Sports Cipher

Junior Seau’s Death

According to AP:

Former NFL star Junior Seau was found shot to death at his home Wednesday morning in what police said appeared to be a suicide. He was 43.

Police Chief Frank McCoy said Seau’s girlfriend reported finding him unconscious with a gunshot wound to the chest and lifesaving efforts were unsuccessful. A gun was found near him, McCoy said.

NFL Players and Execs Remember Junior Seau

NFL Player and exes reflect on the late NFL great Junior Seau.

Marcellus Wiley

“He wasn’t just a football player, he was so much more. He was loved by everyone in our family, our organization and throughout the NFL. This is just such a tragic loss. One of the worst things I could ever imagine. My prayers go out to Junior’s family. It’s heartbreaking.
”

-Chargers president Dean Spanos

“It would be easy for me to say he was a great friend and teammate, and a tremendous competitor, but that would be selling Junior short,” Taylor said in a statement. “Junior Seau was an individual of great honor and integrity, a leader of men and someone with a deep-rooted passion for giving of himself to make the people, the community and especially the children around him better. This is an immeasurable loss for so many. My heart and prayers go out to Junior’s family, Gina and their children. I’m going to miss you buddy.”

-Jason Taylor

“He was passionate about football and always spoke with great conviction. He may have been one of the most charismatic Patriots players in franchise history. I loved listening to him when he addressed an audience. I will never forget presenting him with his AFC Championship ring at Seau’s Restaurant in San Diego before our game against the Chargers in 2008. It was a memorable moment shared by both Patriots and Chargers fans, who that day celebrated pregame together as Junior Seau fans. He was beloved in his hometown of San Diego and quickly became a fan favorite in New England.”

- Robert Kraft

He was upbeat. I mean, Junior’s always upbeat,” said McGinest “He was crackin’ jokes, making everybody laugh, having a good time. It seemed like he didn’t have a care or problem in the world.”

- Willie McGinest