"We are saddened and shocked to hear the news of Steve McNair's passing today. He was one of the finest players to play for our organization and one of the most beloved players by our fans. He played with unquestioned heart and leadership and led us to places that we had never reached, including our only Super Bowl. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family as they deal with his untimely passing."
-- Bud Adams
"I am deeply saddened to learn of today's tragic news regarding the death of Steve McNair. He was a player who I admired a great deal. He was a tremendous leader and an absolute warrior. He felt like it was his responsibility to lead by working hard every day, no matter what. I don't think there was a player who played with him or against him that didn't look up to him and respect him. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family, his friends and the many teammates who loved and admired him."
-- Floyd Reese
"We don't know the details, but it is a terrible tragedy and our hearts go out to the families involved."
-- NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell
"Steve was such a happy person. I even called him 'Smile.' He was always smiling and was always willing to lend a hand to anyone who needed it. I've known him for 13 years, and he was the most selfless, happiest and friendliest person I have known. His family and my family are close, and it is a blow to us all. It is a devastating day. Steve will always have a place in my heart. My family and I are hurting for his family. Our thoughts and prayers are with them. On the field, there isn't player that was as tough as him, especially at the quarterback position. What I have seen him play through on the field, and what he dealt with during the week to get ready for a game, I have never known a better teammate."
-- Ravens WR Derrick Mason
"Steve was the ultimate man, first of all. I played with Steve every year of my career, except for two, and got to know his family during that time. He was such a good family man. My prayers are with them at this tough time. I still can't even believe it. To lose such a good friend and a good man so soon doesn't make sense. If you were going to draw a football player, the physical part, the mental part, everything about being a professional, he is your guy. I can't even wrap my arms around it. It is a sad, sad day. The world lost a great man today."
-- Ravens CB Samari Rolle
"This is so, so sad. We immediately think of his family, his boys. They are all in our thoughts and prayers. What we admired most about Steve when we played against him was his competitive spirit, and we were lucky enough to have that with us for two years. He is one of the best players in the NFL over the last 20 years... He was a great player, one of the toughest of competitors, and a tremendous teammate, who was a leader on the field and in the locker room, especially to the young players."
-- Ravens GM Ozzie Newsome
"There wasn't a tougher quarterback out there. I've seen him take his shots, pull himself up off the ground and get back up in the huddle and not say a word."
-- Former Tennessee wide receiver Kevin Dyson
"Steve was special and as tough and competitive of a guy that I have ever been around. As soon as we got him in Baltimore, he gave our team instant confidence and I was fortunate to be around him for two seasons. As great of a player as he was, it was more of an honor to know him as a person. My heart and prayers go out to his family."
"I am in utter disbelief. Steve always came to work with a smile and a joy about him. I remember him as a dad that brought his kids to the facility and we all embraced them as our own. Not only will Steve's family miss him, but the entire NFL family has lost a brother. His death was far too early and my thoughts and prayers are with his family."
-- Jets linebacker Bart Scott (McNair's teammate in Baltimore for two seasons)
"It's bad that stuff happens like that, and it's just disappointing, especially when it's a member of your club. It's real hard to lose somebody as it is. It just makes you appreciate the people you have."
-- Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Kellen Winslow
"I am saddened and shocked by the sudden passing of Steve McNair. During McNair's career in the SWAC and the NFL he was a fierce competitor. McNair's collegiate career was one of the greatest in NCAA history and he will always be remembered for the tenacity and toughness that he displayed. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family."
-- Southwestern Athletic Conference commissioner Duer Sharp
"He would come into the restaurant and eat and talk to customers just like anyone else. You would not know he was a star. This hurts so very, very much. Our community is going to miss him."
-- Tennessee Sen. Thelma Harper, D-Nashville, a friend of McNair's who owns a restaurant near the one he recently opened.
