Patriots senior football advisor Floyd Reese — who was general manager with the Titans when Steve McNair played for Tennessee — issued a statement through the Patriots regarding the death of McNair earlier this weekend.

“I am deeply saddened to learn of today’s tragic news regarding the death of Steve McNair. He was a player who I admired a great deal. He was a tremendous  leader and an absolute warrior. He felt like it was his responsibility to lead by working hard every day, no matter what. I don’t think there was a player who played with him or against him that didn’t look up to him and respect him. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family, his friends and the many teammates who loved and admired him.”