Junior Seau
refer to caption
Seau with the Patriots in 2008
No. 55
Position:Linebacker
Personal information
Born:(1969-01-19)January 19, 1969
San Diego, California, U.S.
Died:May 2, 2012(2012-05-02) (aged 43)
Oceanside, California, U.S.
Height:6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)
Weight:250 lb (113 kg)
Career information
High school:Oceanside
College:USC (1987–1989)
NFL Draft:1990 / Round: 1 / Pick: 5
Career history
Career highlights and awards
Career NFL statistics
Total tackles:1,847
Sacks:56.5
Interceptions:18
Interception yards:238
Forced fumbles:11
Fumble recoveries:18
Defensive touchdowns:1
Player stats at NFL.com · PFR

Tiaina Baul "Junior" Seau Jr. (/ˈseɪ.aʊ/; SAY-ow; January 19, 1969 – May 2, 2012) was an American professional football linebacker who played in the National Football League (NFL), mostly with the San Diego Chargers. Known for his passionate play,[1][2] he was a six-time first-team All-Pro, twelve-time Pro Bowl selection, and named to the NFL 1990s All-Decade Team. He was elected posthumously to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2015.

Originally from San Diego, California, Seau played college football for the USC Trojans, earning All-American honors in 1989. He was selected by the Chargers with the fifth overall pick of the 1990 NFL Draft. Seau played for the Chargers for 13 seasons and led them to Super Bowl XXIX before being traded to the Miami Dolphins where he spent three years, and spent his last four seasons with the New England Patriots. After his retirement, his No. 55 was retired by the Chargers and he was inducted into their Hall of Fame.

Seau committed suicide by shooting himself in the chest in 2012 at age 43. Later studies by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) concluded that Seau had chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a brain disease that has also been found in other deceased former NFL players.[3][4] It is believed to be caused by repetitive head trauma, and can lead to conditions such as dementia, rage, and depression.[4]

Early years

Seau was born on January 19, 1969, in San Diego, California,[5] the fifth child of Tiaina Seau Sr. and Luisa Mauga Seau of Aunu'u, American Samoa. Tiaina Sr.'s grandfather was a village chief in Pago Pago. Tiaina Sr. worked at a rubber factory and was a school custodian, and Luisa worked at the commissary of Camp Pendleton in Southern California and a laundromat.[6] After Seau was born, the family moved back to American Samoa for several years before returning to San Diego; Seau did not learn to speak English until he was seven years old.[7] At home, Seau and his three brothers had to sleep in the family's one-car garage.[6]

Seau attended Oceanside High School in Oceanside, where he lettered in football, basketball, and track and field. As a football player, Seau was a starter at linebacker and tight end, and as a senior, he was named the Avocado League offensive MVP and led the 18-member Oceanside Pirates team to the San Diego 2A championship. Parade selected Seau to its high school All-American team.[6]

In basketball, as a senior, he was named the California Interscholastic Federation San Diego Section Player of the Year.[7] He helped his team win the 1987 Lt. James Mitchell Tournament and make third place in the Mt. Carmel Invitational.[8] In track and field, he was the Avocado League champion in the shot put.[7] Seau was also named to California's all-academic team with a 3.6 grade-point average.[9]

College career

After graduating from high school, Seau attended the University of Southern California (USC). He had to sit out from football in his freshman season due to his 690 SAT score on the college entrance exam, which was 10 points short of USC's minimum score for freshman eligibility.

Seau told Sports Illustrated: "I was labeled a dumb jock. I went from being a four-sport star to an ordinary student at USC. I found out who my true friends were. Nobody stuck up for me—not our relatives, best friends or neighbors. There's a lot of jealousy among Samoans, not wanting others to get ahead in life, and my parents got an earful at church: 'We told you he was never going to make it.'" This prompted him to apologize to his coaches, teachers, and principal at Oceanside High.[6]

Seau lettered in his final two seasons with the USC Trojans, 1988 and 1989, posting 19 sacks in 1989 en route to a unanimous first-team All-American selection.[7]

