Junior Seau suffered from CTE

• 10 months ago
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Junior Seau Had No Drugs Or Alcohol In His System, According To Autopsy

According to multiple reports, Junior Seau had no drugs or alcohol discovered in his system during his autopsy.

The ex-San Diego Chargers and New England Patriots star linebacker committed suicide on May 2 earlier this year, without leaving a reason behind.

Reuters reports the toxicology report found therapeutic levels of a sleep aid were found in his system, but no substances of abuse such as drugs or alcohol. The sleeping medicine that was present in Seau is known as Zolpidem.

Seau had trouble sleeping for many years, according to friends that knew him. At times, they say he didn't always take the sleeping medication as prescribed, according to SI.com.

Workout partner Nancy Emsley told Seau he needed to sleep for eight hours after taking a sleeping aid. Unfortunately she says, "he just rolled his eyes."

Seau is the third ex-NFL player to take his own life since 2011, along with ex-safeties Ray Easterling and Dave Duerson.

For more on Junior Seau, please be sure to check out our Football Hub and SBNation.com for all the latest news and updates.

• 11 months ago
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Junior Seau's Brain Tissue Will Be Used For Research

Junior Seau's family has decided to release parts of his brain tissue for research into whether football-related injuries contributed to his decision to commit suicide, according to an Associate Press report. Seau shot himself in the chest at his California home in May.

Seau didn't leave a note, but his brain — which will be donated to the National Institutes of Health — will join Dave Duerson's as former NFL players who committed suicide. Duerson famously shot himself in the chest in Feb. 2011 and left a suicide note requesting his brain be donated to concussion research.

Seau, a future Hall of Fame linebacker, was just 43 when he took his own life, and his death launched the largest conversation yet about the effect repeated blows to the head have on the brain, and how the NFL has handled players suffering from concussion symptoms. The disease associated with concussion-related brain deterioration, chronic traumatic encephalopathy, can only be diagnosed in an autopsy.

• about 1 year ago
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Chargers Will Retire Junior Seau's No. 55

The NFL community was shocked at the tragic death of former All Pro linebacker Junior Seau. Seau played the majority of his career with the San Diego Chargers and will join a select few former Chargers by having his jersey, the iconic No. 55, retired according to Chargers President Dean Spanos.

"Junior's accomplishments on the field speak for themselves," Spanos said. "His play on the field combined with his leadership and charisma became the face of this team for more than a decade. I can't think of anyone more deserving of this honor."

Seau's No. 55 is only the third number in Chargers history to be retired, joining Lance Alworth's No. 19 and Dan Fouts' No. 14. Fouts' number was retired in 1988 and Alworth's was retired in 2005. The Chargers will also dedicate their Sept. 16 matchup with the Tennessee Titans to the memory of Junior Seau.

For continued coverage and reaction on Seau's death, visit Chargers blog Bolts From The Blue.

• about 1 year ago
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Junior Seau Memorial Service To Be Held May 11 At Qualcomm Stadium

The San Diego Chargers announced Sunday that the memorial service remembering Junior Seau, the 12-time Pro Bowl linebacker who died of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound May 2, will be held at 6:30 p.m. local time, May 11, at Qualcomm Stadium. From the Chargers' official website:

The ceremony is open to the public and parking and admission are free. The Celebration of Life will allow San Diegans to join in a community-wide tribute to their native son who passed away on Wednesday, May 2. Special guest speakers will share stories and memories of the positive impact Seau made on them and countless others.

The parking lot at Qualcomm Stadium will open at 2 pm and the stadium gates will open at 4:30 pm. There is no reserve seating and a large crowd is expected, so fans are urged to arrive early and carpool or take the Trolley.

For continued coverage and reaction on Seau's death, visit Chargers blog Bolts From The Blue.

• about 1 year ago
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Junior Seau Played Through Concussions, Says Ex-Wife

As the world processes the news of Junior Seau's sudden suicide this week, many have asked whether there's any connection to concussions suffered his twenty year football career. For now, the answer is complicated.

On one hand, ESPN's Adam Schefter noted on Wednesday that Seau was never once listed on an NFL injury report with a concussion. But he also said, "It doesn't mean he didn't have any." It will be weeks and possibly months before we know for sure whether Seau's brain had changed thanks to football, but as for the concussion question, Thursday brought another wrinkle.

ESPN asked Seau's ex-wife, Gina, if he'd ever played through concussions. Her response: "Of course he had. He always bounced back and kept on playing. He's a warrior. That didn't stop him. I don't know what football player hasn't. It's not ballet. It's part of the game."

