Thousands turn out to say final goodbye to slain ex-NFL quarterback McNair in his home state

HATTIESBURG, Miss. — Steve McNair is receiving one of the biggest funerals in recent Mississippi history.

The hearse backed up next to the floor of Reed Green Coliseum here on the campus of the University of Southern Mississippi to deliver McNair’s silvery-gray casket. McNair’s wife, Mechelle, and his mother, Lucille, were escorted in by police.

Former NFL quarterback Brett Favre sat a few rows behind the McNair family. Titans coach Jeff Fisher and quarterback Vince Young, Baltimore linebacker Ray Lewis and Chicago quarterback Jay Cutler also are attending.

At least 4,500 turned out, though organizers had anticipated a capacity crowd of 8,000.

McNair was shot and killed on the Fourth of July by Sahel Kazemi, a 20-year-old girlfriend who then shot herself in the head.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

HATTIESBURG, Miss. (AP) — Tennessee and the city of Nashville have remembered the life of former NFL quarterback Steve McNair. Now his home state of Mississippi is honoring him with his funeral and burial.

The funeral is being held Saturday at Reed Green Coliseum in Hattiesburg on the campus of the University of Southern Mississippi. Officials are expecting a capacity crowd, which would be 8,000 people.

Among those expected to attend the funeral are a contingent from the Baltimore Ravens, the team McNair finished his 13-year career with after playing 11 seasons for the Houston Oilers-Tennessee Titans franchise.

The married McNair was shot and killed on the Fourth of July by Sahel Kazemi, a 20-year-old girlfriend who then shot herself in the head.