The former Titans quarterback died July 4, 2009.More >> Recent news coverage, related links and more concerning the death of former NFL quarterback Steve McNair.More >>
MT. OLIVE, Miss. - Former Tennessee Titans quarterback Steve McNair was laid to rest on Saturday in his hometown of Mt. Olive, Mississippi after a final public funeral service in nearby Hattiesburg.
Nearly 5,000 friends and family gathered at Reed Green Coliseum at the University of Southern Mississippi to pay respect to the native son.
Baltimore Ravens teammate Ray Lewis spoke at the memorial, along with Titans quarterback Vince Young and Coach Jeff Fisher.
Brett Favre, who grew up a short distance from McNair, was also in attendance.
An emotional Vince Young was tearful as he addressed Mechelle McNair from the podium.
"Steve was like a hero to me, and heroes are not supposed to die," Young struggled to tell the crowd, "Mama Mac, I just wanna say I love you, thank you for allowing me to be a part of your family."
After the service, McNair was buried in Mt. Olive in front of a small group of family and friends.
In lieu of flowers, the family has asked memorials be made to The Steve McNair Foundation.
Previous Stories:
- July 10, 2009: McNair's girlfriend laid to rest in Florida
- July 9, 2009: Thousands turn out to memorialize, honor slain quarterback
- July 9, 2009: Hundreds gather at funeral home to say goodbye to No. 9
- July 9, 2009: Sports radio host calls McNair's death 'numbing'
- July 8, 2009: Who was Sahel Kazemi?
- July 8, 2009: Police: McNair killed by girlfriend in murder-suicide
- July 8, 2009: Fans pay respects to slain quarterback at LP Field
- July 8, 2009: Friend says he first met McNair's girlfriend last week
- July 7, 2009: Titans open LP Field for fans to pay respects
- July 7, 2009: Rap song has some questioning McNair murder
- July 7, 2009: Abundance of McNair memorabilia online
- July 7, 2009: Questions remain 3 days after McNair's death
- July 7, 2009: Condo owner walks News 2 through crime scene
- July 7, 2009: Murder-suicide likely scenario despite unknown motive
- July 7, 2009: Police: MySpace comment made after McNair's death
- July 7, 2009: McNair's college coach reflects on the former Titan's career
- July 6, 2009: Police: McNair's girlfriend purchased gun Thursday
- July 6, 2009: Fisher calls McNair 'great person', 'tremendous teammate'
- July 6, 2009: Neighbors say McNair frequented girlfriend's apartment
- July 6, 2009: Memorial for McNair planned for Thursday
- July 6, 2009: Community holds candlelight vigil to remember McNair
- July 5, 2009: Autopsy shows McNair shot 4 times
- July 4, 2009: Former Titan Steve McNair dead
- July 1, 2009: Former Titans' QB opens Nashville restaurant