So, while that's not definitive proof, it sure sounds like Seau may have played through more pain than we knew. And as we learn more about what role (if any) those concussions played in bringing Seau toward suicide, "it's part of the game" could become a lot more complicated.

• about 1 year ago
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Tim Brown Says Adjusting To Life After Football A Factor In Junior Seau's Death

The suicide of former San Diego Chargers and New England Patriots linebacker Junior Seau sent shock waves through the NFL world on Wednesday. In the wake of Seau's death a number of individuals and media outlets have questioned whether or not Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy had a role in the conditions that lead to his death. Not so fast says Tim Brown, a former NFL player and friend of Seau.

Brown made a Thursday appearance on 95.7 The Game, a San Francisco sports radio station, urging caution in the rush to pin Seau's death on the effects of CTE.

But when you look at the guys who do this, you don't see Roger Staubach committing suicide. You don't see some of the more successful players doing this. It's all guys who are having a few problems. You can say what you want - does the CTE cause the depression? Does the CTE cause these guys not to be able to adapt? That's another whole story. But all I'm saying is it seems like all these guys who are having this issue, going back to the center, Mike Webster, for the Steelers, it's all guys who are having issues adjusting to life after football.

A number of factors can impact mental health, factors beyond concussions. Determining whether or not head trauma played a role in Seau's death will take time.

Head over to Bolts From The Blue, where fans are remembering the legendary former San Diego Chargers linebacker.

• about 1 year ago
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AFC West Teams React To Junior Seau's Death

The death of Junior Seau on Tuesday didn't just affect his immediate family and the teams he played for, it affected fans of football in general, as Seau was one of the most fun players to watch in recent memory. He spent the vast majority of his career in the AFC West, so the Kansas City Chiefs, Oakland Raiders and Denver Broncos are very familiar with Seau. He was one of the most respected players in the NFL, and most players considered him a friend, as he called everyone "Buddy."

Chiefs general manager Scott Pioli released a statement on Wednesday night regarding Seau's death:

I'm shocked and saddened by the tragic passing of Junior Seau. Junior was a phenomenal football player, but more importantly a great man who I considered a friend. He was a player that always reminded us that football should be fun and he was a true joy to be around. This is a tremendous loss for all of those who were blessed to cross his path. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

The Oakland Raiders as an organization released the following statement on Wednesday as well:

We are deeply saddened by the news of the passing of Junior Seau. Junior's great passion, intensity and love for the game were evident every time he stepped on the football field. He was a formidable competitor who left an indelible mark on the game of football. We extend our most sincere condolences to his family and the Charger organization.

Former Denver Broncos quarterback and current general manager John Elway played against Seau for many seasons and released a statement on his death:

"I had the pleasure of playing against Junior for many years," Elway said via Twitter. "He played the game the way it was meant to be played. We shared a lot of laughs from our AFC West battles when I saw Junior before he was inducted into the Chargers Hall of Fame in November.

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

Current Broncos head coach John Fox coached Seau while he was with the Chargers from 1992-93 as the Chargers linebackers coach and released a statement:

"Junior was an incredible leader who played with great passion. Coaching on a defense that included him has been one of the most memorable experiences of my career. We had a great relationship. I have an enormous amount of respect for him as a player and a person.

"I offer my sympathies to his family."

Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning entered the NFL in 1998 and had the chance to play against Seau in a handful of games and remembers him as a passionate friend:

"To me, Junior had a quality of making the people around him feel special and comfortable. It didn't matter what environment he was in-he had just a great energy and an aura about him that people gravitated to. That's why he was such a great leader. I always felt good being around him. He was truly a one-of-a-kind football player and a one-of-a-kind person just because of his passion."

Head over to Bolts From The Blue, where fans are remembering the legendary former San Diego Chargers linebacker.

• about 1 year ago
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Researchers Seek Junior Seau's Brain

Former NFL linebacker Junior Seau is believed to have committed suicide on Wednesday, but it was in a method in which isn't typical. Seau died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the chest, and some presume that was so that his brain could be used for scientific study, similar to former NFL player Dave Duerson, who left a note stating he wanted his brain used for study.

According to Peter King of Sports Illustrated, some researchers are trying to obtain Seau's brain for research.

Dedicated researchers in Boston studying deceased players' brains for evidence of trauma attempting to obtain Junior Seau's. Hope they do.

