Slain former NFL star McNair buried (AFP)
MT. OLIVE, Mississippi (AFP) – Retired National Football League star Steve McNair, shot to death a week ago by a woman he was dating, was buried on Saturday in a private funeral following a memorial service.
McNair's body was laid to rest in his hometown after being remembered by friends and family in a two-hour service of about 5,000 people at an arena in nearby Hattiesburg on the University of Southern Mississippi campus.
Police said a likely sleeping McNair was shot and killed by waitress Sahel Kazemi, who then took her own life.
McNair, a star with the Tennessee Titans who also played for the Baltimore Ravens before retiring last year, was survived by wife Mechelle (eds: correct) and four children.
"Steve was like a hero to me, and heroes are not supposed to die," Titans quarterback Vince Young said.
Titans coach Jeff Fisher was among those who spoke to the crowd and led a prayer.
"We all need time to heal," Fisher said.
Others in attendance included retired NFL all-time passing leader and nearby Mississippi resident Brett Favre and Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis.
"I find myself in awe when I speak about a man like Steve McNair," Lewis said.