Former San Diego linebacker Junior Seau’s number 55 was retired before the home opener this past weekend, and he will be inducted into the San Diego Hall of Champions on Chargers Park on February 25, 2013, at the Hall’s annual banquet.
“He’s one of ours,” said Denise Cooper, interim Hall president.
Seau was arguably the greatest Charger ever. He played 13 of his 20 NFL seasons with the Chargers, and was one of the most honored linebackers in NFL history. He went to 12 Pro Bowls, was an eight time First Team All Pro, two time AFC Champion, NEA NFL Defensive Player of the Year, and was a member of the NFL All-Decade Team for the 1990s as well as both the 40th and 50th Anniversary San Diego Chargers Teams.
Usually, the Hall waits two full years after a player’s retirement or death to decide on whether to induct him, but it will make an exception for Seau. “We just felt we needed to do it,” Cooper said. “It’s really cool that we could do this the day after his recognition yesterday. … This day turned out to be perfect because it was just a nice wrap-up to the whole weekend.”
Seau’s 12-year-old son Hunter spoke at a Monday media conference, and expressed his thanks to be representing his father and his appreciation of the support that the whole family has received from the San Diego community.
“They’ve helped a lot because sometimes when we’re sad or something, we can just lean on them,” Hunter said.