— Peter King (@SI_PeterKing) May 3, 2012

As of right now Seau's death is being investigated as a suicide, but a note has yet to be found nor were Seau's intentions for how he ended his life known. The connection between the two players deaths is one that can be easily made, but it's clear that Seau struggled with his time away from football, as many players seem to do. Researchers have been trying to study former NFL players brains to try to determine a link between concussions and cases of dementia and depression later in life.

Head over to Bolts From The Blue, where fans are remembering the legendary former San Diego Chargers linebacker.

• about 1 year ago
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Zach Thomas On His 'Hero' Junior Seau

Former San Diego Chargers, Miami Dolphins, and New England Patriots linebacker Junior Seau touched a lot of people during his life and tenure in the National Football League. He was affectionately referred to as "Buddy" by many NFL players, and you'd be hard-pressed to find a player who didn't consider him a friend, despite his tenacious play on the football field.

Seau spent three seasons with the Miami Dolphins after leaving the Chargers and spent some time playing alongside Dolphins great Zach Thomas. Thomas recently released a statement on Seau's death, calling him his "Hero" and "the greatest linebacker to ever play the game".

"I have never been around a man with more love and passion for the game of football than Junior Seau, and he lived life the same way. Junior was always fun to be around, always positive and made every person who knew him feel like he was their best friend. You never heard one negative word come out of his mouth. Junior just had this energy that followed him around wherever he went, almost like theme music. It was like he never had a bad day.

"As a young linebacker, Junior was my hero growing up and once I had the opportunity meet him I saw that he was everything I hoped he would be and more. Getting the chance to play along side of Junior Seau, the greatest linebacker to ever play the game, made my dreams come true. I am absolutely devastated to hear this news. Today I lost my hero, my friend, my buddy."

Head over to Bolts From The Blue, where fans are remembering the legendary former San Diego Chargers linebacker.

• about 1 year ago
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NFLPA Releases Statement On Junior Seau's Death

The NFL Players Association has released the following statement in response to the sudden death of former NFL linebacker Junior Seau:

The NFL Players Association is saddened to hear of the passing of Junior Seau, a terrific player and teammate. The 12-time Pro Bowler achieved a level of success on the field that is unparalleled and his off-the-field service accomplishments are beyond admirable. The All-Decade Team linebacker’s career spanned an incredible 20 seasons, and Junior Seau’s determination and passion for the game will always be remembered in the hearts and minds of the fans. The NFLPA player family today joins with the Seau family to mourn a brother lost too soon.

Seau's accomplishments on the field leave him as one of the most decorated linebackers in NFL history. His 12 Pro Bowl selections are second only to Ray Lewis of the Baltimore Ravens (13) for the most ever at the position.

Head over to Bolts From The Blue, where fans are remembering the legendary former San Diego Chargers linebacker.

• about 1 year ago
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Junior Seau Did Not Leave Suicide Note, According To Report

Police reported Wednesday afternoon that Junior Seau did not leave a suicide note before apparently taking his own life. The New York Times' Greg Bishop notes that it is still possible that a note could be found, or that it may have been left electronically. Police do not expect to have the full results from the investigation until next week.

Seau did reportedly contact family members via text messages sent Tuesday night. He did not mention suicide at the time, however, instead telling his ex-wife, Gina Seau, and each their three children together "I love you" in separate texts.

The former San Diego Chargers linebacker was discovered by his girlfriend in his Oceanside, Calif., home when she returned from the gym. A call was placed to dispatchers afterwards reporting a possible suicide.

For more reactions from Seau's death, stay tuned to this StoryStream. Head over to Bolts From The Blue, where fans are remembering the legendary former San Diego Chargers linebacker.

• about 1 year ago
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Junior Seau Sent 'I Love You' Texts To Family Members Day Before Death

More details surrounding Junior Seau's apparent suicide Wednesday afternoon continue to pour in. The latest comes from the San Diego Union-Tribune, which reports that Seau contacted family members, including his ex-wife and their three children together, via text messages sent Tuesday night. From the Union-Tribune:

Seau's ex-wife, Gina Seau, of Fairbanks Ranch, said that on Tuesday he texted her, and each of their three children, separate messages: "I love you."

"We're all in shock," she said. "We're beyond sad and beyond shocked. The kids and I are just huddled together at home. There is no way to make sense of this."

Other family members have spoken publicly since the news of Seau's death was initially reported. Seau's mother Luisa Seau sobbed in front of reporters at the scene.

"I don't understand, I don't know anything," his mother said. "I'm shocked. I appreciate everyone, show your love to my son."

Seau's sister, Annette, asked for privacy as the family grieves, saying, "My brother was a loving brother and a caring citizen."