Professional career

San Diego Chargers

Seau at training camp in 1994

After three years as a Trojan, Seau entered the NFL draft after his junior season and was chosen in the first round of the 1990 NFL Draft by Bobby Beathard's San Diego Chargers as the fifth overall draft pick.[10] Seau quickly became one of the most popular players on the Chargers,[5] receiving the nickname "Tasmanian Devil", after the wild antics of the cartoon character.[11] He became the face of the Chargers franchise and a San Diego sports icon.[1][2]

Seau started 15 of the 16 games he played in during his rookie season, and was named an alternate to the 1991 Pro Bowl after recording 85 tackles. In 1991, he picked up 129 tackles and seven sacks and was named to the 1992 Pro Bowl, the first of 12 consecutive Pro Bowls for Seau.[12] In 1992, he was awarded the George Halas Trophy by the Newspaper Enterprise Association as the NFL's top defensive player,[13] NFL Defensive Player of the Year by Football Digest,[14] AFC Defensive Player of the Year by United Press International,[15] and the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) AFC Linebacker of the Year.[16] He also won the NFLPA award in 1993 and 1994.[17][18][19]

He started no fewer than 13 games for the Chargers over each of the ensuing 11 seasons, registering a career high with 155 tackles in 1994, when he led his team to a championship appearance in Super Bowl XXIX. In one of the greatest games in his career, he recorded 16 tackles in the 1994 AFC Championship Game while playing with a pinched nerve in his neck in a 17–13 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers.[20] Despite San Diego's 1–15 record in 2000, the NFL Alumni Association named him their Linebacker of the Year.[21][22] In 2002, his final year with the Chargers, he logged a then-career low 83 tackles and missed his final Pro Bowl due to an ankle injury.

Miami Dolphins

On April 16, 2003, Seau was traded to the Miami Dolphins for a conditional draft choice. He started 15 games that season for the 10-6 Dolphins and was one of their standout defensive players.[23] However, in 2004, a torn pectoral muscle limited Seau to eight games, 68 tackles, and one sack. He started five of the first seven games he played in with the Dolphins in 2005, but was placed on injured reserve on November 24 with an achilles tendon injury. On March 6, 2006, Seau was released by the Dolphins.

New England Patriots

Seau announced his retirement at an emotional press conference on August 14, 2006. He called it his "graduation" because he was not going to stop working. He contended that he was merely moving on to the next phase of his life.[24]

Seau with the Patriots in 2008

Seau returned to football just four days later, signing with the New England Patriots.[25] He started 10 of the first 11 games for the Patriots, recording 69 tackles before breaking his right arm while making a tackle in a game against the Chicago Bears. He was placed on injured reserve on November 27.

On May 21, 2007, Seau re-signed with the New England Patriots for the 2007 season. In September 2007, Seau was named one of the Patriots' seven captains.[26] He was a prominent contributor to the Patriots undefeated regular season that year.[23] He started four of the 16 games he played in for the Patriots in 2007, and then started the Patriots' two playoff games before Super Bowl XLII against the New York Giants. New England's undefeated streak ended with a Super Bowl loss to the Giants.

After the Patriots had a number of injuries late in the 2008 season, they re-signed Seau. He started two of four games he played.[27] On December 22, 2008, a fan was arrested for trespassing and assault and battery for tackling Seau as he stood on the New England sideline during a home game against the Arizona Cardinals. Seau stated that he did not feel threatened by the fan; he thought that the fan was happy and excited and got carried away.[28]

On October 7, 2009, NFL Network reported that the New England Patriots had an "agreement in principle" with Seau for a fourth one-year deal; Seau took physicals and worked out with the team.[29] He officially signed on October 13.[30] He was active for 7 games for the Patriots in 2009, recording 14 tackles as a reserve linebacker.

