American Football Database
Register
(Created page with "{{Infobox NFL player |name=Junior Seau |image=Junior Seau 2.JPG |image_size=250px |caption=Junior Seau in 2008 with the New England Patriots |position=Linebacker |currenteam=...")
 
m (1 revision)
 
(10 intermediate revisions by 3 users not shown)
Line 2: Line 2:
 
|name=Junior Seau
 
|name=Junior Seau
 
|image=Junior Seau 2.JPG
 
|image=Junior Seau 2.JPG
|image_size=250px
+
|image_size=177px
|caption=Junior Seau in 2008 with the New England Patriots
+
|caption=Junior Seau in 2008 with the [[New England Patriots]].
 
|position=[[Linebacker]]
 
|position=[[Linebacker]]
 
|currenteam=
 
|currenteam=
Line 9: Line 9:
 
|currentstatus=
 
|currentstatus=
 
|birth_date={{Birth date|1969|1|19}}
 
|birth_date={{Birth date|1969|1|19}}
|birth_place=[[San Diego, California]]
+
|birth_place=[[San Diego|San Diego, California]]
 
|death_date={{Death date and age|2012|5|2|1969|1|19|mf=yes}}
 
|death_date={{Death date and age|2012|5|2|1969|1|19|mf=yes}}
 
|death_place=[[Oceanside, California]]
 
|death_place=[[Oceanside, California]]
 
|heightft=6
 
|heightft=6
 
|heightin=3
 
|heightin=3
|weight=248
+
|weight=250
 
|debutyear=1990
 
|debutyear=1990
 
|debutteam=San Diego Chargers
 
|debutteam=San Diego Chargers
Line 20: Line 20:
 
|finalteam=New England Patriots
 
|finalteam=New England Patriots
 
|highschool=[[Oceanside High School|Oceanside (CA)]]
 
|highschool=[[Oceanside High School|Oceanside (CA)]]
|college=[[USC Trojans football|Southern California]]
+
|college=[[USC Trojans football|USC]]
 
|draftyear=1990
 
|draftyear=1990
 
|draftround=1
 
|draftround=1
Line 31: Line 31:
 
* 12× [[Pro Bowl]] ([[1992 Pro Bowl|1991]], [[1993 Pro Bowl|1992]], [[1994 Pro Bowl|1993]], [[1995 Pro Bowl|1994]], [[1996 Pro Bowl|1995]], [[1997 Pro Bowl|1996]], [[1998 Pro Bowl|1997]], [[1999 Pro Bowl|1998]], [[2000 Pro Bowl|1999]], [[2001 Pro Bowl|2000]], [[2002 Pro Bowl|2001]], [[2003 Pro Bowl|2002]])
 
* 12× [[Pro Bowl]] ([[1992 Pro Bowl|1991]], [[1993 Pro Bowl|1992]], [[1994 Pro Bowl|1993]], [[1995 Pro Bowl|1994]], [[1996 Pro Bowl|1995]], [[1997 Pro Bowl|1996]], [[1998 Pro Bowl|1997]], [[1999 Pro Bowl|1998]], [[2000 Pro Bowl|1999]], [[2001 Pro Bowl|2000]], [[2002 Pro Bowl|2001]], [[2003 Pro Bowl|2002]])
 
* 8× First-team [[All-Pro]] ([[1991 All-Pro Team|1991]], [[1992 All-Pro Team|1992]], [[1993 All-Pro Team|1993]], [[1994 All-Pro Team|1994]], [[1995 All-Pro Team|1995]], [[1996 All-Pro Team|1996]],[[1998 All-Pro Team|1998]], [[2000 All-Pro Team|2000]])
 
* 8× First-team [[All-Pro]] ([[1991 All-Pro Team|1991]], [[1992 All-Pro Team|1992]], [[1993 All-Pro Team|1993]], [[1994 All-Pro Team|1994]], [[1995 All-Pro Team|1995]], [[1996 All-Pro Team|1996]],[[1998 All-Pro Team|1998]], [[2000 All-Pro Team|2000]])
* 2× Second-team [[All-Pro]] ([[1997 All-Pro Team|1997]], [[1999 All-Pro Team|1999]])
+
* 2× Second-team [[All-Pro]] ([[1997 All-Pro Team|1997]], [[1999 All-Pro Team|1999]])
 
* 2× [[AFC Championship Game|AFC Champion]] (1994, 2007)
 
* 2× [[AFC Championship Game|AFC Champion]] (1994, 2007)
 
* [[National Football League Alumni|NFL Alumni Linebacker of the Year]] (2003)
 
* [[National Football League Alumni|NFL Alumni Linebacker of the Year]] (2003)
Line 42: Line 42:
 
* [[List of San Diego Chargers Hall of Fame inductees|San Diego Chargers Hall of Fame]]
 
* [[List of San Diego Chargers Hall of Fame inductees|San Diego Chargers Hall of Fame]]
 
* [[List of San Diego Chargers 50th Anniversary Team|San Diego Chargers 50th Anniversary Team]]
 
* [[List of San Diego Chargers 50th Anniversary Team|San Diego Chargers 50th Anniversary Team]]
  +
* [[List of San Diego Chargers 40th Anniversary Team|San Diego Chargers 40th Anniversary Team]]
|status=
 
|statseason=2009
 
 
|statlabel1=[[Tackle (football move)|Tackle]]s
 
|statlabel1=[[Tackle (football move)|Tackle]]s
 
|statvalue1=1,849
 
|statvalue1=1,849
 
|statlabel2=[[Quarterback sack|Sack]]s
 
|statlabel2=[[Quarterback sack|Sack]]s
 
|statvalue2=56.5
 
|statvalue2=56.5
|statlabel3=[[Interception (American football)|Interception]]s
+
|statlabel3=[[Interception]]s
 
|statvalue3=18
 
|statvalue3=18
 
|statlabel4=Forced fumbles
 
|statlabel4=Forced fumbles
Line 57: Line 56:
 
}}
 
}}
   
'''Tiaina Baul "Junior" Seau Jr.''' ({{IPAc-en|icon|ˈ|s|eɪ|.|aʊ}}; January 19, 1969&nbsp;– May 2, 2012) was a [[linebacker]] in the [[National Football League]] (NFL) who became a [[San Diego]] sports icon. Known for his passionate playing style,<ref name=williamson/><ref name=acee_05022012/> he was a 10-time [[All-Pro]], 12-time [[Pro Bowl]] selection, and named to the [[NFL 1990s All-Decade Team]].
+
'''Tiaina Baul "Junior" Seau Jr.''' ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|s|eɪ|.|aʊ}}; January 19, 1969&nbsp;– May 2, 2012) was a [[linebacker]] in the [[National Football League]] (NFL). Known for his passionate playing style,<ref name=williamson/><ref name=acee_05022012/> he was a 10-time [[All-Pro]], 12-time [[Pro Bowl]] selection, and named to the [[NFL 1990s All-Decade Team]].
{{Navbuttons}}
 
Of [[American Samoa|Samoan]] descent, Seau played [[college football]] at the [[USC Trojans football|University of Southern California]]. He was taken by the [[San Diego Chargers]] as the fifth overall pick of the [[1990 NFL Draft]]. Seau starred for 13 seasons for the Chargers before being traded to the [[Miami Dolphins]], where he spent three years before four final ones with the [[New England Patriots]].
 
   
 
Originally from [[San Diego|San Diego, California]], Seau played [[college football]] at the [[USC Trojans football|University of Southern California]] (USC). He was chosen by the [[San Diego Chargers]] as the fifth overall pick of the [[1990 NFL Draft]]. Seau started for 13 seasons for the Chargers before being traded to the [[Miami Dolphins]], where he spent three years before four final ones with the [[New England Patriots]].
Seau retired from pro football in 2010. A standout on San Diego's only [[Super Bowl]] team, he was later inducted into the [[Chargers Hall of Fame]] and the [[San Diego Chargers retired numbers|team retired his number]] 55. Seau committed [[suicide]] with a gun shot wound to the chest in 2012 at the age of 43.
 
   
  +
Seau retired from pro football after the 2009 season. A standout on San Diego's only [[Super Bowl]] team, he was later inducted into the [[Chargers Hall of Fame]] and the [[San Diego Chargers retired numbers|team retired his number]] 55. Seau committed [[suicide]] with a gun shot wound to the chest in 2012 at the age of 43. Later studies by the [[National Institutes of Health]] (NIH) concluded that Seau suffered from [[chronic traumatic encephalopathy]] (CTE), a type of chronic brain damage that had also been found in other deceased former NFL players.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://espn.go.com/espn/otl/story/_/id/8830344/study-junior-seau-brain-shows-chronic-brain-damage-found-other-nfl-football-players |title=Study: Junior Seau's brain shows chronic brain damage found in other NFL football players |work=ESPN.com |date=January 11, 2013 }}</ref>
== Early years ==
 
Tiaina Baul Seau Jr. was born January 19, 1969, in San Diego, California,<ref name="Legends"/> the fifth child of Tiaina Seau, Sr., and Luisa Mauga Seau of [[Aunu'u]], [[American Samoa]]. Tiaina Sr.'s grandfather was a village chief in [[Pago Pago]]. Tiaina Sr. worked at a rubber factory and was a school custodian, and Luisa worked at the commissary of [[Camp Pendleton]] in Southern California and a laundromat.<ref name="SI 1993"/> After Seau was born, the family moved back to American Samoa for several years before returning to San Diego; Seau spoke English only from age seven.<ref name="Pats"/> At home, Seau and his three brothers had to sleep in the family's one-car garage.<ref name="SI 1993"/>
 
   
 
==Early years==
Seau attended [[Oceanside High School]], where he lettered in football, [[basketball]], and [[track and field]]. As a football player, Seau was a starter at linebacker and [[tight end]], and as a senior, he was named the Avocado League offensive MVP and led the 18-member Oceanside Pirates team to the San Diego 2A championship. ''[[Parade (magazine)|Parade]]'' selected Seau to its high school All-American team.<ref name="SI 1993"/> In basketball, as a senior, he was named the California Interscholastic Federation San Diego Section Player of the Year.<ref name="Pats"/> He helped his team win the 1987 Lt. James Mitchell Tournament and make third place in the Mt. Carmel Invitational.<ref name="LAT 1987">{{cite news|last=Miller|first=Jeffrey|title=Junior Seau Helps Turn Team Around|url=http://articles.latimes.com/1987-01-07/sports/sp-2430_1_junior-seau|accessdate=January 17, 2011|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|date=January 7, 1987}}</ref> In track and field, he was the Avocado League champion in the [[shot put]].<ref name="Pats"/>
 
  +
 
Tiaina Baul Seau Jr. was born January 19, 1969, in San Diego, California,<ref name="Legends"/> the fifth child of Tiaina Seau, Sr., and Luisa Mauga Seau of [[Aunu'u]], [[American Samoa]]. Tiaina Sr.'s grandfather was a village chief in [[Pago Pago]]. Tiaina Sr. worked at a rubber factory and was a school custodian, and Luisa worked at the commissary of [[Camp Pendleton]] in Southern California and a laundromat.<ref name="SI 1993"/> After Seau was born, the family moved back to American Samoa for several years before returning to San Diego; Seau did not learn to speak English until he was seven years old.<ref name="Pats"/> At home, Seau and his three brothers had to sleep in the family's one-car garage.<ref name="SI 1993"/>
  +
 
Seau attended [[Oceanside High School]] in [[Oceanside, CA|Oceanside]], where he lettered in football, [[basketball]], and [[track and field]]. As a football player, Seau was a starter at linebacker and [[tight end]], and as a senior, he was named the Avocado League offensive MVP and led the 18-member Oceanside Pirates team to the San Diego 2A championship. ''[[Parade (magazine)|Parade]]'' selected Seau to its high school All-American team.<ref name="SI 1993"/> In basketball, as a senior, he was named the California Interscholastic Federation San Diego Section Player of the Year.<ref name="Pats"/> He helped his team win the 1987 Lt. James Mitchell Tournament and make third place in the Mt. Carmel Invitational.<ref name="LAT 1987">{{cite news|last=Miller|first=Jeffrey|title=Junior Seau Helps Turn Team Around|url=http://articles.latimes.com/1987-01-07/sports/sp-2430_1_junior-seau|accessdate=January 17, 2011|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|date=January 7, 1987}}</ref> In track and field, he was the Avocado League champion in the [[shot put]].<ref name="Pats"/> Seau was also named to California’s all-academic team with a 3.6 [[Academic grading in the United States|grade-point average]].<ref>{{cite web|title=A Celebration of Life for Junior Seau|date=May 11, 2012|work=chargers.com|publisher=San Diego Chargers|url=http://www.chargers.com/assets/docs/pdf/2012/Seau-Program.pdf|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/69bN8xoTB|archivedate=August 1, 2012|deadurl=no}}</ref>
   
 
==College career==
 
==College career==
After graduating from high school, Seau attended the [[University of Southern California]] (USC). He had to sit out his freshman season because he got only a 690 on his college entrance exam, the [[SAT]], 10 points short of USC's required minimum score for freshman eligibility.
+
After graduating from high school, Seau attended the [[University of Southern California]] (USC). He had to sit out his freshman season because he got only a 690 on his college entrance exam, the [[SAT]], 10 points short of USC's required minimum score for freshman eligibility.
   
