Cutler Remembers Mentor Steve McNair

"Bears quarterback Jay Cutler remembers the helping hand he received from Steve McNair and is mourning the loss of the former Tennessee Titans quarterback.

In a story by Jim Wyatt of the Nashville Tennessean, Cutler said he needed a good showing in the Senior Bowl to boost his stock before the 2006 NFL draft. Because the offense Cutler's team would be running was being directed by the Titans' coaching staff, McNair volunteered to tutor the former Vanderbilt star beforehand.

''Mac met with me on two occasions, and he would have stayed there with me all day, as long as it took for me to learn the offense,'' Cutler told the newspaper. ''I'll never forget that, and that just shows you the type of guy he was. That was going to be a big step for me to go there and play well. Ever since then, I have thought of him as a friend.''

Cutler said he was stunned when he learned of McNair's murder last weekend from his agent, Bus Cook, who also represented McNair.

''I just saw Mac two weeks ago, and I was talking to him about his days at Alcorn State and how much fun he was to watch back then,'' Cutler told the Tennessean. ''We talked about a lot of things. He was telling me about his sons and going on and on about how well they were doing. We talked for an hour about his oldest son and what a good football player he was."

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Steve McNair Found Shot To Death

"Former Tennessee Titans quarterback Steve McNair and an unidentified woman were found shot to death today in downtown Nashville.
Metro Police spokesman Don Aaron confirmed that McNair and the woman were found at a condominium complex at Second Avenue South and Lea Street. He did not say when the shooting occurred or provide any other details.
McNair, a quarterback with the Oilers/Titans from 1995-2005, led the team to its only Super Bowl appearance in 2000. He also shared the league's MVP award with Peyton Manning in 2003.
"We are saddened and shocked to hear the news of Steve McNair's passing today," Titans owner Bud Adams said today in a statement. "He was one of the finest players to play for our organization and one of the most beloved players by our fans. He played with unquestioned heart and leadership and led us to places that we had never reached, including our only Super Bowl. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family as they deal with his untimely passing."
He is second on the franchise career list for pass attempts (3,871), completions (2,305), yards (27,141) and third in touchdowns (156).
Dozens of shocked fans now starting to gather, expressing shock and disbelief.
One unidentified woman said, "First Micheal Jackson and now this."
Chad Daniels, who lives near the Second Avenue South condominium where the shooting took place, came stopped by to bring flowers and share his grief.
"I think all of Nashville is pretty heartbroken over this," he said, near tears. "He built the franchise. He built the Titans organization.""
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