After 13 years in the NFL, Baltimore Ravens quarterback Steve McNair has decided his body has given all it can to the sport of professional football, as a player anyway. Indicating that his mind is willing but his body isn't able, McNair announced his retirement at a press conference Thursday after an emotional meeting with teammates.

"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 just couldn't do it anymore."

McNair was a warrior throughout his career, often answering the bell on Sunday following a week in which he was too banged up to practice. A series of injuries over the last couple years of his career, however, convinced him to walk away.

Drafted by the Houston Oilers (who eventually became the Tennessee Titans) in the first round (No. 3 overall) in 1995, McNair went on to a career in which he was once named co-MVP, led the Titans to a Super Bowl, and retired as just one of three quarterbacks to throw for 30,000 yards and run for more than 3,000. Even though the final years of his career were marked by a variety of injuries, McNair will always be recognized for his toughness and leadership.

The Ravens will now turn to either Kyle Boller or Troy Smith as their starting quarterback, unless, of course, they make a play for Boston College's Matt Ryan on Draft day.

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