Junior Seau: NFL Players Offer Condolences to Seau Family

The NFL world lost a legend on Wednesday. Junior Seau, at the age of 43, passed away. His untimely passing hit people like a bulldozer. Shock, sadness and grief filled the hearts and minds of many as they come to grips with this sad news.

Many involved in the business that Seau once dominated have taken to Twitter to express their thoughts and offer their condolences to Seau's loved ones. 

The San Diego Chargers, the team with which Seau spent 12 of his 19 NFL seasons, released the following statement: 

"

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.

"

The New England Patriots, where Seau spent his final four seasons in the league, issued this statement: 

"

We were shocked to hear of the initial reports regarding Junior Seau earlier today and are deeply saddened by the news of his death. We were fortunate to have had Junior join the Patriots in 2006 and are thankful for his many contributions to the team over the next four years.

He had a legendary NFL career and his unrivaled passion for the game quickly made him a fan favorite here in New England. This is a sad day for the entire Patriots organization, our coaches and his many Patriots teammates. Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to his family and his many friends who will mourn this loss.

"

The kind of emotion this was eliciting from those involved with the league was on display in the tears of his former teammate and friend, Marcellus Wiley, when he appeared on ESPN.

Geoff Mosher, the Eagles correspondent for the Sporting News, felt the same way.

"

Tough watching Marcellus Wiley tear up discussing Seau, his former teammate, on ESPN. Said he texted Seau today to see if rumors were true.

— Geoff Mosher (@geoffmosher) May 2, 2012"

The sadness felt in the NFL world goes well beyond former teams and teammates. 

Chad Ochocinco offered his prayers to the Seau family.

"

My prayers and condolences to the family of one of the NFL's greatest linebackers to ever play the game.. Junior Seau.. R.I.P

— Chad Ochocinco (@ochocinco) May 2, 2012"

Seau's longtime AFC West rival, former Broncos QB, John Elway, certainly had to be rattled by this news and shared his thoughts and condolences in this series of tweets: 

"

I had the pleasure of playing against Junior for many years. He played the game the way it was meant to be played...

— John Elway (@johnelway) May 2, 2012"

"

We shared a lot of laughs from our AFC West battles when I saw Junior before he was inducted into the Chargers HOF in November.

— John Elway (@johnelway) May 2, 2012"

"

Junior was a true competitor and a special player. My heartfelt condolences go out to the Seau family.

— John Elway (@johnelway) May 2, 2012"

Legendary safety Brian Dawkins wanted Seau's family to know he was praying for them. 

"

I pray for strength & comfort for the Seau Family. #RIP JR Seau !!!

— Brian Dawkins (@BrianDawkins) May 2, 2012"

One of the truly great corners, Deion Sanders, offered his well wishes and let it be known that Seau was an even better man off the field than he was a player on it. 

"

Junior Seau will certainly be missed. A great football player but a better man. He was classy,caring & courageous.God bless the Seau family

— DeionSanders (@DeionSanders) May 2, 2012"

Seau played the game with such intensity, fearlessness and effectiveness that his game and legend transcends time. That is reflected in the wealth of heartfelt words from current players. 

New York Giants WR Victor Cruz lost one of his idols Wednesday. 

"

Not Junior Seau! He was my idol growing up. True professional and role model to all. Rest In Peace Mr. Seau.

— Victor Cruz (@TeamVic) May 2, 2012"

Green Bay Packers DB Nick Collins is thinking of the Seau family. 

"

A sad day for the NFL!! Junior Seau has pass away!! Thought and prayers goes out to his family!!!!

— Nick Collins (@nickthepick36) May 2, 2012"

New Orleans Saints RB Mark Ingram was saddened by the news of the passing of a player he enjoyed watching play the game he loves. 

"

#RIP Junior Seau Such a great player I watched growing up!! My prayers and condolences go out to his family!!Sad to hear..

— Mark Ingram(@Mark_Ingram28) May 2, 2012"

Philadelphia Eagles QB Michael Vick also paid his respects. 

"

R.I.P Junior

— Mike Vick (@MikeVick) May 2, 2012"

New Orleans Saints TE Jimmy Graham sends his prayers to Seau's family. 

"

My thoughts and prayers are with Junior Seau's family.

— Jimmy Graham (@TheJimmyGraham) May 2, 2012"

Arizona Cardinals WR Larry Fitzgerald was feeling the pain of this loss, and knows that loss will be felt well beyond the chalklines of the football field.

"

JR RIP 1 of our game's all time greats more importantly a reliable friend & inspiration 2 many 4 his kindness, generosity & charitable ways.

— Larry Fitzgerald (@LarryFitzgerald) May 2, 2012"

Junior Seau was a charismatic personality on and off the field. The passion with which he played the game would grab spectators eyes, and he would undoubtedly treat those onlookers to brilliant performances.

His impact goes well beyond the game of football. He was not content to let the fame he earned on the football field sit idle in his personal life. He was active in the community and with charities. 

This led to Seau establishing his own foundation with that is ruled by the following mission statement: 

"

To educate and empower young people through the support of child abuse prevention, drug and alcohol awareness, recreational opportunities, anti-juvenile delinquency efforts and complimentary educational programs.

"

He was not just a faceless name on this foundation either. He was an active participant.

Seau touched the lives of people in all walks of life. Seau's passing from this world has left a big void. He will be missed and never forgotten.