Former NFL MVP Steve McNair and a woman were found shot to death in an upscale Nashville neighbourhood Saturday. McNair was 36.

Police said late Saturday evening that McNair was shot multiple times and a 20-year-old woman had a single gunshot wound to her head. A pistol was found next to the woman's body.

Nashville police spokesman Don Aaron identified the woman as Sahel Kazemi and said she was a "friend" of McNair's.

McNair was found on the sofa and Kazemi was close to him on the floor, police said. Aaron said the gun was not "readily apparent when the scene was first locked down."

Aaron said McNair's wife, Mechelle is distraught and is not considered a suspect.

"At this juncture, we do not believe she is involved," he said. "Nothing has been ruled out, but as far as actively looking for a suspect tonight, the answer would be no."

Police went to the scene after a call was received about injured people inside the condo. The bodies were discovered by one of McNair's long-term friends, Wayne Neeley.

Neeley told authorities that he went into the condo and spotted the pair in the living room, and that he saw blood. He rents the condo with McNair.

Neeley called a friend, who then called police.

"When police officers arrived in response to that call, they found two individuals who had been shot to death inside the residence," Aaron said.

Witnesses said McNair entered the condo at between 1:30 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. on Saturday morning and Kazemi's car was already there.

Nashville's homicide department is investigating.

Police said Kazemi was arrested earlier this week on a driving under the influence charge, involving a 2007 escalade registered to her and McNair. McNair was with her but did not break any laws and was allowed to leave by taxi.

According to the Steve McNair Foundation's website, McNair was married to Mechelle McNair and they had four sons, Junior, Steven, Tyler and Trenton.

Tennessee Titans owner Bud Adams issued a statement on McNair's death on the club's website.

"We are saddened and shocked to hear the news of Steve McNair's passing today. He was one of the finest players to play for our organization and one of the most beloved players by our fans," Adams said. "He played with unquestioned heart and leadership and led us to places that we had never reached, including our only Super Bowl."

McNair led the Titans to the 2000 Super Bowl, where they were stopped a yard short on the final play of the game of forcing overtime.

McNair was known for his leadership skills and athleticism on the field. He was also known as one of the toughest guys in football, playing with injuries that would keep most men on the bench.

"We don't know the details, but it is a terrible tragedy and our hearts go out to the families involved," NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement.

McNair played 13 seasons in the NFL, 11 with the Titans franchise. He played his final two years with the Baltimore Ravens, and retired following the 2007 season, nagged by injuries.

McNair was picked third overall by the then Houston Oilers in the 1995 draft. He completed his career with 31,304 passing yards and 174 touchdowns.