Junior Seau. Photo: JJ Hall
It is with heavy hearts that we report the death of NFL great and well-liked San Diego Surfer, Junior Seau. The 43-year-old, veteran linebacker played 13 of his 20 NFL seasons for the San Diego Chargers and was also well known in San Diego lineups. Seau was found dead by his girlfriend of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound to the chest, a handgun at his side. As reports came in through news and friends, crowds swelled outside the retired athlete’s house to show support for the family.
Those who knew Seau are in shock and disbelief that he could have taken his own life. Friend, and legendary surfboard shaper Donald Takayama was in disbelief. “He seemed really happy,” said Takayama. “I don’t know why or what or how this came about. Something like this, I just don’t understand it.”
Junior Seau is the eighth member of the 1994 Charger Super Bowl team to have passed. He also joins a distinct list of players who have committed suicide, including Dave Duerson (former Chicago Bears player). Duerson left his family instructions to donate his brain to science to study the affects multiple concussions can have.
Seau was not only known for his work on the field, but also for his work off the field – establishing the Seau Foundation in 1992 to help raise funds to support programs for children in need or at risk. Charger President Dean Spanos said,“Junior was an icon in our community. He transcended the game. He wasn’t just a football player. He was so much more.”