Retirement

Seau announced his intention to retire permanently on the television program Inside the NFL on January 13, 2010.[31]

NFL career statistics

Year Team GP Tackles Fumbles Interceptions
CmbSoloAstSckFFFRYdsIntYdsAvgLngTDPD
1990SD 168561241.0000000.0001
1991SD 16129111187.0000000.0002
1992SD 1510279234.511025125.529010
1993SD 16129110190.011025829.042011
1994SD 16154123315.5130000.0003
1995SD 16128111172.0130252.5318
1996SD 15139111287.01302189.01007
1997SD 159784137.012023316.52606
1998SD 1611491233.5120000.0007
1999SD 149874243.511011616.01609
2000SD 16122102203.5100221.02011
2001SD 169483111.0200122.0206
2002SD 138359241.510012525.02507
2003MIA 159666303.0000000.0003
2004MIA 85731261.0010000.0001
2005MIA 73618181.0000000.0001
2006NE 116939301.0000000.0001
2007NE 167458163.50003289.32304
2008NE 4221570.0000000.0000
2009NE 714950.0010000.0000
Career[32][33][34]2681,8461,43641056.5121801823813.242198

Beyond football

His restaurant at Westfield Mission Valley in Mission Valley, California—Seau's The Restaurant, which opened in 1996—was his most successful business venture. Seau also had a clothing line, Say Ow Gear.[35][36] The restaurant was closed on May 16, 2012, just two weeks after his death; the trustees of his estate explained that "Without Seau's charismatic leadership, it was felt that the future profitability of the restaurant could be in question."[37]

Sports Jobs with Junior Seau premiered on December 2, 2009, on Versus. The show followed Seau as he did the jobs that make sports work. Ten episodes aired through January 27, 2010.

Seau was actively involved with community work through Samoan "sister city" projects within San Diego County.

Junior Seau Foundation

In 1992, Seau created the Junior Seau Foundation with the mission to educate and empower young people through the support of child abuse prevention, drug and alcohol awareness, recreational opportunities, anti-juvenile delinquency efforts and complementary educational programs.[38]

The 20th Anniversary Junior Seau Celebrity Golf Classic was held March 10–12, 2012, at the La Costa Resort and Spa.

The Foundation gave out an annual award to the individual who exemplifies the mission statement of the Junior Seau Foundation.

Personal life

In 1989, Seau's older son, Tyler, was born to Seau's high school sweetheart, Melissa Waldrop.[39][40] Seau broke up with Waldrop when Tyler was 13 months old.[41] He married Gina Deboer in 1991. The couple had three children together, a daughter and two sons,[7] before divorcing in 2002.[6][42][43] Seau's son Jake attended Duke University where he played lacrosse.[44] In 2019, Jake signed with the Dallas Rattlers of Major League Lacrosse.[45]

Seau sustained minor injuries in October 2010 when his SUV plunged down a 100-foot cliff in Carlsbad, California only hours after he was arrested for domestic violence following an incident reported to the police by his girlfriend at their home in nearby Oceanside.[46][20] Seau stated that he fell asleep at the wheel, and was never charged in the domestic incident.[1]

Seau's nephew, Ian Seau, committed to play at Nevada,[47] and became an undrafted free-agent for the Los Angeles Rams in 2016 as a defensive end. Then in 2017, Ian signed with the Bills.[48] Another nephew, Micah Seau, committed to play at San Diego State.[49] His cousin was Pulu Poumele.[50]

Death

Media and fans at a memorial outside Seau's house the day after his suicide

On May 2, 2012, Seau was found dead with a gunshot wound to the chest at his home in Oceanside.[51] Authorities ruled his death a suicide.[52] He left no suicide note, but did leave a piece of paper in the kitchen of his home with lyrics he scribbled from his favorite country song, "Who I Ain't". The song, co-written by his friend Jamie Paulin, describes a man who regrets the person he has become.[39][53]

Seau's death recalled the 2011 suicide of former NFL player Dave Duerson, who shot himself in the chest and left a suicide note requesting that his brain be studied for brain trauma.[54][55][56] Seau had no prior reported history of concussions,[51][57] but his ex-wife said he did sustain concussions during his career.[58] "He always bounced back and kept on playing," Gina Seau said. "He's a warrior. That didn't stop him."[59] Seau had insomnia for at least the last seven years of his life, and he was taking zolpidem (Ambien), a prescription drug commonly prescribed for sleep disorders.[60][61]