Seau told ''[[Sports Illustrated]]'': "I was labeled a dumb jock. I went from being a four-sport star to an ordinary student at USC. I found out who my true friends were. Nobody stuck up for me—not our relatives, best friends or neighbors. There's a lot of jealousy among Samoans, not wanting others to get ahead in life, and my parents got an earful at church: 'We told you he was never going to make it.'" This prompted him to apologize to his coaches, teachers, and principal at Oceanside High.<ref name="SI 1993"/>
+
Seau told ''[[Sports Illustrated]]'': "I was labeled a dumb jock. I went from being a four-sport star to an ordinary student at USC. I found out who my true friends were. Nobody stuck up for me—not our relatives, best friends or neighbors. There's a lot of jealousy among [[Samoan American|Samoan]]s, not wanting others to get ahead in life, and my parents got an earful at church: 'We told you he was never going to make it.'" This prompted him to apologize to his coaches, teachers, and principal at Oceanside High.<ref name="SI 1993"/>
   
 
He [[varsity letter|lettered]] in his final two seasons, 1988 and 1989, posting 19 sacks in 1989 en route to a unanimous first-team [[All-America]]n selection.<ref name="Pats"/>
 
He [[varsity letter|lettered]] in his final two seasons, 1988 and 1989, posting 19 sacks in 1989 en route to a unanimous first-team [[All-America]]n selection.<ref name="Pats"/>
   
 
==Professional career==
 
==Professional career==
  +
 
===San Diego Chargers===
 
===San Diego Chargers===
 
After three years as a Trojan, Seau entered the NFL draft after his junior season and was chosen in the first round of the [[1990 NFL Draft]] by [[Bobby Beathard]]'s [[San Diego Chargers]] as the fifth overall draft selection. Seau quickly became one of the most popular players on the Chargers,<ref name="Legends">{{cite web|title=Junior Seau|url=http://www.usclegends.org/junior-seau.php|publisher=USC Legends|accessdate=2 May 2012}}</ref> receiving the nickname "[[Tasmanian Devil (Looney Tunes)|Tasmanian Devil]]", after the wild antics of the cartoon character.<ref>{{cite news|last=Judge|first=Clark|title=Junior's Achievement|newspaper=San Diego Union-Tribune|date=September 18, 1992|quote=To teammates, he is "The Tasmanian Devil," named after the frenzied cartoon character.}}</ref> He became the face of the Chargers franchise and a San Diego sports icon.<ref name=williamson/><ref name=acee_05022012>{{cite news|last=Acee|first=Kevin|title=Seau's feats on and off field spoke for themselves|date=May 2, 2012|newspaper=U-T San Diego|url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2012/may/02/chargers-greats-feats-on-field-and-off-spoke-for/?print&page=all|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/67OFuMh1y|archivedate=May 3, 2012}}</ref>
 
After three years as a Trojan, Seau entered the NFL draft after his junior season and was chosen in the first round of the [[1990 NFL Draft]] by [[Bobby Beathard]]'s [[San Diego Chargers]] as the fifth overall draft selection. Seau quickly became one of the most popular players on the Chargers,<ref name="Legends">{{cite web|title=Junior Seau|url=http://www.usclegends.org/junior-seau.php|publisher=USC Legends|accessdate=2 May 2012}}</ref> receiving the nickname "[[Tasmanian Devil (Looney Tunes)|Tasmanian Devil]]", after the wild antics of the cartoon character.<ref>{{cite news|last=Judge|first=Clark|title=Junior's Achievement|newspaper=San Diego Union-Tribune|date=September 18, 1992|quote=To teammates, he is "The Tasmanian Devil," named after the frenzied cartoon character.}}</ref> He became the face of the Chargers franchise and a San Diego sports icon.<ref name=williamson/><ref name=acee_05022012>{{cite news|last=Acee|first=Kevin|title=Seau's feats on and off field spoke for themselves|date=May 2, 2012|newspaper=U-T San Diego|url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2012/may/02/chargers-greats-feats-on-field-and-off-spoke-for/?print&page=all|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/67OFuMh1y|archivedate=May 3, 2012}}</ref>
   
Seau started 15 of the 16 games he played in during his rookie season, and was named an alternate to the [[1991 Pro Bowl]] after recording 85 tackles. In [[1991 San Diego Chargers season|1991]], he picked up 129 tackles and seven sacks and was named to the [[1992 Pro Bowl]], the first of 12 consecutive Pro Bowls for Seau. He started no fewer than 13 games for the Chargers over each of the ensuing 11 seasons, registering a career high with 155 tackles in [[1994 San Diego Chargers season|1994]]. That year, Seau assisted his team to a championship appearance in [[Super Bowl XXIX]]. In one of greatest games in his career, he recorded 16&nbsp;tackles in the [[1994 AFC Championship Game]] while playing with a pinched nerve in his neck in a 17–13 victory over the [[Pittsburgh Steelers]].<ref name=ap_05022012/> In 2002, his final year with the Chargers, he logged a then-career low 84 tackles and missed his final Pro Bowl with an ankle injury.
+
Seau started 15 of the 16 games he played in during his rookie season, and was named an alternate to the [[1991 Pro Bowl]] after recording 85 tackles. In [[1991 San Diego Chargers season|1991]], he picked up 129 tackles and seven sacks and was named to the [[1992 Pro Bowl]], the first of 12 consecutive Pro Bowls for Seau. He started no fewer than 13 games for the Chargers over each of the ensuing 11 seasons, registering a career high with 155 tackles in [[1994 San Diego Chargers season|1994]]. That year, Seau led his team to a championship appearance in [[Super Bowl XXIX]]. In one of the greatest games in his career, he recorded 16&nbsp;tackles in the [[1994 AFC Championship Game]] while playing with a pinched nerve in his neck in a 17–13 victory over the [[Pittsburgh Steelers]].<ref name=ap_05022012/> In 2002, his final year with the Chargers, he logged a then-career low 84 tackles and missed his final Pro Bowl with an ankle injury.
   
 
===Miami Dolphins===
 
===Miami Dolphins===
Line 85: Line 86:
   
 
===First retirement===
 
===First retirement===
Seau announced his retirement at an emotional [[press conference]] on August 14, 2006, after signing a one-day contract with the San Diego Chargers. He called it his "[[graduation]]", because he was not going to stop working. He contended that he was merely moving on to the next phase of his life.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2548201|title=Hall of a career? Junior Seau retires after 13 seasons|agency=Associated Press|publisher=[[ESPN.com]]|date=2006-08-15|accessdate=2009-11-11}}</ref>
+
Seau announced his retirement at an emotional [[press conference]] on August 14, 2006. He called it his "[[graduation]]", because he was not going to stop working. He contended that he was merely moving on to the next phase of his life.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2548201|title=Hall of a career? Junior Seau retires after 13 seasons|agency=Associated Press|publisher=[[ESPN.com]]|date=2006-08-15|accessdate=2009-11-11}}</ref>
   
 
===New England Patriots===
 
===New England Patriots===
Line 94: Line 95:
 
On May 21, 2007, Seau re-signed with the [[New England Patriots]] for the [[2007 New England Patriots season|2007]] season. In September 2007 Seau was named one of the Patriots' seven captains.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/2008-01-21-2696232876_x.htm|title=Seau going back to Super Bowl after 13 years|agency=Associated Press|publisher=|first=Jimmy|last=Golen|date=2008-01-22|accessdate=2012-05-02}}</ref> He was a prominent contributor to the Patriots [[2007 New England Patriots season|undefeated regular season that year]].<ref name=walker/> He started four of the 16 games he played in for the Patriots in 2007, and then started the Patriots' two [[2007–08 NFL playoffs|playoff]] games before [[Super Bowl XLII]] against the [[New York Giants]]. New England's undefeated streak ended with a Super Bowl loss to the Giants.
 
On May 21, 2007, Seau re-signed with the [[New England Patriots]] for the [[2007 New England Patriots season|2007]] season. In September 2007 Seau was named one of the Patriots' seven captains.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/2008-01-21-2696232876_x.htm|title=Seau going back to Super Bowl after 13 years|agency=Associated Press|publisher=|first=Jimmy|last=Golen|date=2008-01-22|accessdate=2012-05-02}}</ref> He was a prominent contributor to the Patriots [[2007 New England Patriots season|undefeated regular season that year]].<ref name=walker/> He started four of the 16 games he played in for the Patriots in 2007, and then started the Patriots' two [[2007–08 NFL playoffs|playoff]] games before [[Super Bowl XLII]] against the [[New York Giants]]. New England's undefeated streak ended with a Super Bowl loss to the Giants.
   
After the Patriots had a number of injuries late in the [[2008 New England Patriots season|2008 season]], they re-signed Seau. He started two of four games he played.<ref name=reiss>{{cite news|last=Reiss|first=Mike|title=Reflecting on Seau's time with Pats|date=May 2, 2012|work=ESPNBoston.com|url=http://espn.go.com/blog/boston/new-england-patriots/post/_/id/4721571/reflecting-on-seaus-time-with-pats|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/67QCZI4hp|archivedate=May 4, 2012}}</ref> On December 22, 2008, a fan was arrested for trespassing and assault and battery for tackling Seau as he stood on the New England sideline during a home game against the [[Arizona Cardinals]]. Seau stated that he did not feel threatened by the fan; he thought that the fan was happy and excited and got carried away.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/danpatrick/blog/35461/index.html?eref=fromSI|title=Seau Comments on Fan Tackle, His Future|work=[[Sports Illustrated]]|first=Andrew|last=Perloff|date=2008-12-24|accessdate=2009-11-11}}</ref>
+
After the Patriots had a number of injuries late in the [[2008 New England Patriots season|2008 season]], they re-signed Seau. He started two of four games he played.<ref name=reiss>{{cite news|last=Reiss|first=Mike|title=Reflecting on Seau's time with Pats|date=May 2, 2012|work=ESPNBoston.com|url=http://espn.go.com/blog/boston/new-england-patriots/post/_/id/4721571/reflecting-on-seaus-time-with-pats|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/67QCZI4hp|archivedate=May 4, 2012}}</ref> On December 22, 2008, a fan was arrested for trespassing and assault and battery for tackling Seau as he stood on the New England sideline during a home game against the [[Arizona Cardinals]]. Seau stated that he did not feel threatened by the fan; he thought that the fan was happy and excited and got carried away.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/danpatrick/blog/35461/index.html?eref=fromSI|title=Seau Comments on Fan Tackle, His Future|work=[[Sports Illustrated]]|first=Andrew|last=Perloff|date=2008-12-24|accessdate=2009-11-11}}</ref>
   
On October 7, 2009, [[NFL Network]] reported that the New England Patriots had an "agreement in principle" with Seau for a fourth one-year deal; Seau took physicals and worked out with the team.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://content.usatoday.com/communities/thehuddle/post/2009/10/nfln-patriots-have-agreement-in-principle-with-lb-junior-seau/1|title=Patriots have 'agreement in principle' with LB Junior Seau|work=[[USA Today]]|first=Nate|last=Davis|date=2009-10-08|accessdate=2009-11-11}}</ref> He officially signed on October 13.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bostonherald.com/blogs/sports/rap_sheet/index.php/2009/10/13/linebacker-junior-seau-signs-with-the-patriots-versus-announces/|title=Linebacker Junior Seau officially signs with the Patriots, Versus announces|work=[[Boston Herald]]|first=Ian|last=Rapoport|date=2009-10-13|accessdate=2009-11-11}}</ref> He was active for 7 games for the Patriots in [[2009 New England Patriots season|2009]], recording 14 tackles as a reserve linebacker.
+
On October 7, 2009, [[NFL Network]] reported that the [[New England Patriots]] had an "agreement in principle" with Seau for a fourth one-year deal; Seau took physicals and worked out with the team.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://content.usatoday.com/communities/thehuddle/post/2009/10/nfln-patriots-have-agreement-in-principle-with-lb-junior-seau/1|title=Patriots have 'agreement in principle' with LB Junior Seau|work=[[USA Today]]|first=Nate|last=Davis|date=2009-10-08|accessdate=2009-11-11}}</ref> He officially signed on October 13.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bostonherald.com/blogs/sports/rap_sheet/index.php/2009/10/13/linebacker-junior-seau-signs-with-the-patriots-versus-announces/|title=Linebacker Junior Seau officially signs with the Patriots, Versus announces|work=[[Boston Herald]]|first=Ian|last=Rapoport|date=2009-10-13|accessdate=2009-11-11}}</ref> He was active for 7 games for the Patriots in [[2009 New England Patriots season|2009]], recording 14 tackles as a reserve linebacker.
   
