Junior Seau found dead in Oceanside home

Former Chargers football player Junior Seau was reportedly found dead in his home in Oceanside, CA.  No official statements have been released as of yet, but a source at the scene told police there is reason to believe he shot himself in the chest.  He was 43 years old and left behind an ex-wife and their children.

Seau has a long history in San Diego. He was selected by the Chargers in the first round of the 1990 NFL draft.  After spending three years as a standout player at USC, Seau made an easy transition into the professional league starting 15 of 16 games in his rookie season.  Shortly after joining the team he became one of the most popular players on the Chargers, earning the nickname “Tasmanian Devil” for his aggression on the field.  After scoring a total of 129 tackles in 1991 he was given the honor of being selected for the 1992 Pro Bowl.  This appearance became his first of 12 consecutive Pro Bowls for the amazing athlete.

In 1994 Seau registered an incredible 155 tackles with the Chargers  (a career high), this was also the year that he assisted the San Diego team in making it to Super Bowl XXIX.  On the way to the Super Bowl Seau performed with all the aggression and strength that had become his trademark.  In the AFC Championship Game alone he succeeded in making 19 tackles.  He continued to play for the Chargers until the end of the 2002 season.  Seau was a part of the NFL for 20 seasons and had standout performances as a San Diego Charger, Miami Dolphin, and New England Patriot.

Despite leaving the Chargers he still remained a part of the San Diego community by maintaining the local restaurant Seau’s and living in the area after his retirement from football.  His loss still resonates with San Diego fans and the Charger community who upon hearing of Seau’s incident posted that their prayers were with him.