NFL star McNair found shot dead

McNair led the Tennessee Titans to the Super Bowl

Recently retired American football star Steve "Air" McNair has been found dead with multiple gunshot wounds in Nashville, along with a dead woman.

"Air" McNair, who played 13 years with the National Football League and was a quarterback for the Tennessee Titans, retired last year.

A pistol was found near the dead woman, aged 20, who had received a single shot to head, police said.

The bodies were found in a flat used by the former footballer, who was 36.

First reports said McNair had suffered a gunshot wound to the head but police quoted by the Associated Press said later that he had been "shot multiple times".

Nashville police spokesman Don Aaron identified the woman as Sahel Kazemi, whom he called a "friend" of McNair's.

The footballer's wife, Mechelle, was "very distraught" and police do not believe she was involved, the spokesman added.

'One of the finest'

McNair led the Titans within a yard of forcing overtime in the 2000 Super Bowl, which they lost 23-16 to the St Louis Rams.

He was one of the finest players to play for our organisation and one of the most beloved players by our fans Bud Adams Titans owner

He also played for the Baltimore Ravens before retiring in April 2008 after injuries.

"We don't know the details, but it is a terrible tragedy and our hearts go out to the families involved," NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement.

Titans owner Bud Adams was "saddened and shocked" by news of McNair's death.

"He was one of the finest players to play for our organisation and one of the most beloved players by our fans," he said.

"He played with unquestioned heart and leadership and led us to places that we had never reached, including our only Super Bowl."