 
===Second retirement===
 
===Second retirement===
 
Seau announced his intention to retire for a second time on the television program ''[[Inside the NFL]]'' on January 13, 2010.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://espn.go.com/blog/boston/new-england-patriots/post/_/id/4674160/junior-seau-plans-to-retire|title=Junior Seau plans to retire|work=ESPNBoston.com|first=Mike|last=Reiss|date=2010-01-13|accessdate=2010-01-13}}</ref>
 
Seau announced his intention to retire for a second time on the television program ''[[Inside the NFL]]'' on January 13, 2010.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://espn.go.com/blog/boston/new-england-patriots/post/_/id/4674160/junior-seau-plans-to-retire|title=Junior Seau plans to retire|work=ESPNBoston.com|first=Mike|last=Reiss|date=2010-01-13|accessdate=2010-01-13}}</ref>
  +
  +
===NFL stats===
  +
{| class="wikitable"
  +
|-
  +
! Year !! Team !! Games !! Combined Tackles !! Tackles !! Assisted Tackles !! Sacks !! Forced Fumbles !! Fumble Recoveries !! Fumble Return Yards !! Interceptions !! Interception Return Yards !! Yards per Interception Return !! Longest Interception Return !! Interceptions Returned for Touchdown !! Passes Defended
  +
|-
  +
| [[1990 NFL season|1990]] || [[1990 San Diego Chargers season|SD]] || 16 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 1.0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0
  +
|-
  +
| [[1991 NFL season|1991]] || [[1991 San Diego Chargers season|SD]] || 16 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 7.0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0
  +
|-
  +
| [[1992 NFL season|1992]] || [[1992 San Diego Chargers season|SD]] || 15 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 4.5 || 0 || 1 || 0 || 2 || 51 || 26 || 29 || 0 || 0
  +
|-
  +
| [[1993 NFL season|1993]] || [[1993 San Diego Chargers season|SD]] || 16 || 129 || 110 || 19 || 0.0 || 1 || 1 || 0 || 2 || 58 || 29 || 42 || 0 || 11
  +
|-
  +
| [[1994 NFL season|1994]] || [[1994 San Diego Chargers season|SD]] || 16 || 154 || 123 || 31 || 5.5 || 1 || 3 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 3
  +
|-
  +
| [[1995 NFL season|1995]] || [[1995 San Diego Chargers season|SD]] || 16 || 128 || 111 || 17 || 2.0 || 1 || 3 || 0 || 2 || 5 || 3 || 3 || 0 || 8
  +
|-
  +
| [[1996 NFL season|1996]] || [[1996 San Diego Chargers season|SD]] || 15 || 139 || 111 || 28 || 7.0 || 2 || 3 || 0 || 2 || 18 || 9 || 10 || 0 || 7
  +
|-
  +
| [[1997 NFL season|1997]] || [[1997 San Diego Chargers season|SD]] || 15 || 97 || 84 || 13 || 7.0 || 1 || 2 || 0 || 2 || 33 || 17 || 26 || 0 || 6
  +
|-
  +
| [[1998 NFL season|1998]] || [[1998 San Diego Chargers season|SD]] || 16 || 114 || 91 || 23 || 3.5 || 1 || 2 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 7
  +
|-
  +
| [[1999 NFL season|1999]] || [[1999 San Diego Chargers season|SD]] || 14 || 98 || 74 || 24 || 3.5 || 0 || 1 || 0 || 1 || 16 || 16 || 16 || 0 || 9
  +
|-
  +
| [[2000 NFL season|2000]] || [[2000 San Diego Chargers season|SD]] || 16 || 122 || 102 || 20 || 3.5 || 1 || 0 || 0 || 2 || 2 || 1 || 2 || 0 || 10
  +
|-
  +
| [[2001 NFL season|2001]] || [[2001 San Diego Chargers season|SD]] || 16 || 94 || 83 || 11 || 1.0 || 2 || 0 || 0 || 1 || 2 || 2 || 2 || 0 || 6
  +
|-
  +
| [[2002 NFL season|2002]] || [[2002 San Diego Chargers season|SD]] || 13 || 83 || 59 || 24 || 1.5 || 1 || 0 || 0 || 1 || 25 || 25 || 25 || 0 || 7
  +
|-
  +
| [[2003 NFL season|2003]] || [[2003 Miami Dolphins season|MIA]] || 15 || 96 || 66 || 30 || 3.0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 3
  +
|-
  +
| [[2004 NFL season|2004]] || [[2004 Miami Dolphins season|MIA]] || 8 || 57 || 31 || 26 || 1.0 || 0 || 1 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 1
  +
|-
  +
| [[2005 NFL season|2005]] || [[2005 Miami Dolphins season|MIA]] || 7 || 36 || 18 || 18 || 1.0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 1
  +
|-
  +
| [[2006 NFL season|2006]] || [[2006 New England Patriots season|NE]] || 11 || 69 || 39 || 30 || 1.0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 1
  +
|-
  +
| [[2007 NFL season|2007]] || [[2007 New England Patriots season|NE]] || 16 || 74 || 58 || 16 || 3.5 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 3 || 28 || 9 || 23 || 0 || 4
  +
|-
  +
| [[2008 NFL season|2008]] || [[2008 New England Patriots season|NE]] || 4 || 22 || 15 || 7 || 0.0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0
  +
|-
  +
| [[2009 NFL season|2009]] || [[2009 New England Patriots season|NE]] || 7 || 14 || 9 || 5 || 0.0 || 0 || 1 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0
  +
|-
  +
| Career || || 268 || 1,526 || 1,184 || 342 || 56.5 || 11 || 18 || 0 || 18 || 238 || 13 || 42 || 0 || 84
  +
|}<ref name=ESPN>{{cite web|title=Junior Seau Stats|url=http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/stats/_/id/213/junior-seau|publisher=ESPN Internet Ventures|accessdate=24 March 2014}}</ref>
   
 
==Beyond football==
 
==Beyond football==
{{anchor|restaurant}}His restaurant in [[Mission Valley, California]]—Seau’s The Restaurant, which opened in 1996—was his most successful business venture. {{anchor|Say Ow Gear}}Seau also had a clothing line, Say Ow Gear.<ref name=baker_davis_repard/><ref name=davis_wilkens/> The restaurant was closed May 16, 2012, just two weeks after his death; the trustees of his estate explained that "Without Seau's charismatic leadership, it was felt that the future profitability of the restaurant could be in question."<ref>{{cite news|url=http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2012/05/junior-seaus-restaurant-popular-with-sports-fans-has-closed-for-good.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+lanowblog+(L.A.+Now)|title=Junior Seau's restaurant, popular with sports fans, closes|date=May 16, 2012|work=Los Angeles Times|accessdate=23 May 2012}}</ref>
+
{{anchor|restaurant}}His restaurant in [[Mission Valley, California]]—Seau’s The Restaurant, which opened in 1996—was his most successful business venture. {{anchor|Say Ow Gear}}Seau also had a clothing line, Say Ow Gear.<ref name=baker_davis_repard/><ref name=davis_wilkens/> The restaurant was closed May 16, 2012, just two weeks after [[#Death|his death]]; the trustees of his estate explained that "Without Seau's charismatic leadership, it was felt that the future profitability of the restaurant could be in question."<ref>{{cite news|url=http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2012/05/junior-seaus-restaurant-popular-with-sports-fans-has-closed-for-good.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+lanowblog+(L.A.+Now)|title=Junior Seau's restaurant, popular with sports fans, closes|date=May 16, 2012|work=Los Angeles Times|accessdate=23 May 2012}}</ref>
   
 
''[[Sports Jobs with Junior Seau]]'' premiered on December 2, 2009, on [[Versus (TV network)|Versus]]. The show followed Seau as he did the jobs that make sports work. Ten episodes aired through January 27, 2010.
 
''[[Sports Jobs with Junior Seau]]'' premiered on December 2, 2009, on [[Versus (TV network)|Versus]]. The show followed Seau as he did the jobs that make sports work. Ten episodes aired through January 27, 2010.
   
Seau was actively involved with community work through Samoan "[[Twin towns and sister cities|sister city]]" projects within San Diego county.
+
Seau was actively involved with community work through Samoan "[[Twin towns and sister cities|sister city]]" projects within [[San Diego County]].
   
 
===Junior Seau Foundation===
 
===Junior Seau Foundation===
 
In 1992, Seau created the Junior Seau Foundation with the mission to educate and empower young people through the support of child abuse prevention, drug and alcohol awareness, recreational opportunities, anti-juvenile delinquency efforts and complimentary educational programs.
 
In 1992, Seau created the Junior Seau Foundation with the mission to educate and empower young people through the support of child abuse prevention, drug and alcohol awareness, recreational opportunities, anti-juvenile delinquency efforts and complimentary educational programs.
   
The 20th Anniversary Junior Seau Celebrity Golf Classic was held March 10–12, 2012, at the world-famous La Costa Resort and Spa.
+
The 20th Anniversary Junior Seau Celebrity Golf Classic was held March 10–12, 2012, at the La Costa Resort and Spa.
   
 
The Foundation gives out an annual award to the individual who exemplifies the mission statement of the Junior Seau Foundation.
 