Seau's autopsy report released later in August 2012 by the San Diego County medical examiner indicated that his body contained no illegal drugs or alcohol, but did show traces of zolpidem. No apparent signs of brain damage were found, nor was he determined to have exhibited mood changes and irritability often apparent with concussions and brain damage.[52][61][62][63]

There was speculation that Seau suffered brain damage due to CTE, a condition traced to concussion-related brain damage with depression as a symptom,[54][64][65][66][67] as dozens of deceased former NFL players were found to have CTE.[68] Seau's family donated his brain tissue to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, part of the NIH;[69] other candidates included the Center for the Study of Traumatic Encephalopathy and the Brain Injury Research Institute.[66][70] Citing the Seau family's right to privacy, NIH did not intend to release the findings.[69][71]

On January 10, 2013, Seau's family released the NIH's findings that his brain showed definitive signs of CTE. Russell Lonser of the NIH coordinated with three independent neuropathologists, giving them unidentified tissue from three brains including Seau's. The three experts along with two government researchers arrived at the same conclusion. The NIH said the findings on Seau were similar to autopsies of people "with exposure to repetitive head injuries."[68][72]

On January 23, 2013, Seau's family sued the NFL over the brain injuries he had over his career.[73] In 2014, his family continued to pursue the lawsuit while opting out of the NFL concussion lawsuit's proposed settlement, which was initially funded with $765 million.[74] The family reached a confidential settlement with the league in 2018. The Seaus' attorney said that they were "pleased" with the resolution.[75]

Seau is one of at least 345 NFL players to be diagnosed after death with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), which is caused by repeated hits to the head.[76][77]

Legacy

Seau honored at the Chargers Ring of Honor

Seau was known for his passionate playing style, including a fist-pumping dance he performed after big plays.[1][2] Rick Gosselin of The Dallas Morning News said Seau "probably was the most dynamic player of his era".[78] NFL head coach Norv Turner, who coached Seau as well as faced him as an opponent, said, "The No. 1 thing about Junior was that he was such an explosive player he'd defeat one-on-one blocks and he was a great tackler."[78]

Seau's quickness allowed him to freelance, which sometimes put him out of position. "People say he gambled a bit, but in reality, his insight led him to the ball ... Even when he was wrong, you had to account for him and that created problems for offensive coordinators. You'd better have somebody blocking him," said former NFL coach Tom Bass.[78]

He was praised by teammates for his work ethic and leadership. He would play when hurt, and often refused to leave games.[2] "He played the game the way it was meant to be played," said retired Denver Broncos quarterback John Elway.[36] Bill Belichick, his coach at New England, praised Seau's leadership and willingness to accept any role.[27]

He was named to the Chargers 40th and 50th anniversary teams, which honor the top players and coaches in the team's history. He was inducted into the San Diego Chargers Hall of Fame on November 27, 2011, as part of Alumni Day ceremonies at a sold-out game against the Denver Broncos at Qualcomm Stadium. Fellow Chargers Hall of Famer Dan Fouts introduced Seau before a crowd of nearly 71,000.[79]

Seau's jersey was retired by the San Diego Chargers, where he played 13 seasons

Chargers President Dean Spanos honored Seau after his death as "...An icon in our community. He transcended the game. He wasn't just a football player, he was so much more."[35] The Chargers retired his No. 55 during his public memorial.[80] The Junior Seau Pier Amphitheatre and Junior Seau Beach Community Center were renamed posthumously in his honor by the city of Oceanside in July 2012.[81][82]

On September 1, 2012, during the University of Southern California's home opener, Seau was honored by the team. On September 16, 2012, the Chargers retired Seau's number 55 during a ceremony at the 2012 regular season home opener against the Tennessee Titans. The San Diego Hall of Champions inducted Seau into the Breitbard Hall of Fame on February 25, 2013, forgoing their normal two-year waiting period after an athlete's retirement or death.[83]

Seau became eligible for election into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2015. His eligibility was not accelerated due to his death from the standard five-year waiting period after a player's retirement.[84] On January 31, 2015, Seau was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.[85] He wanted his daughter, Sydney, to introduce him if he were ever to be inducted. However, the Hall of Fame cited a five-year policy of not allowing speeches for deceased inductees, denying Sydney the opportunity to introduce her father.[86][87][88]

