New England Patriots: A Look Back at Junior Seau

The NFL Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony was last night, and one of the players inducted was long time NFL linebacker Junior Seau. Seau spent the final 4 years of his career in New England, let’s take a look back on his hall of fame career.

Seau was the 5th overall pick by the Chargers in the 1990 NFL draft. Known for his passion for the game, as well as his incredible ability on the field, Seau went to the Pro-Bowl every year from 1991-2002 and was named AFC defensive player of the year twice (92 & 98).

Before the start of the 2003 season, Seau was traded to the Dolphins. During his stay in Miami, he was one of their best defensive players, even after being in the league for over a decade. Seau battled through injuries towards the end of his Miami stint and the team decided to release him in 2006. After the release, Seau decided that he would retire from the NFL, calling it his “graduation”.

Not even a week after announcing his retirement, Seau signed with the Patriots (primarily because his former Chargers’ teammate, Rodney Harrison, now with the Patriots, convinced him). Seau started 10 games for the Patriots before breaking his arm against the Bears (you remember that game, the one where Brady shook Urlacher). Seau ended the 2006 season on IR. The Patriots re-signed Seau for the 2007 season and he was named one of the Patriots captains, but, despite the teams’ best efforts, they lost to the Giants in the Superbowl.

After an onslaught of injuries in the 2008 season, Seau was signed as a free agent midway through the season. He played in 4 total games and started 2.

The Patriots agreed to re-sign Seau for the 2009 season, he was active for 7 games and made 14 tackles. Following the 2009 season, Seau stated that planned to retire from the NFL for good.

During Seau’s impressive NFL career, he totaled over 1,800 tackles (over 1,400 of which were solo),  over 50 sacks, and 18 interceptions. He was inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame last night, a well deserved end to someone who literally game his life to football.