The Foundation gives out an annual award to the individual who exemplifies the mission statement of the Junior Seau Foundation.
Line 129: Line 178:
   
 
==Personal==
 
==Personal==
Seau married Gina Deboer in 1991. The couple had three children together, a daughter and two sons,<ref name="Pats">{{cite web|title=Junior Seau|url=http://www.patriots.com/team/index.cfm?ac=playerbio&bio=32166|publisher=New England Patriots|accessdate=January 17, 2010}}</ref> before divorcing in 2002.<ref name="SI 1993">{{citation|last=Lieber|first=Jill|title=Hard Charger|url=http://cnnsi.printthis.clickability.com/pt/cpt?expire=&title=San+Diego%27s+Junior+Seau+is+at+the+crest+of+the+new+wave+-+09.06.93+-+SI+Vault&urlID=437942467&action=cpt&partnerID=289881&fb=Y&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsportsillustrated.cnn.com%2Fvault%2Farticle%2Fmagazine%2FMAG1138074%2F2%2Findex.htm|work=Sports Illustrated|volume=79|issue=10|date=September 6, 1993|pages=76–85}}</ref><ref name="SDUT">{{cite news|last=Trotter|first=Jim|title=Seau says his career has been rejuvenated with trade to Miami, but he'd rather be here |url=http://www.signonsandiego.com/sports/chargers/20031027-9999_1s27chargers.html|accessdate=January 17, 2011|newspaper=San Diego Union-Tribune|date=October 27, 2003}}</ref><ref name="TV Guide">{{cite web|title=Junior Seau: Biography|url=http://www.tvguide.com/celebrities/junior-seau/bio/248578|publisher=TV Guide|accessdate=January 17, 2011}}</ref>
+
In 1989, Seau's oldest son, Tyler, was born to Seau's high school sweetheart, Melissa Waldrop.<ref name=lieber_steeg_10142012/><ref>{{cite web|title=40 Tyler Seau|work=gostatesmen.com|url=http://www.gostatesmen.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=804|accessdate=January 9, 2013}}</ref> Seau broke up with Waldrop when Tyler was 13 months old.<ref>{{cite news|last=Lieber Steeg|first=Jill|title=Junior Seau: Bitter endgame|date=October 21, 2012|newspaper=U-T San Diego|url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2012/oct/21/bitter-endgame/?print&page=all|accessdate=January 9, 2013}}</ref> He married Gina Deboer in 1991. The couple had three children together, a daughter and two sons,<ref name="Pats">{{cite web|title=Junior Seau|url=http://www.patriots.com/team/index.cfm?ac=playerbio&bio=32166|publisher=New England Patriots|accessdate=January 17, 2010}}</ref> before divorcing in 2002.<ref name="SI 1993">{{citation|last=Lieber|first=Jill|title=Hard Charger|url=http://cnnsi.printthis.clickability.com/pt/cpt?expire=&title=San+Diego%27s+Junior+Seau+is+at+the+crest+of+the+new+wave+-+09.06.93+-+SI+Vault&urlID=437942467&action=cpt&partnerID=289881&fb=Y&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsportsillustrated.cnn.com%2Fvault%2Farticle%2Fmagazine%2FMAG1138074%2F2%2Findex.htm|work=Sports Illustrated|volume=79|issue=10|date=September 6, 1993|pages=76–85}}</ref><ref name="SDUT">{{cite news|last=Trotter|first=Jim|title=Seau says his career has been rejuvenated with trade to Miami, but he'd rather be here |url=http://www.signonsandiego.com/sports/chargers/20031027-9999_1s27chargers.html|accessdate=January 17, 2011|newspaper=San Diego Union-Tribune|date=October 27, 2003}}</ref><ref name="TV Guide">{{cite web|title=Junior Seau: Biography|url=http://www.tvguide.com/celebrities/junior-seau/bio/248578|publisher=TV Guide|accessdate=January 17, 2011}}</ref>
   
Seau sustained minor injuries in October 2010 when his SUV plunged down a 100-foot cliff hours after he had been arrested for [[domestic violence]] following an incident reported to the police by his girlfriend.<ref name=ap_05022012>{{cite news|url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2012/football/nfl/05/02/junior.seau.ap/index.html?eref=sihp&sct=hp_t11_a1|title=Police: Junior Seau found dead at home||agency=Associated Press|work=SI.com|date=May 2, 2012|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/67NKd2bqJ|archivedate=May 2, 2012}}</ref> Seau maintained he had fallen asleep at the wheel, and was never [[criminal charge|charged]] in the domestic incident.<ref name=williamson>{{cite news|last=Williamson|first=Bill|title=Junior Seau was San Diego|date=May 2, 2012|work=ESPN.com|url=http://espn.go.com/blog/afcwest/post/_/id/43670/junior-seau-was-san-diego|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/67NUkbvMb|archivedate=May 3, 2012}}</ref>
+
Seau sustained minor injuries in October 2010 when his SUV plunged down a 100-foot cliff hours after he had been arrested for [[domestic violence]] following an incident reported to the police by his girlfriend.<ref name=ap_05022012>{{cite news|url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2012/football/nfl/05/02/junior.seau.ap/index.html?eref=sihp&sct=hp_t11_a1|title=Police: Junior Seau found dead at home|agency=Associated Press|work=SI.com|date=May 2, 2012|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/67NKd2bqJ|archivedate=May 2, 2012}}</ref> Seau maintained he had fallen asleep at the wheel, and was never [[criminal charge|charged]] in the domestic incident.<ref name=williamson>{{cite news|last=Williamson|first=Bill|title=Junior Seau was San Diego|date=May 2, 2012|work=ESPN.com|url=http://espn.go.com/blog/afcwest/post/_/id/43670/junior-seau-was-san-diego|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/67NUkbvMb|archivedate=May 3, 2012}}</ref>
   
Seau's nephew, Ian Seau, committed to play at [[Kansas State Wildcats football|Kansas State]],<ref>{{cite web|title=Ian Seau|url=http://rivals.yahoo.com/footballrecruiting/football/recruiting/player-Ian-Seau-103665|work=Yahoo! Sports}}</ref> and another nephew, Micah Seau, committed to play for [[San Diego State Aztecs football|San Diego State]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Micah Seau|work=Yahoo! Sports|accessdate=5 May 2012}}</ref>
+
Seau's nephew, Ian Seau, committed to play at [[Kansas State Wildcats football|Kansas State]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Ian Seau|url=http://rivals.yahoo.com/footballrecruiting/football/recruiting/player-Ian-Seau-103665|work=Yahoo! Sports}}</ref> Another nephew, Micah Seau, committed to play for [[San Diego State Aztecs football|San Diego State]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Micah Seau|work=Yahoo! Sports|accessdate=5 May 2012}}</ref>
   
 
===Death===
 
===Death===
 
[[File:JuniorSeauMemorialByPhilKonstantin.jpg|thumb|upright|right|Media and fans at a memorial outside Seau's house the day after his death]]
 
[[File:JuniorSeauMemorialByPhilKonstantin.jpg|thumb|upright|right|Media and fans at a memorial outside Seau's house the day after his death]]
On May 2, 2012, Seau's girlfriend found him dead with a gunshot wound to the chest at his home in [[Oceanside, California]]. The death was ruled a [[suicide]] by the [[San Diego County]] medical examiner's office.<ref name=duke_carter>{{cite news|title=Junior Seau's death classified as a suicide|url=http://www.cnn.com/2012/05/03/sport/nfl-seau-autopsy/index.html?hpt=hp_t1|accessdate=3 May 2012|work=CNN.com|date=3 May 2012|author=Alan Duke|author2=Chelsea J. Carter}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=|first=|title=Junior Seau, Famed N.F.L. Linebacker, Dies at 43; Suicide Is Suspected|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2012/05/03/sports/football/junior-seau-famed-nfl-linebacker-dies-at-43-in-apparent-suicide.html?src=me&ref=sports|accessdate=2012-05-02|newspaper=[[The New York Times]]|date=2 May 2012|author=Greg Bishop|author2=Rob Davis}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Former Charger Junior Seau Commits Suicide: Cops|url=http://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/sports/Police-Junior-Seau-Home-Report--149864485.html|work=NBC San Diego.com|publisher=NBC|accessdate=2 May 2012}}</ref>
+
On May 2, 2012, Seau's girlfriend found him dead with a gunshot wound to the chest at his home in [[Oceanside, California|Oceanside]].<ref name=duke_carter/> He left no [[suicide note]], but he did leave a paper in the kitchen of his home with lyrics he scribbled from his favorite country song, "Who I Ain't". The song, co-written by his friend Jamie Paulin—a [[Nashville]]-based songwriter—describes a man who regrets the person he has become.<ref name=lieber_steeg_10142012>{{cite news|last=Lieber Steeg|first=Jill|title=Junior Seau: Song of sorrow|date=October 14, 2012|newspaper=U-T San Diego|url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2012/oct/14/junior-seau-real-story/?print&page=all|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6Bf5KxooF|archivedate=October 24, 2012|deadurl=no}}</ref><ref name=lendon>{{cite news|last=Lendon|first=Brad|title=Autopsy: No apparent damage to Seau's brain|url=http://news.blogs.cnn.com/2012/08/21/autopsy-no-apparent-damage-to-seaus-brain/?hpt=hp_t2|newspaper=CNN|date=August 21, 2012}}</ref>
   
Seau's death recalled the 2011 suicide of former NFL player [[Dave Duerson]], who left a note asking his brain be studied for brain trauma.<ref>{{cite news|last=Lopresti|first=Mike|title=Is Junior Seau death part of a bigger problem?|date=May 2, 2012|newspaper=USA Today|url=http://www.usatoday.com/sports/columnist/lopresti/story/2012-05-02/lopresti-junior-seau-dave-duerson/54709254/1|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/686hRDARC|archivedate=June 1 ,2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Ex-Patriots LB Ted Johnson speaks|date=May 18, 2012|agency=Associated Press|work=ESPN.com|url=http://espn.go.com/boston/nfl/story/_/id/7946834/former-new-england-patriot-ted-johnson-calls-death-junior-seau-tip-tipping-point|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/686haZWT6|archivedate=June 1, 2012}}</ref> Seau had no prior reported history of [[concussion]]s,<ref name=duke_carter/><ref name=espn_05032012>{{cite news|title=Junior Seau death raises questions|date=May 3, 2012|work=ESPN.com|url=http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/7886162/report-boston-university-seeking-study-junior-seau-brain|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/67P2myKVu|archivedate=May 4, 2012}}</ref> but his ex-wife said he did sustain concussions during his career.<ref>{{cite news|title=Junior Seau's death ruled a suicide|date=May 3, 2012|agency=Associated Press|work=ESPN.com|url=http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/7888037/san-diego-county-medical-examiner-office-rules-junior-seau-death-suicide|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/67Oc9IPqh|archivedate=May 3, 2012}}</ref> "He always bounced back and kept on playing," Gina Seau said. "He's a warrior. That didn't stop him."<ref>{{cite news|last1=Wilson|first1=Bernie|last2=Flaccus|first2=Gillian|title=Junior Seau latest in a series of NFL veterans' deaths|date=May 3, 2012|agency=Associated Press|newspaper=The Seattle Times|url=http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/sports/2018131333_apfbnobitseau.html|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/67OgMQPal|archivedate=May 3, 2012}}</ref> Seau had [[insomnia]] for at least the last seven years of his life, and he was taking [[Ambien]], a prescription drug commonly prescribed for [[sleep disorder]]s.<ref name=moore>{{cite news|last1=Moore|first1=David Leon|last2=Brady|first2=Erik|title=Junior Seau's final days plagued by sleepless nights|date=May 31, 2012|newspaper=USA Today|url=http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/story/2012-05-31/Junior-Seau-suicide-last-days-sleep-issues/55316506/1|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/686ft54Ke|archivedate=June 1, 2012}}</ref>
+
Seau's death recalled the 2011 suicide of former NFL player [[Dave Duerson]], who shot himself in the chest and left a suicide note requesting that his brain be studied for brain trauma.<ref>{{cite news|last=Lopresti|first=Mike|title=Is Junior Seau death part of a bigger problem?|date=May 2, 2012|newspaper=USA Today|url=http://www.usatoday.com/sports/columnist/lopresti/story/2012-05-02/lopresti-junior-seau-dave-duerson/54709254/1|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/686hRDARC|archivedate=June 1, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Ex-Patriots LB Ted Johnson speaks|date=May 18, 2012|agency=Associated Press|work=ESPN.com|url=http://espn.go.com/boston/nfl/story/_/id/7946834/former-new-england-patriot-ted-johnson-calls-death-junior-seau-tip-tipping-point|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/686haZWT6|archivedate=June 1, 2012}}</ref> Seau had no prior reported history of [[concussion]]s,<ref name=duke_carter>{{cite news|title=Junior Seau's death classified as a suicide|url=http://www.cnn.com/2012/05/03/sport/nfl-seau-autopsy/index.html?hpt=hp_t1|accessdate=3 May 2012|work=CNN.com|date=3 May 2012|author=Duke, Alan,|author2=Chelsea J. Carter}}</ref><ref name=espn_05032012>{{cite news|title=Junior Seau death raises questions|date=May 3, 2012|work=ESPN.com|url=http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/7886162/report-boston-university-seeking-study-junior-seau-brain|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/67P2myKVu|archivedate=May 4, 2012}}</ref> but his ex-wife said he did sustain concussions during his career.<ref>{{cite news|title=Junior Seau's death ruled a suicide|date=May 3, 2012|agency=Associated Press|work=ESPN.com|url=http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/7888037/san-diego-county-medical-examiner-office-rules-junior-seau-death-suicide|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/67Oc9IPqh|archivedate=May 3, 2012}}</ref> "He always bounced back and kept on playing," Gina Seau said. "He's a warrior. That didn't stop him."<ref>{{cite news|last1=Wilson|first1=Bernie|last2=Flaccus|first2=Gillian|title=Junior Seau latest in a series of NFL veterans' deaths|date=May 3, 2012|agency=Associated Press|newspaper=The Seattle Times|url=http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/sports/2018131333_apfbnobitseau.html|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/67OgMQPal|archivedate=May 3, 2012}}</ref> Seau had [[insomnia]] for at least the last seven years of his life, and he was taking [[zolpidem]] (Ambien), a prescription drug commonly prescribed for [[sleep disorder]]s.<ref name=moore>{{cite news|last1=Moore|first1=David Leon|last2=Brady|first2=Erik|title=Junior Seau's final days plagued by sleepless nights|date=May 31, 2012|newspaper=USA Today|url=http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/story/2012-05-31/Junior-Seau-suicide-last-days-sleep-issues/55316506/1|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/686ft54Ke|archivedate=June 1, 2012}}</ref><ref name=mihoces>{{cite news|last=Mihocoes|first=Gary|title=Seau autopsy finds sleep-aid, no drugs of abuse|url=http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/story/2012-08-20/Junior-Seau-autopsy-finds-sleep-aid-no-drugs-of-abuse/57171466/1|newspaper=USA Today|date=August 20, 2012}}</ref>
   
