Daughter of Junior Seau posts heartfelt tribute to her father

Sydney Seau pays tribute to her father on what would have been his 47th birthday.

Junior Seau was a transcendent superstar who played 20 seasons at linebacker for three different NFL teams. The 12 time Pro Bowler retired in 2010. After an illustrious career, however, he tragically committed suicide in 2012. His daughter, Sydney, remembered her father on what would’ve been his 47th birthday through this Twitter post:

Born in San Diego, Seau grew up in both California and American Samoa. He played his college football at the University of Southern California, where he had impressive Sophomore and Junior campaigns. He returned to the city of his birth in 1990, when he was drafted by the Chargers in the first round of the NFL draft. He subsequently became a fan favorite and a perennial Pro Bowler.

Throughout his 20 season career, Seau was known as much for his toughness on the field as his dominance at the linebacker position. Upon his retirement in 2010, he had become one of the most prolific players in his position.

In May of 2012, the sports community was devastated upon hearing the news that Seau had passed away, from what appeared to be a suicide. An autopsy later revealed that he had suffered from Chronic traumatic encephalopathy, or CTE. This degenerative brain disease has been linked to many deceased football players, and stems from repeated hits to the head. Repeated concussions, or just continued blows to the head, can lead to this condition, which can cause depression and suicide.

While Seau’s death was a tragedy, it has shed light onto the dangers of football and brain injuries. His passing has fueled the discussion around protecting players and safety in the NFL. New rules, such as the new targeting penalties, can be tied to the new awareness of the potential of traumatic brain injuries that gained steam after his passing.

Seau was elected posthumously into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2015. His daughter, Sydney, however, was unable to give the speech at the ceremony. The Seau family was suing the NFL in a wrongful death suit.