Junior Seau was found dead at his home in Oceanside, Calif., on Wednesday morning. The 43-year-old former Chargers linebacker played in San Diego for 13 years, from 1990-2002. Leading the Chargers to the Super Bowl in 1994, he was voted to 12 Pro Bowls and was an All-Pro six times, amassing 545 tackles, 56 1/2 sacks and 18 interceptions over the course of his 20 year career.
The Charger nation is deeply saddened by the news of Seau's death.
"I can't put into words how I'm feeling right now. I'm shocked and devastated. Junior was my friend," team president Dean Spanos said in a statement. "We all lost a friend today. Junior was an icon in our community. He transcended the game. 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."
Spanos went on to say in a press conference that Seau was a "legacy" and that's "he's going to be remembered by everybody."
"[H]e was the heart and soul of the franchise for the 13 years while he played here... When he talked everybody listened."
Head coach Norv Turner coached Seau in both San Diego and Miami, and remembers the character Seau brought to the city and the game.
"I have no words to describe the passing of Junior Seau. It is a sad, sad day for not only me, but for the whole sports community," head coach Norv Turner said in a statement. "I worked with Junior here and later in Miami. I can tell you no one had more character and true leadership ability than Junior. He brought passion to the game of football that was unmatched. His commitment to charitable causes in the community was inspiring. It was an honor to know him. My thoughts and prayers are with his family."
Turner said later at a press conference, "All I can say is this one's hard and it's going to take a long time to get over, but he has had such a great impact on so many people. He will be missed."
Since news of Seau's death was released, there's been out-pour of support, memories and condolences from former teammates of Seau's.
Former Chargers quarterback Stan Humphries remembers Seau's "energy" and "youthfulness" he brought every day. For Humphries, though, time off the field was just as important to who Seau was.
"I remember times playing with him and also times flying home on the plane with him, just getting to know him as a person. I feel bad for his kids and his family. At that young of an age, it's just horrible."
Saints quarterback Drew Brees, whose career began in San Diego, echoed sentiments similar to Tomlinson's on Twitter.
"So sad to hear about (Junior). Junebug. Buddy. The greatest teammate a
young guy could ask for. This is a sad day. He will be missed greatly."
Former Chargers fullback Lorenzo Neal tweeted, "Today the world is not a better place we lost one of our legends. Sad to Hear about my good friend and brother Junior Seau Passing. He was a great man to his family and the community he was a great example of sportsmanship and he had such a big heart for everyone he was someone i could talk to I'm at a loss for words this one really hit me hard. I Love you and will miss you my dear friend .To His Family i love you all and you are in my Prayers One Luv Lo Neal."
For former Chargers running back LaDanian Tomlinson, the news hit especially hard.
"I don't know what to say. I'm hurt. It's hard to put to words how I feel right now. I learned how to be a pro because of him. I learned how to start a foundation and work in the community because of him. I learned how to relate to people because of him…fans…signing autographs. I'm just hurt. He's an icon I looked up to my entire life before I got to San Diego. Even to this day. It's a numb feeling in my heart right now."