  +
Seau's autopsy report released later in August 2012 by the [[San Diego County, California|San Diego County]] medical examiner indicated that his body contained no illegal drugs or alcohol, but did show traces of zolpidem. No apparent signs of brain damage were found, nor was he determined to have exhibited mood changes and irritability often apparent with concussions and brain damage.<ref name="mihoces"/><ref name=lieber_steeg>{{cite news|last=Lieber Steeg|first=Julie|title=Seau autoposy: No illicit drugs or brain damage|date=August 21, 2012|newspaper=U-T San Diego|url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2012/aug/21/tp-seau-autopsy-no-illicit-drugs-or-brain-damage/?printpage=all|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6A7Z54vr9|archivedate=August 22, 2012|deadurl=no}}</ref><ref name=perry>{{cite news|last=Perry|first=Terry|title=National Institutes of Health to study Junior Seau brain tissue|url=http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2012/08/junior-seau.html|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|date=August 21, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Junior Seau's autopsy shows no illegal drugs, alcohol|url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap2000000052242/article/junior-seaus-autopsy-shows-no-illegal-drugs-alcohol|newspaper=NFL.com (The Associated Press)|date=August 20, 2012}}</ref>
Seau's family considered allowing researchers to study his brain for possible damage<ref name=revisit>{{cite news|title=Seau family revisiting brain decision|date=May 6, 2012|work=ESPN.com|url=http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/7895310/report-junior-seau-family-revisiting-decision-allow-researchers-study-brain|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/67SvGPeWj|archivedate=May 6, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Doctors to examine Junior Seau's brain|url=http://www.cnn.com/2012/05/04/sport/nfl-seau-autopsy/index.html?hpt=us_c1|publisher=CNN|accessdate=4 May 2012|coauthors=Alan Duke, Chelsea J. Carter}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Norcross|first=Don|title=Seau's sister: No decision on brain study|date=May 4, 2012|newspaper=U-T San Diego|url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2012/may/04/seaus-sister-no-decision-brain-study/|accessdate=May 4, 2012}}</ref> due to [[chronic traumatic encephalopathy]] (CTE), a condition traced to concussion-related brain damage with depression as a symptom. Research candidates included the [[Center for the Study of Traumatic Encephalopathy]] of [[Boston University School of Medicine|Boston University]] and the [[Brain Injury Research Institute]].<ref name=revisit/><ref name=given>{{cite news|last=Given|first=Karen|title=Researchers Compete For Athletes’ Brains|date=May 12, 2012|work=wbur.org|url=http://onlyagame.wbur.org/2012/05/12/brain-research|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/67vqjWkJB|archivedate=May 25, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Farmer|first=Sam|title=Family of Junior Seau will allow his brain to be studied|date=May 3, 2012|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|url=http://www.latimes.com/sports/sportsnow/la-sp-sn-junior-seau-brain-study-20120503,0,1280862.story|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/67P3rphIx|archivedate=May 4, 2012}}</ref><ref>Smith, Michael David, [http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/05/03/boston-researchers-request-junior-seaus-brain/ "Boston researchers request Junior Seau’s brain"]. [[NBC]]Sports Pro Football Talk, May 3, 2012. Retrieved 2012-05-03.</ref> The family did not disclose their final decision.<ref name=moore/><ref name=given/><ref>{{cite news|title=Family Makes Decision Regarding Seau's Brain|date=February 10, 2012|work=10News.com|url=http://www.10news.com/news/31045820/detail.html|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/67vqOylO5|archivedate=May 25, 2012}}</ref>
 
  +
 
There was speculation that Seau suffered brain damage due to [[chronic traumatic encephalopathy|CTE]], a condition traced to concussion-related brain damage with depression as a symptom,<ref name=revisit>{{cite news|title=Seau family revisiting brain decision|date=May 6, 2012|work=ESPN.com|url=http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/7895310/report-junior-seau-family-revisiting-decision-allow-researchers-study-brain|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/67SvGPeWj|archivedate=May 6, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Doctors to examine Junior Seau's brain|url=http://www.cnn.com/2012/05/04/sport/nfl-seau-autopsy/index.html?hpt=us_c1|publisher=CNN|accessdate=4 May 2012|author=Alan Duke, Chelsea J. Carter}}</ref><ref name=given>{{cite news|last=Given|first=Karen|title=Researchers Compete For Athletes’ Brains|date=May 12, 2012|work=wbur.org|url=http://onlyagame.wbur.org/2012/05/12/brain-research|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/67vqjWkJB|archivedate=May 25, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Farmer|first=Sam|title=Family of Junior Seau will allow his brain to be studied|date=May 3, 2012|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|url=http://www.latimes.com/sports/sportsnow/la-sp-sn-junior-seau-brain-study-20120503,0,1280862.story|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/67P3rphIx|archivedate=May 4, 2012}}</ref><ref>Smith, Michael David, [http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/05/03/boston-researchers-request-junior-seaus-brain/ "Boston researchers request Junior Seau’s brain"]. [[NBC]]Sports Pro Football Talk, May 3, 2012. Retrieved 2012-05-03.</ref> as dozens of deceased former NFL players were found to have suffered from CTE.<ref name=fainaru-wada>{{cite news|last1=Fainaru-Wada|first1=Mark|last2=Avila|first2=Jim|last3=Fainaru|first3=Steve|title=Doctors: Junior Seau's brain had CTE|date=January 10, 2013|work=ESPN.com|url=http://espn.go.com/espn/otl/story/_/id/8830344/study-san-diego-chargers-great-junior-seau-brain-shows-chronic-brain-damage-found-other-nfl-football-players|accessdate=January 10, 2013}}</ref> Seau's family donated his brain tissue to the [[National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke]], part of the [[National Institutes of Health|NIH]];<ref name=lavelle>{{cite news|last=Lavelle|first=Janet|title=Seau brain tissue donated for research|date=July 12, 2012|newspaper=U-T San Diego|url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2012/jul/12/seau-brain-tissue-donated-research/|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/696xcqLWg|archivedate=July 12, 2012}}</ref> other candidates included the [[Center for the Study of Traumatic Encephalopathy]] and the [[Brain Injury Research Institute]].<ref name=given/><ref>{{cite news|title=Family Makes Decision Regarding Seau's Brain|date=February 10, 2012|work=10News.com|url=http://www.10news.com/news/31045820/detail.html|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/67vqOylO5|archivedate=May 25, 2012}}</ref> Citing the Seau family's right to privacy, NIH did not intend to release the findings.<ref name=lavelle/><ref>{{cite news|last=Pilon|first=Mary|title=Seau Brain Tissue Is Donated to National Institute for Study|date=July 12, 2012|newspaper=New York Times|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2012/07/13/sports/football/junior-seaus-brain-tissue-is-donated-for-study.html|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6A95t3VdB|archivedate=August 23, 2012|deadurl=no}}</ref>
  +
  +
On January 10, 2013, Seau's family released the NIH's findings that his brain showed definitive signs of CTE. Russell Lonser of the NIH coordinated with three independent [[neuropathologist]]s, giving them unidentified tissue from three brains including Seau's. The three experts along with two government researchers arrived at the same conclusion. The NIH said the findings on Seau were similar to autopsies of people "with exposure to repetitive head injuries."<ref name="fainaru-wada"/><ref>{{cite news|last=Avila|first=Jim|title=Junior Seau Diagnosed With Disease Caused by Hits to Head: Exclusive|date=January 10, 2013|work=abcnews.com|url=http://abcnews.go.com/US/junior-seau-diagnosed-brain-disease-caused-hits-head/story?id=18171785&singlePage=true|accessdate=January 10, 2013}}</ref>
  +
  +
On January 23, 2013, the Seau family sued the [[NFL]] over the brain injuries suffered by Seau over his career.<ref>[http://sports.yahoo.com/news/seaus-family-sues-nfl-over-173338006--nfl.html]</ref>
   
 
==Legacy==
 
==Legacy==
Line 148: Line 203:
 
He was praised by teammates for his work ethic and leadership. He would play when hurt, and often refused to leave games.<ref name=acee_05022012/> "He played the game the way it was meant to be played," said retired Denver Broncos quarterback [[John Elway]].<ref name=davis_wilkens>{{cite news |last1=Davis |first1=Kristina |last2=Wilkens |first2=John |title=San Diego mourns loss of an icon |date=May 2, 2012 |newspaper=U-T San Diego |url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2012/may/02/san-diego-mourns-loss-icon/?print&page=all |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/67OOXzOoh |archivedate=May 3, 2012}}</ref> [[Bill Belichick]], his coach at New England, praised Seau’s leadership and willingness to accept any role.<ref name=reiss/>
 
He was praised by teammates for his work ethic and leadership. He would play when hurt, and often refused to leave games.<ref name=acee_05022012/> "He played the game the way it was meant to be played," said retired Denver Broncos quarterback [[John Elway]].<ref name=davis_wilkens>{{cite news |last1=Davis |first1=Kristina |last2=Wilkens |first2=John |title=San Diego mourns loss of an icon |date=May 2, 2012 |newspaper=U-T San Diego |url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2012/may/02/san-diego-mourns-loss-icon/?print&page=all |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/67OOXzOoh |archivedate=May 3, 2012}}</ref> [[Bill Belichick]], his coach at New England, praised Seau’s leadership and willingness to accept any role.<ref name=reiss/>
   
Seau was inducted into the [[List of San Diego Chargers Hall of Fame inductees|San Diego Chargers Hall of Fame]] on November 27, 2011, as part of Alumni Day ceremonies at a sold-out game against the [[Denver Broncos]] at [[Qualcomm Stadium]]. Fellow Chargers Hall of Famer [[Dan Fouts]] introduced Seau before a crowd of nearly 71,000.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.10news.com/news/29865689/detail.html|title=Junior Seau Inducted Into Chargers Hall Of Fame|work=10News.com|first=|last=10News (ABC-TV affiliate in San Diego, California)|date=2011-11-27|accessdate=2011-11-29}}</ref>
+
He was named to the [[List of San Diego Chargers 40th Anniversary Team|Chargers 40th]] and [[List of San Diego Chargers 50th Anniversary Team|50th]] anniversary teams, which honor the top players and coaches in the team's history. He was inducted into the [[List of San Diego Chargers Hall of Fame inductees|San Diego Chargers Hall of Fame]] on November 27, 2011, as part of Alumni Day ceremonies at a sold-out game against the [[Denver Broncos]] at [[Qualcomm Stadium]]. Fellow Chargers Hall of Famer [[Dan Fouts]] introduced Seau before a crowd of nearly 71,000.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.10news.com/news/29865689/detail.html|title=Junior Seau Inducted Into Chargers Hall Of Fame|work=10News.com|first=|last=10News (ABC-TV affiliate in San Diego, California)|date=2011-11-27|accessdate=2011-11-29}}</ref>
   
