Jul 4, 2009 7:40 pm US/Eastern
Statements Regarding Death Of Steve McNair
BALTIMORE (WJZ/AP) ―
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Members of the sports world have issued statements regarding the death of former Ravens quarterback Steve McNair.
AP
Derrick Mason, Ravens Wide Receiver, played with McNair in Tennessee and Baltimore:
"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."
Samari Rolle, Ravens Cornerback, played with McNair in Tennessee and Baltimore:
"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."
Ozzie Newsome, Ravens executive vice president and general manager:
"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."
Jets coach Rex Ryan, Baltimore's defensive coordinator during McNair's two seasons with the Ravens:
"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."
Jets linebacker Bart Scott, McNair's teammate in Baltimore for two seasons:
"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."
(© 2009 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
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