SAN DIEGO—(Sept. 17, 2012)—In an unprecedented action, the San Diego Hall of Champions Board of Directors voted unanimously to forego the normal voting process and induct ex-San Diego Chargers All-Pro linebacker Junior Seau into the Breitbard Hall of Fame at the Salute to Champions Feb. 25.
Seau, who spent 13 years with the Chargers after being a standout multi-sport athlete at Oceanside High and an All-American career at the University of Southern California, would have been eligible for consideration in 2013 but after he tragically took his own life at age 43, the Board of Directors agreed he belonged among the 132 others honored since 1953.
“When people think of the San Diego Chargers, especially the defense, the first name that comes to mind is Junior Seau,” said San Diego Hall of Champions President Denise Cooper. “He is one of the Chargers legends. We are proud to have Junior Seau join San Diego Hall of Famers like Ted Williams, Bill Walton and Maureen Connolly.”
Known as an emotional leader, Seau helped guide the Chargers into the 1994 Super Bowl against the San Francisco 49ers. Despite playing with a pinched nerve in his neck in the AFC Championship game, Seau was credited with 16 tackles in the 17-13 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers.
He was able to exhibit his trademark leap up, fist pump and leg kick after each jarring tackle.
In his career, Seau was credited with 56.5 sacks, 1,524 tackles, 325 assists, 18 fumble recoveries and 18 interceptions. He was elected All-Pro six times and was named to the Pro Bowl 12 times.
In 2011 he was inducted into the Chargers Hall of Fame.