 
Chargers President [[Dean Spanos]] honored Seau after his death as "...An icon in our community. He transcended the game. He wasn’t just a football player, he was so much more."<ref name=baker_davis_repard>{{cite news|last1=Baker|first1=Debbie|last2=Davis|first2=Kristina|last3=Repard|first3=Pauline|title=Junior Seau, hometown icon, takes his life|date=May 2, 2012|newspaper=U-T San Diego|url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2012/may/02/report-of-shooting-at-seaus-home/?print&page=all|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/67OHBAKVV|archivedate=May 3, 2012}}</ref> The [[San Diego Chargers retired numbers|Chargers retired]] his No. 55 during his public memorial.<ref>{{cite web|title=Junior Seau's No. 55 officially retired by San Diego Chargers|url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d8290b0d3/article/junior-seaus-no-55-officially-retired-by-san-diego-chargers?module=HP11_headline_stack|work=NFL.com}}</ref> Seau will be eligible for election into the [[Pro Football Hall of Fame]] in 2015; his eligibility was not accelerated due to his death from the standard five-year waiting period after a player's retirement.<ref>{{cite news|last=Rosenthal|first=Gregg|title=Junior Seau will be eligible for Hall of Fame in 2015|date=May 2, 2012|work=NFL.com|url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d828d4cb4/article/junior-seau-will-be-eligible-for-hall-of-fame-in-2015|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/68RZ5K7xU|deadurl=no|archivedate=June 15, 2012}}</ref>
 
Chargers President [[Dean Spanos]] honored Seau after his death as "...An icon in our community. He transcended the game. He wasn’t just a football player, he was so much more."<ref name=baker_davis_repard>{{cite news|last1=Baker|first1=Debbie|last2=Davis|first2=Kristina|last3=Repard|first3=Pauline|title=Junior Seau, hometown icon, takes his life|date=May 2, 2012|newspaper=U-T San Diego|url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2012/may/02/report-of-shooting-at-seaus-home/?print&page=all|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/67OHBAKVV|archivedate=May 3, 2012}}</ref> The [[San Diego Chargers retired numbers|Chargers retired]] his No. 55 during his public memorial.<ref>{{cite web|title=Junior Seau's No. 55 officially retired by San Diego Chargers|url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d8290b0d3/article/junior-seaus-no-55-officially-retired-by-san-diego-chargers?module=HP11_headline_stack|work=NFL.com}}</ref> Seau will be eligible for election into the [[Pro Football Hall of Fame]] in 2015; his eligibility was not accelerated due to his death from the standard five-year waiting period after a player's retirement.<ref>{{cite news|last=Rosenthal|first=Gregg|title=Junior Seau will be eligible for Hall of Fame in 2015|date=May 2, 2012|work=NFL.com|url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d828d4cb4/article/junior-seau-will-be-eligible-for-hall-of-fame-in-2015|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/68RZ5K7xU|deadurl=no|archivedate=June 15, 2012}}</ref>
   
On Wednesday, May 16, 2012, the city council of Oceanside, CA voted to name the city's beach community center and pier amphitheater after Seau<ref name=huard>{{cite news|last1=Huard|first1=Ray|title=Council names beach amphitheater, rec center for Seau|url=http://www.nctimes.com/news/local/oceanside/oceanside-council-names-beach-amphitheater-rec-center-for-seau/article_1a1c1181-5d7c-5910-aaef-61ee897c2ce3.html}}</ref>
+
The [[Junior Seau Pier Amphitheatre]] and [[Junior Seau Beach Community Center]] were renamed posthumously in his honor by the city of Oceanside in July 2012.<ref name=huard>{{cite news|last1=Huard|first1=Ray|title=Council names beach amphitheater, rec center for Seau|url=http://www.nctimes.com/news/local/oceanside/oceanside-council-names-beach-amphitheater-rec-center-for-seau/article_1a1c1181-5d7c-5910-aaef-61ee897c2ce3.html}}</ref><ref name=horn>{{cite news|last1=Horn|first1=Jonathan|title=Oceanside beachfront landmarks named for Seau|url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2012/jul/07/oceanside-beachfront-landmarks-named-seau/}}</ref>
  +
  +
On September 1, 2012, during the University of Southern California's home opener, Seau was honored by the team.
  +
On September 16, 2012, the Chargers retired Seau's number 55 during a ceremony at the 2012 regular season home opener against the Tennessee Titans. The [[San Diego Hall of Champions]] planned to induct Seau into the Breitbard Hall of Fame on February 25, 2013, forgoing their normal two-year waiting period after an athlete's retirement or death.<ref>{{cite news|title=Hall of Champions to induct Seau on Feb. 25|date=September 17, 2012|newspaper=U-T San Diego|agency=Associated Press|url=http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2012/sep/17/hall-of-champions-to-induct-seau-on-feb-25/|accessdate=September 25, 2012|quote=The board of directors at the San Diego Hall of Champions has decided to forego the normal voting process and induct Junior Seau into the Breitbard Hall of Fame on Feb. 25.}}</ref>
   
 
==See also==
 
==See also==
 
{{Portal|Biography|National Football League}}
 
{{Portal|Biography|National Football League}}
 
*[[List of suicides]]
 
*[[List of suicides]]
  +
*[[List of NFL players with chronic traumatic encephalopathy]]
 
{{-}}
 
{{-}}
   
Line 167: Line 226:
 
*[http://www.patriots.com/team/index.cfm?ac=playerbio&bio=32166 New England Patriots bio]
 
*[http://www.patriots.com/team/index.cfm?ac=playerbio&bio=32166 New England Patriots bio]
   
  +
{{Pac-12 Player of the Year}}
 
{{1990 NFL Draft}}
 
{{1990 NFL Draft}}
 
{{ChargersFirstPick}}
 
{{ChargersFirstPick}}
  +
{{San Diego Chargers 1990 draft navbox}}
{{1991 All-Pro Team}}
 
 
{{NFL1990s}}
 
{{NFL1990s}}
 
{{Walter Payton Man of the Year Award}}
 
{{Walter Payton Man of the Year Award}}
{{1999 Pro Bowl AFC starters}}
 
{{2001 Pro Bowl AFC starters}}
 
{{2003 Pro Bowl AFC starters}}
 
 
{{50Chargers}}
 
{{50Chargers}}
 
{{Chargers Retired Numbers}}
 
{{Chargers Retired Numbers}}
  +
  +
{{Authority control|VIAF=28791178}}
   
 
{{Persondata <!-- Metadata: see [[Wikipedia:Persondata]]. -->
 
{{Persondata <!-- Metadata: see [[Wikipedia:Persondata]]. -->
Line 193: Line 252:
 
[[Category:American Conference Pro Bowl players]]
 
[[Category:American Conference Pro Bowl players]]
 
[[Category:American football linebackers]]
 
[[Category:American football linebackers]]
[[Category:American people of Samoan descent]]
+
[[Category:American players of American football of Samoan descent]]
 
[[Category:Burials in California]]
 
[[Category:Miami Dolphins players]]
 
[[Category:Miami Dolphins players]]
  +
[[Category:National Football League players with retired numbers]]
 
[[Category:New England Patriots players]]
 
[[Category:New England Patriots players]]
 
[[Category:Parade High School All-Americans (football)]]
 
[[Category:Parade High School All-Americans (football)]]
[[Category:Sportspeople from San Diego, California]]
 
 
[[Category:Players of American football from California]]
 
[[Category:Players of American football from California]]
 
[[Category:Players of American football who committed suicide]]
 
[[Category:San Diego Chargers players]]
 
[[Category:San Diego Chargers players]]
 
[[Category:Sportspeople from San Diego, California]]
  +
[[Category:Suicides by firearm in San Diego County, California]]
 
[[Category:USC Trojans football players]]
 
[[Category:USC Trojans football players]]
[[Category:Suicides by firearm in California]]
+
[[Category:Sportspeople from Oceanside, California]]
[[Category:Players of American football who committed suicide]]
 
[[Category:Burials in California]]
 
 
{{Wikipedia}}
 

Latest revision as of 20:22, 3 April 2014

Junior Seau
File:Junior Seau 2.JPG
Junior Seau in 2008 with the New England Patriots.
No. 55     
Linebacker
Personal information
Date of birth: (1969-01-19)January 19, 1969
Place of birth: San Diego, California
Date of death: May 2, 2012(2012-05-02) (aged 43)
Place of death: Oceanside, California
High School: Oceanside (CA)
Height: 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) Weight: 250 lb (113 kg)
Career information
College: USC
NFL Draft: 1990 / Round: 1 / Pick: 5
Debuted in 1990 for the San Diego Chargers
Last played in 2009 for the New England Patriots
Career history
Career highlights and awards
Tackles     1,849
Sacks     56.5
Interceptions     18
Forced fumbles     3
Pass deflections     21
Stats at NFL.com

Tiaina Baul "Junior" Seau Jr. (/ˈs./; January 19, 1969 – May 2, 2012) was a linebacker in the National Football League (NFL). Known for his passionate playing style,[1][2] he was a 10-time All-Pro, 12-time Pro Bowl selection, and named to the NFL 1990s All-Decade Team.

Originally from San Diego, California, Seau played college football at the University of Southern California (USC). He was chosen by the San Diego Chargers as the fifth overall pick of the 1990 NFL Draft. Seau started for 13 seasons for the Chargers before being traded to the Miami Dolphins, where he spent three years before four final ones with the New England Patriots.

Seau retired from pro football after the 2009 season. A standout on San Diego's only Super Bowl team, he was later inducted into the Chargers Hall of Fame and the team retired his number 55. Seau committed suicide with a gun shot wound to the chest in 2012 at the age of 43. Later studies by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) concluded that Seau suffered from chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a type of chronic brain damage that had also been found in other deceased former NFL players.[3]

Early years

Tiaina Baul Seau Jr. was born January 19, 1969, in San Diego, California,[4] the fifth child of Tiaina Seau, Sr., and Luisa Mauga Seau of Aunu'u, American Samoa. Tiaina Sr.'s grandfather was a village chief in Pago Pago. Tiaina Sr. worked at a rubber factory and was a school custodian, and Luisa worked at the commissary of Camp Pendleton in Southern California and a laundromat.[5] After Seau was born, the family moved back to American Samoa for several years before returning to San Diego; Seau did not learn to speak English until he was seven years old.[6] At home, Seau and his three brothers had to sleep in the family's one-car garage.[5]

Seau attended Oceanside High School in Oceanside, where he lettered in football, basketball, and track and field. As a football player, Seau was a starter at linebacker and tight end, and as a senior, he was named the Avocado League offensive MVP and led the 18-member Oceanside Pirates team to the San Diego 2A championship. Parade selected Seau to its high school All-American team.[5] In basketball, as a senior, he was named the California Interscholastic Federation San Diego Section Player of the Year.[6] He helped his team win the 1987 Lt. James Mitchell Tournament and make third place in the Mt. Carmel Invitational.[7] In track and field, he was the Avocado League champion in the shot put.[6] Seau was also named to California’s all-academic team with a 3.6 grade-point average.[8]

College career

After graduating from high school, Seau attended the University of Southern California (USC). He had to sit out his freshman season because he got only a 690 on his college entrance exam, the SAT, 10 points short of USC's required minimum score for freshman eligibility.

Seau told Sports Illustrated: "I was labeled a dumb jock. I went from being a four-sport star to an ordinary student at USC. I found out who my true friends were. Nobody stuck up for me—not our relatives, best friends or neighbors. There's a lot of jealousy among Samoans, not wanting others to get ahead in life, and my parents got an earful at church: 'We told you he was never going to make it.'" This prompted him to apologize to his coaches, teachers, and principal at Oceanside High.[5]

He lettered in his final two seasons, 1988 and 1989, posting 19 sacks in 1989 en route to a unanimous first-team All-American selection.[6]

Professional career

San Diego Chargers

After three years as a Trojan, Seau entered the NFL draft after his junior season and was chosen in the first round of the 1990 NFL Draft by Bobby Beathard's San Diego Chargers as the fifth overall draft selection. Seau quickly became one of the most popular players on the Chargers,[4] receiving the nickname "Tasmanian Devil", after the wild antics of the cartoon character.[9] He became the face of the Chargers franchise and a San Diego sports icon.[1][2]

Seau started 15 of the 16 games he played in during his rookie season, and was named an alternate to the 1991 Pro Bowl after recording 85 tackles. In 1991, he picked up 129 tackles and seven sacks and was named to the 1992 Pro Bowl, the first of 12 consecutive Pro Bowls for Seau. He started no fewer than 13 games for the Chargers over each of the ensuing 11 seasons, registering a career high with 155 tackles in 1994. That year, Seau led his team to a championship appearance in Super Bowl XXIX. In one of the greatest games in his career, he recorded 16 tackles in the 1994 AFC Championship Game while playing with a pinched nerve in his neck in a 17–13 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers.[10] In 2002, his final year with the Chargers, he logged a then-career low 84 tackles and missed his final Pro Bowl with an ankle injury.

