Ravens' QB Steve McNair has opted to retire after 13 seasons in the NFL.

"Mentally I could go out and play but my body couldn't do it any more, not to the level to go out and help my teammates win a football game," McNair said during a news conference at the Ravens' training facility in Owings Mills, Md. "It was a hard decision. But I think it's the right decision."

McNair led the Ravens to a 13-3 record in his first season with the team in 2006. But he played in only six games last season because of shoulder, back and groin injuries.

McNair, a four-time Pro Bowl selection, was the league's co-most valuable player in 2003 with Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning. He led the Titans to a Super Bowl appearance at the conclusion of the 1999 season.

He retires as one of the most versatile quarterbacks in NFL history. He's just one of three quarterbacks to amass over 30,000 yards passing and more than 3,000 yards rushing.

Quarterback / Passing yards /Rushing yards
Fran Tarkenton 47,003 / 3,674
Steve Young 33,124 / 4,239
Steve McNair 31,304 / 3,590

McNair probably should called it quits last year, but coming off a 13-3 season in '06 it was a bit harder to justify.

His departure leaves the Ravens with Kyle Boller and Troy Smith as the primary quarterbacks on their roster, but expect new head coach John Harbaugh to go after a quarterback early in this month's draft.  Many mock drafts have the Ravens landing Boston College's Matt Ryan at #8, but even if that does not happen Baltimore will likely be one of the first teams to nab a signal caller.