Instead, she was allowed to speak onstage for three minutes uninterrupted on the NFL Network, and delivered a pared down version of her full speech, which The New York Times published.[87][88] Seau is the first player of Polynesian and Samoan descent to be inducted into the Hall of Fame.[88]

On September 21, 2018, ESPN released Seau, a 30 for 30 documentary that highlighted Seau's career, as well as the effects of his injuries on his life, his family, and his post-football endeavors.[89][90]

See also

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 Williamson, Bill (May 2, 2012). "Junior Seau was San Diego". ESPN. Archived from the original on May 5, 2012.
  2. 1 2 3 4 Acee, Kevin (May 2, 2012). "Seau's feats on and off field spoke for themselves". San Diego Union-Tribune S. Archived from the original on February 5, 2013.
  3. ↑ Fainaru-Wada, Mark; Avila, Jim; Fainaru, Steve (January 9, 2013). "Doctors: Junior Seau's brain had CTE". ESPN. Archived from the original on January 13, 2013.
  4. 1 2 Einbinder, Nicole (September 21, 2017). "Aaron Hernandez Found To Have Had "Severe" Case of CTE". Frontline. Public Broadcasting Station. Archived from the original on September 26, 2017. Retrieved September 21, 2017.
  5. 1 2 "Junior Seau". USC Legends. Archived from the original on May 6, 2012. Retrieved May 2, 2012.
  6. 1 2 3 4 5 Lieber, Jill (September 6, 1993), "Hard Charger", Sports Illustrated, vol. 79, no. 10, pp. 76–85
  7. 1 2 3 4 5 "Junior Seau". New England Patriots. Archived from the original on December 18, 2009. Retrieved January 17, 2010.
  8. ↑ Miller, Jeffrey (January 7, 1987). "Junior Seau Helps Turn Team Around". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved January 17, 2011.
  9. ↑ "A Celebration of Life for Junior Seau" (PDF). chargers.com. San Diego Chargers. May 11, 2012. Archived from the original (PDF) on March 13, 2013.
  10. ↑ "1990 NFL Draft Listing". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved May 24, 2023.
  11. ↑ Judge, Clark (September 18, 1992). "Junior's Achievement". San Diego Union-Tribune. To teammates, he is "The Tasmanian Devil," named after the frenzied cartoon character.
  12. ↑ Henne, Ricky (January 31, 2015). "Junior Seau Elected to Pro Football Hall of Fame". Chargers.com. Archived from the original on February 4, 2015.
  13. ↑ "Junior Seau tops NFL on defense". Okmulgee Daily Times. NEA. January 24, 1993. p. 7. Retrieved June 30, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  14. ↑ Groeschen, Tom (September 8, 1994). "Bengals just have to take medicine: 'Say Ow'". The Cincinnati Enquirer. p. C4. Retrieved June 8, 2022 – via Newspapers.com.
  15. ↑ Carroll, Bob; Gershman, Michael; Neft, David; Thorn, John (1999). Total Football: The Official Encyclopedia of the National Football League. HarperCollins Publishers. p. 389. ISBN 9780062701749. Retrieved June 6, 2022 – via Internet Archive.
  16. ↑ "Football playoff on the way, Schultz tells NCAA forum". The San Diego Union-Tribune. February 17, 1993. p. D-2. Retrieved June 16, 2022. The Chargers' Junior Seau was selected AFC linebacker of the year in a vote of the NFL Players Association
  17. ↑ Judge, Clark (February 9, 1994). "Chargers' Seau to become NFL's richest linebacker". The San Diego Union-Tribune. p. D-1. Retrieved June 15, 2022. Nevertheless, Seau led the team in tackles for the third straight season; led it in tackles for losses; was named the club's co-MVP, along with defensive end Leslie O'Neal; was named a Pro Bowl starter for the third straight year; was named the NFL Players Association AFC Linebacker of the Year and was picked to the All-Pro team.
