O, by the Way: McNair says body wouldn't let him do it - A blog about sports by The Baltimore Sun's Bill Ordine

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McNair says body wouldn't let him do it

"My mind was saying 'Yes' but my body was saying, 'No, what are you doing?.'"

That's how Steve McNair summed up his attempt to rehab and get back in shape after his last surgery when he was sidelined last season. McNair appeared at a news conference today at 1 p.m.

"My mind and my body wasn't on the same page," McNair said.

McNair said that mentally he could play for two or three more years -- that's what he told Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome -- but that he couldn't compete at a level that would allow him to successfully compete. And to try to do so would "put (his) teammates in harm's way."

McNair told the Ravens today of his plans. And it appears to be a decision that is entirely his own and not the result of what plans new coach John Harbaugh may have had. Obviously, McNair looks forward to spending more time with his family.

According to cornerback Samari Rolle, when McNair told the entire team this morning, he got received a standing ovation.

Posted by Bill Ordine on April 17, 2008 1:14 PM | Permalink

Comments

Bill , i am sorry to see Steve retire , i had hoped that he could recover from surgery/injuries and beat out Boller/Smith at Training Camp . His team gave him a standing ovation ? That was classy and respectful . Now if the Ravens could hold Steve McNair Day at one of the games this year . Makes sense , Bill ?
---------------------------------
Allan,
I think they'll do that in Tennessee. Not sure it will happen here, though. But it would be a nice gesture, especially since he is so popular among his teammates.
-- Bill O.

Posted by: Allan | April 17, 2008 2:33 PM

It's a shame Steve couldn't play one more season and go out on a high note. 2007 was not the usual kind of McNair season as a qb.

Bye Steve. Good luck to ya!

Posted by: HB Birds Fan | April 17, 2008 3:28 PM

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About the blogger

Bill Ordine has been a reporter and editor for more than 25 years and during that time has covered Super Bowls, major murder trials, township zoning board meetings and bat mitzvahs. In his time with The Baltimore Sun, he has been an assistant city editor, pro football writer, poker columnist, enterprise sports reporter and now blogger -- which may indicate his editors have yet to find a job he can get right.