Junior Seau: Former NFL Linebacker Passes Away at Age 43

The sports world was shocked today with the news that San Diego Chargers legend Junior Seau has passed away. 

The Chargers released a statement on the breaking news.

"

Everyone at the Chargers is in complete shock and disbelief right now. We ask everyone to stop what they're doing and send their prayers to Junior and his family.

"

TMZ reports that Junior Seau was found dead at his home in Oceanside, California. Currently, multiple law enforcement agencies are also investigating the shooting that took place at the residence.

Seau was 43 years old and leaves behind his ex-wife and three children.

It will be some time before we know exactly what happened at Seau's house, and how the man that we came to know as a gridiron warrior passed away on Wednesday.

The North County Times, among several media outlets, is reporting that he committed suicide, but nothing has been officially confirmed.  

Right now, we can only look back at the athlete who spread joy to millions but also dealt with issues after his playing career.

TMZ reported back in October of 2010 that Seau ran his vehicle off a cliff. Seau denied that he was trying to commit suicide, arguing that he merely fell asleep at the wheel. The accident came hours after Seau allegedly attacked his 25-year-old girlfriend.

Seau was born and raised in the sunshine-drenched city of San Diego, going to high school in Oceanside, and later calling the Southern California town his home. 

He matriculated to USC where he shined, creating a legacy for future linebackers who were fortunate enough to later hold the badge of No. 55 as a Trojan linebacker. 

His career took a fitting turn when he was drafted fifth overall by his hometown San Diego Chargers. 

It was there that he would infuse the team's defense with unrelenting tenacity, making the Chargers defense one of the best in the league for years to come.   

Consistency marked a fabulous career that saw Seau garner 12 Pro Bowl selections in as many years. 

His brilliant tenure also included 10 All-Pro selections and two AFC titles. The star linebacker retired a New England Patriot, but not before accumulating 1,849 tackles, 56.5 sacks and 18 interceptions. 

Seau will always be remembered as much more than just a football player, though. That sentiment rings true in a tweet from Lisa Horne of Fox Sports.

"

Junior #Seau helped San Diego residents during wildfires by opening up his restaurant to them-- he was more than just a football player.

— Lisa Horne (@LisaHorne) May 2, 2012"

There is no way to accurately quantify what Seau truly meant to the San Diego community. He was their superstar athlete, and he treated them kind. 

Oceanside Mayor Jim Wood put it succinctly after learning of Seau's passing. 

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He was a local hero ---- he certainly gave back to the community and to the youth through his Junior Seau Foundation. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.

"

Seau touched thousands of people with his kindness off the field and passion for the game on the gridiron. 

While we might never fully understand what caused this tragedy, we can measure Seau's impact on the game by all of the fans who are dismayed by this tragic loss. 

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