitation to play in his fourth Pro Bowl. He threw for 3,050 yards and 16 touchdowns, but was intercepted twice in the Ravens' 15-6 playoff loss to Indianapolis.

Last year, however, was a disaster. After McNair got off to a horrid start, then-coach Brian Billick held the quarterback out for two straight weeks before the team's bye on Oct. 28, hoping the rest would enable the veteran's ailing body to heal. But McNair 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 the last game of his career.

McNair's retirement leaves the Ravens with two quarterbacks: Kyle Boller and Troy Smith. It also increases the probability that Baltimore will seek a quarterback in the NFL draft later this month.

 

Bout time...

 

Before he went to Baltimore, he was a top 5 QB in the league. I don't know if it was the team, or if he just hit the wall, but the dropoff in his ability was amazing. Good career for him.

 

Baltimore just has to draft Matt Ryan now.

 

good time to retire for Mcnair, he has definately lost a step or four since leaving the Titans. Also it is time for him to get out to save his body. But I doubt this changes the way the Ravens draft, If they thought Mcnair was going to be their savior for this season they were nuts. So they had to have expected this to happen.

 

Hats off to one tough son of a b*tch. I hope he isn't walking around half-crippled in a couple of years from arthritis. He probably had more broken bones in his time than Evil Knievel. I wish him luck.