McNair was found dead with multiple gunshot wounds [GALLO/GETTY]

McNair, who led the famous Tennessee Titans' drive that came a yard short of forcing overtime in the 2000 Super Bowl, was found dead on a sofa in the living room on Saturday with multiple gunshot wounds, including one to the head.

Sahel Kazemi, who was very close to him on the floor, was killed by a single gunshot.

Pistol

A pistol was discovered near her, but police said it took a while to find the firearm.

Authorities didn't immediately say who was to blame for the killings, but said they weren't looking for any suspects.

McNair, 36, and Kazemi were together just two days earlier, when she was pulled over driving a 2007 Escalade registered to her and McNair.

She was arrested on drink-driving charges, and he was allowed to leave in a taxi.

Restaurant link

McNair and Kazemi apparently knew each other from a restaurant the quarterback and his family frequented, but workers there wouldn't talk about their relationship.

Police also refused to release any details about their relationship, simply calling Kazemi a "friend."

Autopsies were planned for Sunday.

Police spokesman Don Aaron said McNair's wife, Mechelle, is "very distraught."

"At this juncture, we do not believe she is involved," he said.

"Nothing has been ruled out, but as far as actively looking for a suspect tonight, the answer would be no."

Fred McNair, Steve McNair's oldest brother, said some family members likely will travel to Nashville on Monday to consult with Mechelle.

"It's still kind of hard to believe," Fred McNair said.

"He was the greatest person in the world. He gave back to the community. He loved kids and he wanted to be a role model to kids."

He said he did not know who Kazemi was.

Found by friend

The bodies were discovered by McNair's longtime friend, Wayne Neeley, who rents the condo with McNair.

Neeley told authorities he went into the condo, saw McNair and Kazemi, but walked first into the kitchen before going back into the living room.

Neeley then called a friend, who alerted authorities.

Police said a witness saw McNair arrive at the condo in the upscale Rutledge Hill neighbourhood between 1.30am and 2am on Saturday and that Kazemi's vehicle was already there.

The condominium is located within walking distance of an area filled with restaurants and nightspots, a few blocks from the Cumberland River and within view of the Titans' stadium.

In June, McNair opened a restaurant near the Tennessee State University campus.

It was closed on Saturday evening, but had become a small memorial,
where flowers, candles and notes had been placed outside the door.

McNair, a four-time Pro Bowl selection, led the Titans to the 2000 Super Bowl, which they lost 23-16 to the St Louis Rams.

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

His most notable moment came in the 2000 Super Bowl.

With the Titans trailing by seven, he led the team 87 yards in the final minute and 48 seconds, only to come up a yard short of a touchdown.