For more reactions from Seau's death, stay tuned to this StoryStream. Head over to Bolts From The Blue where fans are remembering the legendary former San Diego Chargers linebacker.

• about 1 year ago
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Patriots Release Statement On Junior Seau's Death

Junior Seau, longtime NFL player, has died at the age of 43 due to an apparent suicide. Seau played for three teams and ended his 20-year career with the New England Patriots, who issued a statement on Wednesday remembering Seau's contributions to the team.

"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."

Seau's playing time declined in each of his four seasons in New England but the Patriots often bring in guys like Seau for the positive impact they'll have on their younger players who are becoming acclimated to the NFL.

Seau spent 13 of his 20 NFL seasons with the Chargers, who released a statement on his death.

• about 1 year ago
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Junior Seau's Passion Was Unmatched, Chargers' Norv Turner Says

Longtime San Diego Chargers linebacker Junior Seau has died from what police are characterizing as a possible suicide. Seau, 43, played in the NFL for 20 years, and 13 of those came in San Diego. Current Chargers head coach Norv Turner released a statement on the awful news out of San Diego.

"I have no words to describe the passing of Junior Seau. It is a sad, sad day not only for me, but for the whole sports community. 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."

Seau's charitable contributions to the San Diego community were also noted by Chargers team president Dean Spanos.

Chargers fans are remembering Seau over at SB Nation's Bolts From The Blue.

• about 1 year ago
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USC Football Comments On Junior Seau's Death: 'Tremendously Saddened'

The USC Trojans lost one of their all-time greats on Wednesday, when future Pro Football Hall of Famer Junior Seau was found dead at his home from an apparent suicide. In response, USC athletic director Pat Haden and football coach Lane Kiffin released remarks via a statement.

Pat: "We are tremendously saddened to hear this news and our hearts go out to his family and children. Junior Seau was one of the greatest legends in USC football history. He will always be remembered by USC as the original No. 55."

Kiffin: "This is a very sad day. The USC football program and the entire Trojan Family extends our condolences to Junior's family. He was one of the greatest Trojans of all-time. Our team and fans were very fortunate to see him just a couple of weeks ago at our Spring Game at the Coliseum. He will be deeply missed."

Seau played 27 years worth of football from high school onward, all but seven of those years in southern California, first making his name as a three-sport star at Oceanside High in San Diego. He was named a Parade All-American as a linebacker and tight end, but had to clean up his academic record before being able to take the field for the Trojans.

For young football players of a certain generation, Dick Butkus' No. 51 was the choice for ambitious linebackers. Then, Lawrence Taylor's No. 56. For the next crop, it was Seau's No. 55, especially for West Coast players. The Trojans adopted the number as a legacy honor, similar to Michigan's use of jersey No. 1, after the mark Seau made. The two-time unanimous All-American helped establish USC as one of the premier linebacker factories, with Clay Matthews, Willie McGinest and Brian Cushing among the many who followed him.

He returned to USC often over the years, appearing on the sidelines in Trojans gear just weeks ago at their annual spring game.

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• about 1 year ago
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Chargers Owner On Junior Seau's Death: 'Heart And Soul' Of Our Team

The San Diego Chargers community and the rest of the NFL are mourning the death of longtime Chargers linebacker Junior Seau, who died of a gunshot wound to the chest on Wednesday. Police are investigating the death as a suicide.

Chargers owner Dean Spanos talked to KUSI News in San Diego shortly after his death and commented on Seau staying true to his roots in San Diego.

"His roots are here. He's been a part of, even when he left and played back out east, his roots and his home were here. He never forgot about San Diego. He's been back here for a number of years now. He's well respected and loved in this community."

Spanos remembered the Chargers inducting Seau into the Chargers Hall of Fame last year and "you could hear the roar of the fans and the love and appreciate of this guy."

Spanos said Seau was the "heart and soul" of so many of those Chargers teams, including the team that went to the Super Bowl 17 years ago.

"He was the heart and soul of our team for so many years. Even after he left, his roots and his home were still here. Just people loved him and admired him. It's obviously shocking."

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Seau family.

Please visit SB Nation's Chargers blog, Bolts From The Blue, where they're remembering Seau.

• about 1 year ago
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Junior Seau Now 8th Member Of '94 Chargers To Pass Away

• about 1 year ago
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NFL Players React To Junior Seau's Death

Former San Diego Chargers LB Junior Seau is dead of a gunshot wound to the chest, according to police in Oceanside, California. Police confirmed that Seau's death is being treated as a suicide.

Moments after news broke of Seau's death, former and current NFL players took to Twitter to send out thoughts, prayers and memories of the San Diego legend.

