Death in the Football Family: Steve McNair

Today is suppose to be a day of celebration, given that it is the birthday of our great Nation. However, it has become a day of sorrow. Today is a sad day in the football world.

The Tennesseean reports that former Titans and Ravens quarterback Steve McNair and an unknown woman were found dead in a condominium complex in Nashville today. A police spokesman said McNair and the woman was found shot to death.

The investigation is ongoing. So not much else has broken with the story. It's a tragic day indeed for the NFL. McNair, the third overall pick in the 1995 NFL Draft for the then-Houston Oilers, was a three time Pro Bowler and a one time MVP. He shared the 2003 MVP award with Colts quarterback Peyton Manning.

McNair led the Titans to the Super Bowl in the '99 season, literally coming up short against the St. Louis Rams. In the regular season, McNair went 91-62. He passed for more than 31,000 yards and 174 touchdowns.

McNair was also known for his ability to scramble. He rushed for 37 touchdowns in his career. He finished out his career in Baltimore and hasn't played since 2007.

We hope to provide any updates that might come our way. As for now, our thoughts and prayers go out to the McNair family during these trying times.

Photo Credit: Baltimore Sun

Thomas Shooting Update

The shooter has been identified in the shooting of AP head football coach Ed Thomas. Mark Becker has been arrested and charged with 1st degree murder. The 24-year-old, according to the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, shot Thomas multiple times, this morning at 7:47. Becker, a former football player for AP, is currently being held in the Butler County Jail. He was apprehended in rural Parkersburg. The school was placed on lockdown following the shooting.

BREAKING NEWS: Aplington-Parkersburg head coach shot and killed this morning

It's a sad day for high school football fans across the state of Iowa. According to the Waterloo Courier, AP head coach Ed Thomas was shot at 8:30 this morning in the weight room of the high school. Thomas was pronounced dead shortly before 10:30 a.m. at Covenant Medical Center in Waterloo.

Authorities have confirmed that the shooter is in custody. No word yet on the identification of the shooter. Several reports stated that Thomas was shot in the head. No students in the weight room at the time were harmed.

This is no doubt a tragedy for the AP community. All of this coming a year after the tornado struck Parkersburg. Thomas was a vital person in the recovery effort. He's also had an excellent coaching career at AP, winning two state titles in the process. Thomas also had the opportunity to coach current NFL players, including Packers defensive player Aaron Kampman. Thomas will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Thomas family.

Follow the Courier link above for more information on the case.

Photo Credit: Post Gazette

Death in the football family: Sammy Baugh dead at 94

Sad news to report in the world of pro football. The Associated Press is reporting that former quarterback Sammy Baugh died Wednesday night at the age of 94. Baugh reportedly had several many health issues.

Baugh played 16 seasons (1937-1952) in the NFL, all with the Washington Redskins. Baugh went to six Pro Bowls and was named All Pro four times.

Baugh won two NFL titles. He led the league in passing four times. Here are some other stats courtesy Pro Football Reference:

Passing Yards- 21,886

Touchdown Passes- 187

Completions- 1693

Interceptions- 203

Baugh also coached for three seasons. He coached for the New York Titans (now known as the Jets) and the Houston Oilers. He had a 18-24 coaching record.

Baugh is in both the college and pro football hall of fame and was named to the NFL 75th anniversary team. Here's a tribute video to Baugh.