An incredible combination of speed, strength and desire, Junior Seau played 13 years with the San Diego Chargers and 3 years with the Miami Dolphins. After a one day retirement in 2006, Junior answered a call by the New England Patriots and returned to the NFL as number 55 on the Patriots team.  Junior is considered by many as one of the best linebackers in NFL history.  In 2002, he was voted to a record 12th-consecutive Pro Bowl which ties him for the most Pro Bowl nominations by any NFL player since 1970.  In 2007 Seau embarked on his 18th NFL Season, the second most consecutive seasons played by a linebacker. (Clay Matthews played 19 seasons, 1978 – 96).  2007 will be Junior’s second season with the Patriots.
 
Throughout his career, Seau has managed to post some astonishing statistics. While playing in 241 games during his 17-year career he has racked up 1,794 tackles, 53 sacks, 15 interceptions, 12 forced fumbles and 17 fumble recoveries.  He's been the team leader in tackles in eight of his 17 seasons. He was the Chargers' top pick and the fifth player selected overall in the 1990 NFL Draft.  Led the Chargers in tackles in 8 of his 13 years with the Chargers; averaged more than 104 tackles a season and more than 7 tackles a game over his career; registered 47 sacks during his tenure with the Chargers, third most in franchise history.  He is tied for first on San Diego’s all-time list for games played with 200.
 
Among his many honors, Seau was the San Diego Chargers' Most Valuable Player for six seasons (1993, 1997-2001) and the Defensive Player of the Year twice (1998-99). He also was voted the Chargers’ Most Inspirational Player in 1997 and 2002.  In 2000, he was named to the Chargers 40th Anniversary All-Time Team; the Pro Football Hall of Fame's All-Decade Team for the '90s and the NFL Alumni Association's Linebacker of the Year.  1994 was a "Super" season for Junior – he was selected as the True Value NFL Man of the Year and led the Chargers to Super Bowl XXIX against the San Francisco 49ers.  He was named the AFC Co-Defensive Player of the Month for September 2002 and has been a first-team All-Pro pick by the Associated Press six times during his career (1992-94, 1996, 1998, 2000) and was a second-team selection on two occasions (1995, 1999). He received the Miami Dolphins Don Shula Leadership Award for 2 consecutive years (2003-04).  The Junior Seau Foundation was ranked the 13th largest Professional Athlete Foundation (based on assets) by the Wall Street Journal, April 28, 2007.

Junior Seau was honored by President George W. Bush at the White House in 2005. President Bush presented Junior with the Volunteer Service Award recognizing his efforts to serve others through the Junior Seau Foundation.

As great a player as Seau is on the field, he is equally amazing off the field.  He is a loving father, an astute businessman and a community leader.  Honors bestowed upon Junior for his charitable endeavors include True Value Hardware NFL Man of the Year (1994); National Boys and Girls Clubs Hall of Fame (1999); San Diego Hall of Champions Professional Star of the Year (1992); NFL United Way representative (San Diego Chargers: 1992 and 1999); A Magazine: One of 100 most influential Asian Americans (1990’s); JB Award which recognizes NFL players for dedication to build better families and stronger communities (2005); Named Sporting News Miami Dolphin Good Guy (2004); Family Justice Center Heroes of Hope Honoree (2006); Named Community Partner of the Year by Center for Community Solutions (2007); Spokesman for the National Beer Wholesaler’s Association appearing on national PSA’s to curb underage drinking and stop illegal alcohol consumption among youth.  He received the 2003 Spirit of San Diego Award from the San Diego Chamber of Commerce for community commitment and leadership.
 
The 5th of 6 children, Junior was born Tiaina B. Seau, Jr., on January 19, 1969, in San Diego, California. He attended Oceanside High School where he lettered in football, basketball, and track.  Parade magazine named him to its high school All-American team simply as an athlete - refusing to specify a particular position. Upon graduation, Junior accepted a football scholarship to the University of Southern California.  While at USC, he was named unanimous first-team All-American after recording 19 sacks and 27 tackles behind the line of scrimmage in 1989.
 
Junior established the Junior Seau Foundation in 1992 to raise money and resources for programs that inspire young people to face life’s challenges with enthusiasm, hope and dignity.  From its inception, The Junior Seau Foundation has given San Diego–area youth ongoing support.  Since January 2003, $2,725,647 has been allocated to organizations and programs serving children (includes annual funding of an endowment).  In 2006, the Foundation was awarded a $900,000 technology grant from Fujitsu Computer Products of America.  The infusion of technology will directly benefit three organizations serving children in San Diego.
 
Junior opened SEAU’S the Restaurant in San Diego in July 1996.  SEAU'S quickly became San Diego's premier sports-themed restaurant (seau.com).  In July 2006, SEAU’S celebrated its 10th Anniversary. 

For more information on Junior Seau or his foundation visit: www.juniorseau.org.

Junior Seau
Founder and President

Junior throws out the first pitch during the opening
week of PETCO Park at the Los Angeles Dodgers
vs. San Diego Padres game.