Miami Dolphins

On April 16, 2003, Seau was traded to the Miami Dolphins for a conditional draft choice. He started 15 games that season for the 10–6 Dolphins and was one of their standout defensive players.[11] However, in 2004, a torn pectoral muscle limited Seau to eight games, 68 tackles, and one sack. He started five of the first seven games he played in with the Dolphins in 2005, but was placed on injured reserve on November 24 with an achilles tendon injury. On March 6, 2006, Seau was released by the Dolphins.

First retirement

Seau announced his retirement at an emotional press conference on August 14, 2006. He called it his "graduation", because he was not going to stop working. He contended that he was merely moving on to the next phase of his life.[12]

New England Patriots

File:Junior Seau with Patriots side view cropped.jpg

Seau with the Patriots.

Seau returned to football just four days later, signing with the New England Patriots.[13] He started 10 of the first 11 games for the Patriots, recording 69 tackles before breaking his right arm while making a tackle in a game against the Chicago Bears. He was placed on injured reserve on November 27.

On May 21, 2007, Seau re-signed with the New England Patriots for the 2007 season. In September 2007 Seau was named one of the Patriots' seven captains.[14] He was a prominent contributor to the Patriots undefeated regular season that year.[11] He started four of the 16 games he played in for the Patriots in 2007, and then started the Patriots' two playoff games before Super Bowl XLII against the New York Giants. New England's undefeated streak ended with a Super Bowl loss to the Giants.

After the Patriots had a number of injuries late in the 2008 season, they re-signed Seau. He started two of four games he played.[15] On December 22, 2008, a fan was arrested for trespassing and assault and battery for tackling Seau as he stood on the New England sideline during a home game against the Arizona Cardinals. Seau stated that he did not feel threatened by the fan; he thought that the fan was happy and excited and got carried away.[16]

On October 7, 2009, NFL Network reported that the New England Patriots had an "agreement in principle" with Seau for a fourth one-year deal; Seau took physicals and worked out with the team.[17] He officially signed on October 13.[18] He was active for 7 games for the Patriots in 2009, recording 14 tackles as a reserve linebacker.

Second retirement

Seau announced his intention to retire for a second time on the television program Inside the NFL on January 13, 2010.[19]

NFL stats

Year Team Games Combined Tackles Tackles Assisted Tackles Sacks Forced Fumbles Fumble Recoveries Fumble Return Yards Interceptions Interception Return Yards Yards per Interception Return Longest Interception Return Interceptions Returned for Touchdown Passes Defended
1990 SD 16 0 0 0 1.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
1991 SD 16 0 0 0 7.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
1992 SD 15 0 0 0 4.5 0 1 0 2 51 26 29 0 0
1993 SD 16 129 110 19 0.0 1 1 0 2 58 29 42 0 11
1994 SD 16 154 123 31 5.5 1 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 3
1995 SD 16 128 111 17 2.0 1 3 0 2 5 3 3 0 8
1996 SD 15 139 111 28 7.0 2 3 0 2 18 9 10 0 7
1997 SD 15 97 84 13 7.0 1 2 0 2 33 17 26 0 6
1998 SD 16 114 91 23 3.5 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 7
1999 SD 14 98 74 24 3.5 0 1 0 1 16 16 16 0 9
2000 SD 16 122 102 20 3.5 1 0 0 2 2 1 2 0 10
2001 SD 16 94 83 11 1.0 2 0 0 1 2 2 2 0 6
2002 SD 13 83 59 24 1.5 1 0 0 1 25 25 25 0 7
2003 MIA 15 96 66 30 3.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3
2004 MIA 8 57 31 26 1.0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1
2005 MIA 7 36 18 18 1.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1
2006 NE 11 69 39 30 1.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1
2007 NE 16 74 58 16 3.5 0 0 0 3 28 9 23 0 4
2008 NE 4 22 15 7 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2009 NE 7 14 9 5 0.0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Career 268 1,526 1,184 342 56.5 11 18 0 18 238 13 42 0 84

[20]

Beyond football

His restaurant in Mission Valley, California—Seau’s The Restaurant, which opened in 1996—was his most successful business venture. Seau also had a clothing line, Say Ow Gear.[21][22] The restaurant was closed May 16, 2012, just two weeks after his death; the trustees of his estate explained that "Without Seau's charismatic leadership, it was felt that the future profitability of the restaurant could be in question."[23]

Sports Jobs with Junior Seau premiered on December 2, 2009, on Versus. The show followed Seau as he did the jobs that make sports work. Ten episodes aired through January 27, 2010.

Seau was actively involved with community work through Samoan "sister city" projects within San Diego County.

Junior Seau Foundation

In 1992, Seau created the Junior Seau Foundation with the mission to educate and empower young people through the support of child abuse prevention, drug and alcohol awareness, recreational opportunities, anti-juvenile delinquency efforts and complimentary educational programs.

The 20th Anniversary Junior Seau Celebrity Golf Classic was held March 10–12, 2012, at the La Costa Resort and Spa.

The Foundation gives out an annual award to the individual who exemplifies the mission statement of the Junior Seau Foundation.

Personal

In 1989, Seau's oldest son, Tyler, was born to Seau's high school sweetheart, Melissa Waldrop.[24][25] Seau broke up with Waldrop when Tyler was 13 months old.[26] He married Gina Deboer in 1991. The couple had three children together, a daughter and two sons,[6] before divorcing in 2002.[5][27][28]

Seau sustained minor injuries in October 2010 when his SUV plunged down a 100-foot cliff hours after he had been arrested for domestic violence following an incident reported to the police by his girlfriend.[10] Seau maintained he had fallen asleep at the wheel, and was never charged in the domestic incident.[1]

Seau's nephew, Ian Seau, committed to play at Kansas State.[29] Another nephew, Micah Seau, committed to play for San Diego State.[30]

Death

File:JuniorSeauMemorialByPhilKonstantin.jpg

Media and fans at a memorial outside Seau's house the day after his death

On May 2, 2012, Seau's girlfriend found him dead with a gunshot wound to the chest at his home in Oceanside.[31] He left no suicide note, but he did leave a paper in the kitchen of his home with lyrics he scribbled from his favorite country song, "Who I Ain't". The song, co-written by his friend Jamie Paulin—a Nashville-based songwriter—describes a man who regrets the person he has become.[24][32]

Seau's death recalled the 2011 suicide of former NFL player Dave Duerson, who shot himself in the chest and left a suicide note requesting that his brain be studied for brain trauma.[33][34] Seau had no prior reported history of concussions,[31][35] but his ex-wife said he did sustain concussions during his career.[36] "He always bounced back and kept on playing," Gina Seau said. "He's a warrior. That didn't stop him."[37] Seau had insomnia for at least the last seven years of his life, and he was taking zolpidem (Ambien), a prescription drug commonly prescribed for sleep disorders.[38][39]

Seau's autopsy report released later in August 2012 by the San Diego County medical examiner indicated that his body contained no illegal drugs or alcohol, but did show traces of zolpidem. No apparent signs of brain damage were found, nor was he determined to have exhibited mood changes and irritability often apparent with concussions and brain damage.[39][40][41][42]

There was speculation that Seau suffered brain damage due to CTE, a condition traced to concussion-related brain damage with depression as a symptom,[43][44][45][46][47] as dozens of deceased former NFL players were found to have suffered from CTE.[48] Seau's family donated his brain tissue to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, part of the NIH;[49] other candidates included the Center for the Study of Traumatic Encephalopathy and the Brain Injury Research Institute.[45][50] Citing the Seau family's right to privacy, NIH did not intend to release the findings.[49][51]

On January 10, 2013, Seau's family released the NIH's findings that his brain showed definitive signs of CTE. Russell Lonser of the NIH coordinated with three independent neuropathologists, giving them unidentified tissue from three brains including Seau's. The three experts along with two government researchers arrived at the same conclusion. The NIH said the findings on Seau were similar to autopsies of people "with exposure to repetitive head injuries."[48][52]

On January 23, 2013, the Seau family sued the NFL over the brain injuries suffered by Seau over his career.[53]

Legacy

Seau was known for his passionate playing style, including a fist-pumping dance he performed after big plays.[1][2] Rick Gosselin of The Dallas Morning News said Seau "probably was the most dynamic player of his era".[54] NFL head coach Norv Turner, who coached Seau as well as faced him as an opponent, said, "The No. 1 thing about Junior was that he was such an explosive player he’d defeat one-on-one blocks and he was a great tackler."[54] Seau's quickness allowed him to freelance, which sometimes put him out of position. "People say he gambled a bit, but in reality, his insight led him to the ball ... Even when he was wrong, you had to account for him and that created problems for offensive coordinators. You’d better have somebody blocking him," said former NFL coach Tom Bass.[54]

He was praised by teammates for his work ethic and leadership. He would play when hurt, and often refused to leave games.[2] "He played the game the way it was meant to be played," said retired Denver Broncos quarterback John Elway.[22] Bill Belichick, his coach at New England, praised Seau’s leadership and willingness to accept any role.[15]

He was named to the Chargers 40th and 50th anniversary teams, which honor the top players and coaches in the team's history. He was inducted into the San Diego Chargers Hall of Fame on November 27, 2011, as part of Alumni Day ceremonies at a sold-out game against the Denver Broncos at Qualcomm Stadium. Fellow Chargers Hall of Famer Dan Fouts introduced Seau before a crowd of nearly 71,000.[55]

Chargers President Dean Spanos honored Seau after his death as "...An icon in our community. He transcended the game. He wasn’t just a football player, he was so much more."[21] The Chargers retired his No. 55 during his public memorial.[56] Seau will be eligible for election into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2015; his eligibility was not accelerated due to his death from the standard five-year waiting period after a player's retirement.[57]

The Junior Seau Pier Amphitheatre and Junior Seau Beach Community Center were renamed posthumously in his honor by the city of Oceanside in July 2012.[58][59]

On September 1, 2012, during the University of Southern California's home opener, Seau was honored by the team. On September 16, 2012, the Chargers retired Seau's number 55 during a ceremony at the 2012 regular season home opener against the Tennessee Titans. The San Diego Hall of Champions planned to induct Seau into the Breitbard Hall of Fame on February 25, 2013, forgoing their normal two-year waiting period after an athlete's retirement or death.[60]

