NASHVILLE - Former NFL quarterback Steve McNair, whose most noted drive was the final one of the 2000 Super Bowl, was found dead with a gunshot wound to the head yesterday afternoon in a downtown condominium. Police said a pistol was discovered near the body of a woman also shot dead.

Nashville police spokesman Don Aaron identified the woman as Sahel Kazemi, whom he called a "friend" of McNair's. She had a single gunshot wound to the head.

Police said the 36-year-old McNair was found on the sofa in the living room, and Kazemi was very close to him on the floor. Aaron said the gun was not "readily apparent" when police arrived.

Autopsies were planned for today.

Aaron said McNair's wife, Mechelle, was "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."

McNair, who played 13 seasons before retiring in April 2008, also is survived by four sons.

Fred McNair, Steve McNair's oldest brother, said some family members likely would travel to Nashville tomorrow to consult with Steve McNair's wife.

"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.

The bodies were discovered yesterday by McNair's longtime friend Wayne Neeley, who said he rented the condo in the upscale Rutledge Hill neighborhood with McNair.

Aaron said Neeley told authorities he went into the condo, saw McNair on the sofa and Kazemi on the floor, but walked first into the kitchen before going back into the living room, where he saw the blood.

Neeley then called a friend, who alerted authorities.

Police said that a witness saw McNair arrive at the condo between 1:30 and 2 a.m. yesterday and that Kazemi's vehicle already was there.

Two days ago, Nashville police arrested Kazemi on a DUI charge while she was driving a 2007 Escalade registered to her and McNair, who was in the front seat but was allowed to leave by taxi.

In June, McNair opened a restaurant near the Tennessee State campus. It was closed last evening but had become a memorial, where flowers, candles, and notes were placed.

McNair, a four-time Pro Bowler, led the Tennessee Titans within a yard of forcing overtime in the 2000 Super Bowl, which they lost, 23-16, to the St. Louis Rams. He also played for the Baltimore Ravens before retiring.

"We are saddened and shocked to hear the news of Steve McNair's passing today," Titans owner Bud Adams said. "He was one of the finest players to play for our organization and one of the most beloved players by our fans."

McNair became a nationally known college football star playing for Alcorn State, a Division I-AA school in his home state. His performance in the Southwestern Athletic Conference was so dominant, he became a Heisman Trophy contender, and national media flocked to the school in Lorman, Miss., to get a look at "Air McNair." He still holds the Division I-AA (now known as Football Championship Subdivision) records for career yards passing (14,496) and total offense (16,823).

McNair began his NFL career in 1995 with the Houston Oilers, who became the Titans, and finished with 31,304 yards passing and 174 touchdowns.