LeCharles Bentley: Any other smart ass player want to question why the league is cracking down? One of THE baddest dudes MAY have just killed himself....

Rich Gannon: My thoughts and prayers go out to the Seau family. Junior was a special player and person. A true legend. He will be missed.

Scott Fujita: Lew Bush, and now Junior Seau...two men I've admired & looked up to for years. This is hard. Prayers are with their families.

Ross Tucker: Awful Junior Seau news. Not sure people fully appreciate his unbelievable career. Rare breed.

Kirk Morrison: I first met Junior Seau when I was 18 yrs old and a Freshmen at San Diego State. He actually told me I had NFL potential and I believed it.

Shawne Merriman: Please people tell me Seau is just rumors

Reggie Bush: Damn this one hurts San Diego! One of the greatest to to come from the city.

Terrell Davis: I Just heard the sad news that Jr. Seau has Passed away. One of the greatest sports figures from San Diego. #tragic

Kurt Warner: Saddened 2 hear of the death of NFL GREAT Junior Seau! A great football player but an even GREATER man! He will b missed!

Ryan Kerrigan: Thoughts and prayers with Junior Seau's family.. Sad, sad day for football #55 #RIP

Eric Winston: RIP Junior. Loved watching you play.

Matt Barkley: #RIPJuniorSeau You were one of the greatest Trojans of all time!

Brian Cushing: Wow shocked right now, I tapped Juniors picture every single day before heading out to practice at USC. R.I.P. to a legend n awesome person.

Tony Boselli: Extremely sad about the passing of Junior Seau. Just 3 weeks ago I spent the weekend w/him at USC. He was a great Trojans & will b missed!

Eric Barton: Seau is the one and only autograph I have ever got in my life. I wrote him a letter when I was in high school he sent me a picture and a hat

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

• about 1 year ago
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Police Confirm Junior Seau Dies From Gunshot Wound, Suicide Suspected

"Life saving efforts were formed on Mr. Seau," police said in a press conference. "However, they were not successful. Mr. Seau has deceased. This case at this point is being investigated as a suicide. A handgun was found near the body. As you can see this is a very fluid situation and our investigators are continuing their investigation in this matter. Pur hearts and prayers as a city go out to the Seau family."

• about 1 year ago
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Chargers Release Statement On Junior Seau's Death, Ask For Prayers

Junior Seau was found dead in his Oceanside, Calif., home Wednesday afternoon with a reportedly self-inflicted gunshot wound to the chest. The new comes as a sad shock to everyone, but especially to the San Diego Chargers organization and their fans. Seau played for three different teams in his NFL career but made his name as a member of the Chargers for 13 seasons. The organization has already responded to the tragedy, releasing a 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."

Seau was born in San Diego on Jan. 19, 1969, and went on to play college football for the USC Trojans where he was a two-time unanimous All-American selection. He returned to his hometown when he was taken by the Chargers with No. 5 overall pick of the 1990 NFL Draft.

For more reactions and developments, please stay tuned to this StoryStream.

• about 1 year ago
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Junior Seau Dies; Police Press Conference Expected Soon

Former San Diego Chargers linebacker Junior Seau is dead, according to a number of reports. Seau, 43, died of an apparently self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to reports. No other official information is available.

Police are expected to hold a press conference to share any details, according to TMZ.com.

TMZ reports that a number of people, including fans, have started showing up at his house after the news broke. TMZ reported that the scene at Seau's house was "hysterical" as friends and family began to arrive at the house.

Seau leaves behind three children.

The Chargers selected Seau in the 1st round of the 1990 NFL Draft and it was one of the best decisions the franchise has ever made. Seau went on to play 13 years in San Diego, and 20 years in the NFL overall.

Please visit SB Nation's Chargers blog, Bolts From The Blue, where they're remembering Seau.

• about 1 year ago
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Junior Seau Dead; Suicide Reportedly Suspected

Former San Diego Chargers linebacker Junior Seau has died of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to a number of reports. TMZ initially reported that Seau was dead and a number of other reports have followed up stating the death is a suicide. A housekeeper found Seau with a gunshot wound to the chest, according to the reports.

We have no official statements from the police at this point. Officers are investigating the scene at his Oceanside home. Police are expected to conduct a press conference with any updates sometime on Wednesday.

Officers were called to Seau's home on Wednesday morning regarding a shooting. The coroner has now arrived on the scene at his house, according to TMZ. The North County Times reports that Oceanside Mayor Jim Wood became aware of Seau's death from police Chief Frank McCoy.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Seau family.