Seau's Death

Former NFL LB Junior Seau dies at 43.

Former San Diego Chargers, Miami Dolphins and New England Patriots LB Junior Seau claimed his life in his home in Oceanside, CA Wednesday morning at the young age of 43, bringing up questions on concussions among football players once again. Seau decided to shoot himself in the chest instead of the head, which is identical to the course of action former Chicago Bears S Dave Duerson took when he killed himself. Duerson left a note asking for his brain to be examined.

There was no note left by Seau, but he most likely shot himself in the chest because he wants his brain examined as well. This piece of information can be used against the NFL in the lawsuits former players are filing against the NFL. Everyone will be searching for answers in the next couple of days, and Sports Illustrated's Peter King already reported Boston University wants to research his brain. Answers will be coming soon in that event.

However, for the city of San Diego, they only have two sports heroes. That would be Junior Seau and Tony Gwynn. With Seau's death, this hits Chargers fans and the city of San Diego very hard. Seau has been in California for the majority of his life, growing up in Oceanside and attending USC before playing with the Chargers for 12 seasons. To the Southern half of California, Seau's death stings as well.

The grief and dismay his mother displayed was very real, and it's something no parent wants to deal with ever in life. The problem remains, where does the sport of football go from here? Of course, the NFL will thrive in the foreseeable future. What if suicides from retired players continue to occur? There are many players currently playing who are saying they know the game is violent and know the consequences they may have to suffer when their careers are over.

With this lawsuit from retired players coming to mind, how did they not know the dangers of crashing into each other numerous times a game? Why did they believe that returning to the game with a concussion wouldn't have possible long-term effects on the brain? A concussion is an injury that occurs from blow that causes the brain to move. I'm pretty sure doctors and medical personnel knew that back then. Why weren't the players proactive back then in making sure they were doing the right thing for their health?

The retired players have no one to blame but themselves. Sure, the NFL could've been much better in educating the players on concussion and other head injuries. The NFL also should've been much more supportive of these players in their retirement, as opposed to having them attempt to find their way when their careers are over. These players, however, should've known that constant blows to the head would have an effect on their livelihood.

As for Seau, his death should encourage retired players to talk with as many people as possible if they are depressed or going through problems. Marcellus Wiley, former teammate of Seau in San Diego who's an NFL analyst on ESPN now, said Seau had too much pride during his playing days and even in retirement. It appeared no one knew Seau was going through problems. Obviously he was, and it's simply an awful and devastating time for his family and friends. Many others can certainly learn from this and make sure their loved ones are okay.