See also


References

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Williamson, Bill (May 2, 2012). "Junior Seau was San Diego". ESPN.com. Archived from the original on May 3, 2012. http://www.webcitation.org/67NUkbvMb.
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 Acee, Kevin (May 2, 2012). "Seau's feats on and off field spoke for themselves". U-T San Diego. Archived from the original on May 3, 2012. http://www.webcitation.org/67OFuMh1y.
  3. "Study: Junior Seau's brain shows chronic brain damage found in other NFL football players". ESPN.com. January 11, 2013. http://espn.go.com/espn/otl/story/_/id/8830344/study-junior-seau-brain-shows-chronic-brain-damage-found-other-nfl-football-players.
  4. 4.0 4.1 "Junior Seau". USC Legends. http://www.usclegends.org/junior-seau.php. Retrieved 2 May 2012.
  5. 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 Lieber, Jill (September 6, 1993), "Hard Charger", Sports Illustrated 79 (10): pp. 76–85, http://cnnsi.printthis.clickability.com/pt/cpt?expire=&title=San+Diego%27s+Junior+Seau+is+at+the+crest+of+the+new+wave+-+09.06.93+-+SI+Vault&urlID=437942467&action=cpt&partnerID=289881&fb=Y&url=http%3A%2F%2Fsportsillustrated.cnn.com%2Fvault%2Farticle%2Fmagazine%2FMAG1138074%2F2%2Findex.htm
  6. 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 "Junior Seau". New England Patriots. http://www.patriots.com/team/index.cfm?ac=playerbio&bio=32166. Retrieved January 17, 2010.
  7. Miller, Jeffrey (January 7, 1987). "Junior Seau Helps Turn Team Around". Los Angeles Times. http://articles.latimes.com/1987-01-07/sports/sp-2430_1_junior-seau. Retrieved January 17, 2011.
  8. "A Celebration of Life for Junior Seau". chargers.com. San Diego Chargers. May 11, 2012. Archived from the original on August 1, 2012. http://www.webcitation.org/69bN8xoTB.
  9. Judge, Clark (September 18, 1992). "Junior's Achievement". San Diego Union-Tribune. "To teammates, he is "The Tasmanian Devil," named after the frenzied cartoon character."
  10. 10.0 10.1 "Police: Junior Seau found dead at home". SI.com. Associated Press. May 2, 2012. Archived from the original on May 2, 2012. http://www.webcitation.org/67NKd2bqJ.
  11. 11.0 11.1 Walker, James (May 2, 2012). "Seau made impact in Miami, New England". ESPN.com. Archived from the original on May 3, 2012. http://www.webcitation.org/67OX8pkCx.
  12. "Hall of a career? Junior Seau retires after 13 seasons". Associated Press. ESPN.com. 2006-08-15. http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2548201. Retrieved 2009-11-11.
  13. Wilson, Bernie (2006-08-18). "Seau signs with New England". Associated Press. http://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=2026&dat=20060818&id=7tkyAAAAIBAJ&sjid=LPAFAAAAIBAJ&pg=1364,2366556. Retrieved 2012-05-02.
  14. Golen, Jimmy (2008-01-22). "Seau going back to Super Bowl after 13 years". Associated Press. http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/2008-01-21-2696232876_x.htm. Retrieved 2012-05-02.
  15. 15.0 15.1 Reiss, Mike (May 2, 2012). "Reflecting on Seau's time with Pats". ESPNBoston.com. Archived from the original on May 4, 2012. http://www.webcitation.org/67QCZI4hp.
  16. Perloff, Andrew (2008-12-24). "Seau Comments on Fan Tackle, His Future". Sports Illustrated. http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/danpatrick/blog/35461/index.html?eref=fromSI. Retrieved 2009-11-11.
  17. Davis, Nate (2009-10-08). "Patriots have 'agreement in principle' with LB Junior Seau". USA Today. http://content.usatoday.com/communities/thehuddle/post/2009/10/nfln-patriots-have-agreement-in-principle-with-lb-junior-seau/1. Retrieved 2009-11-11.
  18. Rapoport, Ian (2009-10-13). "Linebacker Junior Seau officially signs with the Patriots, Versus announces". Boston Herald. http://www.bostonherald.com/blogs/sports/rap_sheet/index.php/2009/10/13/linebacker-junior-seau-signs-with-the-patriots-versus-announces/. Retrieved 2009-11-11.
  19. Reiss, Mike (2010-01-13). "Junior Seau plans to retire". ESPNBoston.com. http://espn.go.com/blog/boston/new-england-patriots/post/_/id/4674160/junior-seau-plans-to-retire. Retrieved 2010-01-13.
  20. "Junior Seau Stats". ESPN Internet Ventures. http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/stats/_/id/213/junior-seau. Retrieved 24 March 2014.
  21. 21.0 21.1 Baker, Debbie; Davis, Kristina; Repard, Pauline (May 2, 2012). "Junior Seau, hometown icon, takes his life". U-T San Diego. Archived from the original on May 3, 2012. http://www.webcitation.org/67OHBAKVV.
  22. 22.0 22.1 Davis, Kristina; Wilkens, John (May 2, 2012). "San Diego mourns loss of an icon". U-T San Diego. Archived from the original on May 3, 2012. http://www.webcitation.org/67OOXzOoh.
  23. "Junior Seau's restaurant, popular with sports fans, closes". Los Angeles Times. May 16, 2012. http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2012/05/junior-seaus-restaurant-popular-with-sports-fans-has-closed-for-good.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+lanowblog+(L.A.+Now). Retrieved 23 May 2012.
  24. 24.0 24.1 Lieber Steeg, Jill (October 14, 2012). "Junior Seau: Song of sorrow". U-T San Diego. Archived from the original on October 24, 2012. http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2012/oct/14/junior-seau-real-story/?print&page=all.
  25. "40 Tyler Seau". gostatesmen.com. http://www.gostatesmen.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=804. Retrieved January 9, 2013.
  26. Lieber Steeg, Jill (October 21, 2012). "Junior Seau: Bitter endgame". U-T San Diego. http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2012/oct/21/bitter-endgame/?print&page=all. Retrieved January 9, 2013.
  27. Trotter, Jim (October 27, 2003). "Seau says his career has been rejuvenated with trade to Miami, but he'd rather be here". San Diego Union-Tribune. http://www.signonsandiego.com/sports/chargers/20031027-9999_1s27chargers.html. Retrieved January 17, 2011.
  28. "Junior Seau: Biography". TV Guide. http://www.tvguide.com/celebrities/junior-seau/bio/248578. Retrieved January 17, 2011.
  29. "Ian Seau". Yahoo! Sports. http://rivals.yahoo.com/footballrecruiting/football/recruiting/player-Ian-Seau-103665.
  30. "Micah Seau". Yahoo! Sports.
  31. 31.0 31.1 Duke, Alan,; Chelsea J. Carter (3 May 2012). "Junior Seau's death classified as a suicide". CNN.com. http://www.cnn.com/2012/05/03/sport/nfl-seau-autopsy/index.html?hpt=hp_t1. Retrieved 3 May 2012.
  32. Lendon, Brad (August 21, 2012). "Autopsy: No apparent damage to Seau's brain". CNN. http://news.blogs.cnn.com/2012/08/21/autopsy-no-apparent-damage-to-seaus-brain/?hpt=hp_t2.
  33. Lopresti, Mike (May 2, 2012). "Is Junior Seau death part of a bigger problem?". USA Today. Archived from the original on June 1, 2012. http://www.webcitation.org/686hRDARC.
  34. "Ex-Patriots LB Ted Johnson speaks". ESPN.com. Associated Press. May 18, 2012. Archived from the original on June 1, 2012. http://www.webcitation.org/686haZWT6.
  35. "Junior Seau death raises questions". ESPN.com. May 3, 2012. Archived from the original on May 4, 2012. http://www.webcitation.org/67P2myKVu.
  36. "Junior Seau's death ruled a suicide". ESPN.com. Associated Press. May 3, 2012. Archived from the original on May 3, 2012. http://www.webcitation.org/67Oc9IPqh.
  37. Wilson, Bernie; Flaccus, Gillian (May 3, 2012). "Junior Seau latest in a series of NFL veterans' deaths". The Seattle Times. Associated Press. Archived from the original on May 3, 2012. http://www.webcitation.org/67OgMQPal.
  38. Moore, David Leon; Brady, Erik (May 31, 2012). "Junior Seau's final days plagued by sleepless nights". USA Today. Archived from the original on June 1, 2012. http://www.webcitation.org/686ft54Ke.
  39. 39.0 39.1 Mihocoes, Gary (August 20, 2012). "Seau autopsy finds sleep-aid, no drugs of abuse". USA Today. http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/story/2012-08-20/Junior-Seau-autopsy-finds-sleep-aid-no-drugs-of-abuse/57171466/1.
  40. Lieber Steeg, Julie (August 21, 2012). "Seau autoposy: No illicit drugs or brain damage". U-T San Diego. Archived from the original on August 22, 2012. http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2012/aug/21/tp-seau-autopsy-no-illicit-drugs-or-brain-damage/?printpage=all.
  41. Perry, Terry (August 21, 2012). "National Institutes of Health to study Junior Seau brain tissue". Los Angeles Times. http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2012/08/junior-seau.html.
  42. "Junior Seau's autopsy shows no illegal drugs, alcohol". NFL.com (The Associated Press). August 20, 2012. http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap2000000052242/article/junior-seaus-autopsy-shows-no-illegal-drugs-alcohol.
  43. "Seau family revisiting brain decision". ESPN.com. May 6, 2012. Archived from the original on May 6, 2012. http://www.webcitation.org/67SvGPeWj.
  44. Alan Duke, Chelsea J. Carter. "Doctors to examine Junior Seau's brain". CNN. http://www.cnn.com/2012/05/04/sport/nfl-seau-autopsy/index.html?hpt=us_c1. Retrieved 4 May 2012.
  45. 45.0 45.1 Given, Karen (May 12, 2012). "Researchers Compete For Athletes’ Brains". wbur.org. Archived from the original on May 25, 2012. http://www.webcitation.org/67vqjWkJB.
  46. Farmer, Sam (May 3, 2012). "Family of Junior Seau will allow his brain to be studied". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on May 4, 2012. http://www.webcitation.org/67P3rphIx.
  47. Smith, Michael David, "Boston researchers request Junior Seau’s brain". NBCSports Pro Football Talk, May 3, 2012. Retrieved 2012-05-03.
  48. 48.0 48.1 Fainaru-Wada, Mark; Avila, Jim; Fainaru, Steve (January 10, 2013). "Doctors: Junior Seau's brain had CTE". ESPN.com. http://espn.go.com/espn/otl/story/_/id/8830344/study-san-diego-chargers-great-junior-seau-brain-shows-chronic-brain-damage-found-other-nfl-football-players. Retrieved January 10, 2013.
  49. 49.0 49.1 Lavelle, Janet (July 12, 2012). "Seau brain tissue donated for research". U-T San Diego. Archived from the original on July 12, 2012. http://www.webcitation.org/696xcqLWg.
  50. "Family Makes Decision Regarding Seau's Brain". 10News.com. February 10, 2012. Archived from the original on May 25, 2012. http://www.webcitation.org/67vqOylO5.
  51. Pilon, Mary (July 12, 2012). "Seau Brain Tissue Is Donated to National Institute for Study". New York Times. Archived from the original on August 23, 2012. http://www.nytimes.com/2012/07/13/sports/football/junior-seaus-brain-tissue-is-donated-for-study.html.
  52. Avila, Jim (January 10, 2013). "Junior Seau Diagnosed With Disease Caused by Hits to Head: Exclusive". abcnews.com. http://abcnews.go.com/US/junior-seau-diagnosed-brain-disease-caused-hits-head/story?id=18171785&singlePage=true. Retrieved January 10, 2013.
  53. [1]
  54. 54.0 54.1 54.2 Canepa, Nick (May 3, 2012). "Celebrate Seau as a player". U-T San Diego. Archived from the original on May 4, 2012. http://www.webcitation.org/67QF3mGlq.
  55. 10News (ABC-TV affiliate in San Diego, California) (2011-11-27). "Junior Seau Inducted Into Chargers Hall Of Fame". 10News.com. http://www.10news.com/news/29865689/detail.html. Retrieved 2011-11-29.
  56. "Junior Seau's No. 55 officially retired by San Diego Chargers". NFL.com. http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d8290b0d3/article/junior-seaus-no-55-officially-retired-by-san-diego-chargers?module=HP11_headline_stack.
  57. Rosenthal, Gregg (May 2, 2012). "Junior Seau will be eligible for Hall of Fame in 2015". NFL.com. Archived from the original on June 15, 2012. http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d828d4cb4/article/junior-seau-will-be-eligible-for-hall-of-fame-in-2015.
  58. Huard, Ray. "Council names beach amphitheater, rec center for Seau". http://www.nctimes.com/news/local/oceanside/oceanside-council-names-beach-amphitheater-rec-center-for-seau/article_1a1c1181-5d7c-5910-aaef-61ee897c2ce3.html.
  59. Horn, Jonathan. "Oceanside beachfront landmarks named for Seau". http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2012/jul/07/oceanside-beachfront-landmarks-named-seau/.
  60. "Hall of Champions to induct Seau on Feb. 25". U-T San Diego. Associated Press. September 17, 2012. http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2012/sep/17/hall-of-champions-to-induct-seau-on-feb-25/. Retrieved September 25, 2012. "The board of directors at the San Diego Hall of Champions has decided to forego the normal voting process and induct Junior Seau into the Breitbard Hall of Fame on Feb. 25."

External links