  18. ↑ Kernan, Kevin (May 31, 1995). "Gregory to join scouting department". The San Diego Union-Tribune. p. D-8. Retrieved June 16, 2022. Junior Seau was named the linebacker of the year yesterday, one of four Chargers to win Mackey Awards. The awards are presented by the NFLPA to the year's outstanding players based on statistical achievements of votes among their peers as most valuable at their position.
  19. ↑ Jose E. Torres (May 3, 2016). "Chargers LB Junior Seau and CTE". Yahoo Sports. Retrieved June 15, 2022.
  20. 1 2 "Police: Junior Seau found dead at home". Sports Illustrated. Associated Press. May 2, 2012. Archived from the original on May 5, 2012.
  21. ↑ Trotter, Jim (January 28, 2001). "NFL alumni honor Seau as the top LB". The San Diego Union-Tribune. p. C-8. Retrieved June 16, 2022. The association recognized one player at each position, and the selection of Seau spoke volumes considering the Chargers finished 1-15 this season.
  22. ↑ "JUNIOR SEAU ELECTED TO PRO FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME". East County Magazine. February 1, 2015. Retrieved June 15, 2022.
  23. 1 2 Walker, James (May 2, 2012). "Seau made impact in Miami, New England". ESPN.com. Archived from the original on May 4, 2012.
  24. ↑ "Hall of a career? Junior Seau retires after 13 seasons". ESPN.com. Associated Press. August 15, 2006. Retrieved November 11, 2009.
  25. ↑ Wilson, Bernie (August 18, 2006). "Seau signs with New England". Associated Press. Retrieved May 2, 2012.
  26. ↑ Golen, Jimmy (January 22, 2008). "Seau going back to Super Bowl after 13 years". Associated Press. Retrieved May 2, 2012.
  27. 1 2 Reiss, Mike (May 2, 2012). "Reflecting on Seau's time with Pats". ESPNBoston.com. Archived from the original on May 5, 2012.
  28. ↑ Perloff, Andrew (December 24, 2008). "Seau Comments on Fan Tackle, His Future". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved November 11, 2009.
  29. ↑ Davis, Nate (October 8, 2009). "Patriots have 'agreement in principle' with LB Junior Seau". USA Today. Retrieved November 11, 2009.
  30. ↑ Rapoport, Ian (October 13, 2009). "Linebacker Junior Seau officially signs with the Patriots, Versus announces". Boston Herald. Archived from the original on January 24, 2010. Retrieved November 11, 2009.
  31. ↑ Reiss, Mike (January 13, 2010). "Junior Seau plans to retire". ESPNBoston.com. Retrieved January 13, 2010.
  32. ↑ "Junior Seau Stats". ESPN Internet Ventures. Retrieved March 24, 2014.
  33. ↑ 2002 San Diego Chargers Media Guide. Pg. 128.
  34. ↑ 2008 New England Patriots Media Guide. Pg. 247.
  35. 1 2 Baker, Debbie; Davis, Kristina; Repard, Pauline (May 2, 2012). "Junior Seau, hometown icon, takes his life". U-T San Diego. Archived from the original on January 16, 2013.
  36. 1 2 Davis, Kristina; Wilkens, John (May 2, 2012). "San Diego mourns loss of an icon". U-T San Diego. Archived from the original on February 5, 2013.
  37. ↑ "Junior Seau's restaurant, popular with sports fans, closes". Los Angeles Times. May 16, 2012. Retrieved May 23, 2012.
  38. ↑ "Junior Seau Foundation". www.radyfoundation.org. Retrieved January 23, 2021.
  39. 1 2 Lieber Steeg, Jill (October 14, 2012). "Junior Seau: Song of sorrow". U-T San Diego. Archived from the original on January 16, 2013.
  40. ↑ "40 Tyler Seau". Delta State University Athletics. 2010. Retrieved January 9, 2013.
  41. ↑ Lieber Steeg, Jill (October 21, 2012). "Junior Seau: Bitter endgame". San Diego Union-Tribune. Archived from the original on May 18, 2017. Retrieved January 9, 2013.
