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McNair Memorial: Thousands Attend Service For Ex-NFL Star

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (CBS/AP) At Mount Zion Baptist Church Thursday, Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Derrick Mason collected his thoughts before speaking about his former teammate and friend, the late Steve McNair.

"I know you loved your husband, and boys you loved your dad… And he knew it," an emotional Mason said to McNair's wife and sons.

Mason was one of several former teammates and coaches who spoke at McNair's memorial service in Nashville. Authorities say McNair, 36, was fatally shot by his mistress, Sahel Kazemi, 20, who then turned the gun on herself in a murder-suicide.

Thousands of fans attended the gathering to remember the slain ex-NFL quarterback's accomplishments on and off the field. Mason, who played with McNair in both Tennessee and Baltimore, called the loss heartbreaking.

Tennessee Titans coach Jeff Fisher and former Titans running back Eddie George also spoke at the service.

George, who played with McNair on the Titans team that reached Super Bowl XXXIV, spoke of his respect for McNair's playing ability.

When asked by a friend if he thought McNair would be in the Hall of Fame, George responded, "I had to chuckle, he's already in the hall of fame."

PREVIOUSLY ON CRIMESIDER
July 9, 2009 - McNair 911 Call: "Oh My God...Somebody's Been Shot."
July 9, 2009 - Caught on Tape: McNair's Mistress DUI Video
July 8, 2009 - McNair Murder: The Mistress Did It
July 8, 2009 - Love Pad to Death Pad: Gruesome Details of NFL Star's Murder Scene
July 7, 2009 - McNair Murder: The Girlfriend's Gun
July 6, 2009 - The Girl, The Gun and The Dead NFL Star

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