Thousands turned out to say goodbye to Steve McNair today in Hattiesburg, MS marking one of the biggest funerals to hit the state in recent history.

Organizers of the memorial did brace for over 8,000 mourners as at least 5,000 turned out for the service which took place at the Reed Green Coliseum on the University of Southern Mississippi campus. Mount Olive, MS, the hometown of McNair, will be his final resting place and many from his hometown were able to attend today’s service by rented buses provided by the McNair family.

A line began forming at the stadium around 8 a.m. and grew from there. Brett Favre, who had lived near McNair in Hattisburg, sat a few rows behind the McNair family which included the widowed Mechelle McNair. Other fellow football contemporaries that were in attendance included Tennessee Titans coach Jeff Fisher and quarterback Vince Young, Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler and Super Bowl winning quarterback Doug Williams.

Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis was in attendance and also acted as a presenter stating that “it was not about techniques against (McNair), no matter how much film you watch, film was not going to help you beat this man. You had to be built of will, heart and dedication and this is what this man left these four teams behind with.” Lewis also stated that he found himself in awe when speaking to a man like Steve McNair.

Vince Young, who had formed a very personal relationship with McNair as the veteran quarterback acted as his mentor for the rising star over the course of many years, was also presenter. In an emotionally charged and powerful sentence, Young spoke from youthful eyes when stating: “Steve was like a hero to me and heroes are not supposed to die.” as the Akron St. Regardless of personal relationship, the former Akron St. star also assisted Young by trailblazing a path for Young to be a high draft pick though being a highly successful African American quarterback in the NFL for over a decade.

It was an emotional outpouring from every presenter and mourner in attendance. The sudden death of such a classic warrior on the field has certainly left a deep scar on all those that cared and loved McNair whether it be a family member, a former teammate or a fan.

The sudden end to a life that influenced so many on a positive level, McNair will be remembered for his playing career, his graciousness with his many fans and his passion to help the community. The unfortunate last sentence of his life’s book will never be removed from his biography, but if today showed anything, it is that people who loved him, believe he truly was a great man and they will remember him fondly until their dying day.