  42. ↑ Trotter, Jim (October 27, 2003). "Seau says his career has been rejuvenated with trade to Miami, but he'd rather be here". San Diego Union-Tribune. Archived from the original on February 10, 2004. Retrieved January 17, 2011.
  43. ↑ "Junior Seau: Biography". TV Guide. Retrieved January 17, 2011.
  44. ↑ "2019 Men's Lacrosse Roster: Jake Seau". Duke Athletics. 2019.
  45. ↑ Shore, Phil (June 20, 2019). "Dallas Rattlers Looking to Build Chemistry Amid Slow Start". US Lacrosse Magazine.
  46. ↑ Martinez, Michael; Pratley, Sara; Botelho, Gerg (October 18, 2010). "Former NFL star Junior Seau drives car off cliff, police say". CNN. Archived from the original on March 20, 2012.
  47. ↑ "Ian Seau". Yahoo! Sports. Archived from the original on November 13, 2014.
  48. ↑ "Junior Seau's Nephew Ian Signs with Buffalo Bills". Bleach Report. April 11, 2017. Retrieved April 19, 2023.
  49. ↑ Loh, Stefanie (August 29, 2014). "Aztecs' Micah Seau excited for 1st start". San Diego Union-Tribune. Archived from the original on February 12, 2019.
  50. ↑ Maffei, John (June 4, 2016). "Football veteran Pulu Poumele dies". San Diego Union-Tribune. Archived from the original on April 28, 2019. Retrieved June 11, 2016.
  51. 1 2 Duke, Alan; Chelsea J. Carter (May 3, 2012). "Junior Seau's death classified as a suicide". CNN.com. Retrieved May 3, 2012.
  52. 1 2 Lieber Steeg, Jill (August 21, 2012). "Seau autoposy: No illicit drugs or brain damage". U-T San Diego. Archived from the original on May 1, 2015.
  53. ↑ Lendon, Brad (August 21, 2012). "Autopsy: No apparent damage to Seau's brain". CNN.
  54. 1 2 Smith, Michael David, "Boston researchers request Junior Seau’s brain". NBCSports Pro Football Talk, May 3, 2012. Retrieved May 3, 2012.
  55. ↑ Lopresti, Mike (May 2, 2012). "Is Junior Seau death part of a bigger problem?". USA Today. Archived from the original on May 12, 2012.
  56. ↑ "Ex-Patriots LB Ted Johnson speaks". ESPN.com. Associated Press. May 18, 2012. Archived from the original on May 23, 2012.
  57. ↑ "Junior Seau death raises questions". ESPN.com. May 3, 2012. Archived from the original on May 6, 2012.
  58. ↑ "Junior Seau's death ruled a suicide". ESPN.com. Associated Press. May 3, 2012. Archived from the original on May 4, 2012.
  59. ↑ Wilson, Bernie; Flaccus, Gillian (May 3, 2012). "Junior Seau latest in a series of NFL veterans' deaths". The Seattle Times. Associated Press. Archived from the original on May 8, 2012.
  60. ↑ Moore, David Leon; Brady, Erik (May 31, 2012). "Junior Seau's final days plagued by sleepless nights". USA Today. Archived from the original on May 31, 2012.
  61. 1 2 Mihocoes, Gary (August 20, 2012). "Seau autopsy finds sleep-aid, no drugs of abuse". USA Today.
  62. ↑ Perry, Terry (August 21, 2012). "National Institutes of Health to study Junior Seau brain tissue". Los Angeles Times.
  63. ↑ "Junior Seau's autopsy shows no illegal drugs, alcohol". NFL.com (The Associated Press). August 20, 2012.
  64. ↑ "Seau family revisiting brain decision". ESPN.com. May 6, 2012. Archived from the original on May 6, 2012.
  65. ↑ Alan Duke; Chelsea J. Carter (May 4, 2012). "Doctors to examine Junior Seau's brain". CNN. Retrieved May 4, 2012.
  66. 1 2 Given, Karen (May 12, 2012). "Researchers Compete For Athletes' Brains". wbur.org. Archived from the original on May 15, 2012.
  67. ↑ Farmer, Sam (May 3, 2012). "Family of Junior Seau will allow his brain to be studied". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on May 5, 2012.
