Ravens WR Derrick Mason says the death of former teammate and friend Steve McNair was a major factor in his contemplating retirement.

Ego is one of the biggest shortcomings of mankind. It’s hard to put our ego aside, especially when you are standing in the spotlight, like Brett Favre is. But the same holds true for an unproven quarterback such as Tarvaris Jackson.

If he holds to the decision that was reported Monday, Derrick Mason’s retirement comes at a very bad time for the Ravens. In many ways, Mason holds all the cards, and the Ravens now have a much different set of issues to address.

David Climer of the Tennessean examines Vince Young’s relationship with Steve McNair, saying the former Titans and Ravens quarterback was more than a mentor to Young.

Host Fran Charles, analyst Warren Sapp and reporter Steve Wyche will discuss the latest on Brett Favre, debate the recent comments by Jerry Rice and reflect on the memorial service held for Steve McNair on Thursday’s NFL Network Total Access.

A quick tease at some of the topics we’ll be touching on.

When the planning for this trip was in its early stages, one thing that was most important to us was having the opportunity to spend the Fourth of July holiday with our troops who are serving overseas in harm’s way. I think all five coaches on the tour would agree that July 4, 2009 was a day they will long remember.

Derrick Mason and Frank Wycheck caught more passes from Steve McNair for more yards and more touchdowns than anyone else — by a huge margin.

A quick look at items I’m working on for tonight’s edition of NFL Total Access (as always, subject to change).

Steve McNair spent 13 years as a quarterback in the NFL, but according to The Seattle Times, he could have just as easily had a prolific baseball career after the Mariners selected him in the 35th round of the 1991 Major League Baseball draft.

Titans coach Jeff Fisher welled up within seconds of discussing the life — and death — of slain former QB Steve McNair at a news conference Monday.

Titans coach Jeff Fisher reflected on his memories of Steve McNair on Monday. Visibly emotional, Fisher called his former quarterback, who was found shot to death on the Fourth of July, one of the “greatest competitors” he ever knew.

As I stood next to Steve McNair during my interview with him following Super Bowl XXXIV, I couldn’t help but admire his determination, leadership and toughness.

Former NFL running back Eddie George, like a lot of Nashville citizens, is having a hard time coming to grips with the fact that Steve McNair is dead and that he was murdered.

It’s not often that we go into our private closet to discuss issues and conversations one might have with our closest friends. But the tragic death of Steve McNair has harkened such a conversation I had with my 20-year-plus friend, Deion Sanders. We are both married, and one day, we were discussing the incredibly high divorce rate among celebrities and athletes.