Hurting McNair retires

Flanked by GM Ozzie Newsome, QB Steve McNair (left) announces his retirement. (Gail Burton/Associated Press)

OWINGS MILLS, Md. - Steve McNair intended to complete the final three years of his contract with the Baltimore Ravens. He worked hard during the offseason and arrived at minicamp ready to assume his role as the starting quarterback.

His body had other plans.

McNair announced his retirement yesterday, ending a 13-year career in which he was selected co-MVP, led the Tennessee Titans to the Super Bowl, and orchestrated the most successful regular season in Ravens history. He received a standing ovation from his teammates after revealing his decision, then contained his emotions during a hastily arranged news conference.

"Coming out and making this decision, it was hard," he said. "In your mind, you feel like you can play, that you can still compete. But when your mind and your body are not in accord, it's not going to work in the National Football League.

"My mind was there. Mentally, I could go out and play. But physically, I couldn't do it anymore. Not to the capacity that I need to help my teammates win a football game."

McNair, 35, guided the Ravens to a franchise-best 13-3 record in 2006, his first season in Baltimore. But he injured his groin during the 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.

He underwent surgery on his non-throwing shoulder in December and spent much of the past three months getting ready for his 14th NFL season. But McNair had an inkling that all the running and weightlifting might be for naught.

"My mind was telling me yes, and my body was like, 'No, what are you doing?' " he said. "I came up with [the idea of retiring] two or three days ago, but it's been lingering ever since December."

The news stunned his teammates, who expected McNair to return - if only to prove last season was fluke.

"I thought I was going to get at least one more year, because I know Steve has a big chip on his shoulder," said receiver Derrick Mason, who also played with McNair on the Titans.

Brad Hopkins, who protected McNair's blind side at left tackle with the Titans, said, "Sure, he had a multitude of injuries and whatnot. Some way, he always found his way back to the field."