  68. 1 2 Fainaru-Wada, Mark; Avila, Jim; Fainaru, Steve (January 10, 2013). "Doctors: Junior Seau's brain had CTE". ESPN.com. Retrieved January 10, 2013.
  69. 1 2 Lavelle, Janet (July 12, 2012). "Seau brain tissue donated for research". U-T San Diego. Archived from the original on May 1, 2015.
  70. ↑ "Family Makes Decision Regarding Seau's Brain". 10News.com. February 10, 2012. Archived from the original on September 6, 2012.
  71. ↑ Pilon, Mary (July 12, 2012). "Seau Brain Tissue Is Donated to National Institute for Study". New York Times. Archived from the original on August 31, 2012.
  72. ↑ Avila, Jim (January 10, 2013). "Junior Seau Diagnosed With Disease Caused by Hits to Head: Exclusive". abcnews.com. Retrieved January 10, 2013.
  73. ↑ "Seau's family sues NFL over brain injuries - Yahoo! Sports". sports.yahoo.com. Archived from the original on January 26, 2013.
  74. ↑ Busbee, Jay (September 3, 2014). "Junior Seau's family opts out of NFL concussion settlement". yahoo.com. Retrieved September 8, 2014.
  75. ↑ Figueroa, Teri (October 5, 2018). "Family of Junior Seau reaches settlement with NFL in wrongful death suit". The San Diego Union-Tribune. Retrieved March 1, 2022.
  76. ↑ "The driving force behind Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE)". Concussion Legacy Foundation. Retrieved July 2, 2023.
  77. ↑ Ken Belson and Benjamin Mueller (June 20, 2023). "Collective Force of Head Hits, Not Just the Number of Them, Increases Odds of C.T.E. The largest study of chronic traumatic encephalopathy to date found that the cumulative force of head hits absorbed by players in their careers is the best predictor of future brain disease". The New York Times. Retrieved July 2, 2023.
  78. 1 2 3 Canepa, Nick (May 3, 2012). "Celebrate Seau as a player". U-T San Diego. Archived from the original on February 5, 2013.
  79. ↑ "Junior Seau Inducted Into Chargers Hall Of Fame". 10News.com. November 27, 2011. Retrieved November 29, 2011.
  80. ↑ "Junior Seau's No. 55 officially retired by San Diego Chargers". NFL.com.
  81. ↑ Huard, Ray. "Council names beach amphitheater, rec center for Seau". Archived from the original on May 19, 2012.
  82. ↑ Horn, Jonathan. "Oceanside beachfront landmarks named for Seau".
  83. ↑ "Hall of Champions to induct Seau on Feb. 25". U-T San Diego. Associated Press. September 17, 2012. Retrieved September 25, 2012. The board of directors at the San Diego Hall of Champions has decided to forego the normal voting process and induct Junior Seau into the Breitbard Hall of Fame on Feb. 25.
  84. ↑ Rosenthal, Gregg (May 2, 2012). "Junior Seau will be eligible for Hall of Fame in 2015". NFL.com. Archived from the original on May 31, 2012.
  85. ↑ "Yahoo Sports NFL".
  86. ↑ Belson, Ken (July 24, 2015). "Junior Seau's Family Will Not Be Allowed to Speak at His Hall of Fame Induction". The New York Times. Archived from the original on July 25, 2015.
  87. 1 2 Sandomir, Larry (August 9, 2015). "After Sydney Seau, Football Hall of Fame Policy Will Be Tested Again". The New York Times. Retrieved August 10, 2015.
  88. 1 2 3 Seau, Sydney (August 8, 2015). "The Hall of Fame Speech Junior Seau's Daughter Couldn't Give". The New York Times. Retrieved August 10, 2015.
  89. ↑ Feldman, Jacob (September 20, 2018). "Despite Trying To Mend Fences With the NFL, ESPN Is Airing a '30-For-30' on Junior Seau". Sports Illustrated.
  90. ↑ Busbee, Jay (September 19, 2018). "'Seau,' new documentary, traces an NFL tragedy". Yahoo Sports.
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