How Does Te'o Fit for the Chargers?

Many draft pundits were critical of Te'o following his rather poor showing at the combine. His 40 time was worse than expected and he didn't put up anywhere near impressive numbers in the bench press. That performance, coupled with the obvious headache that will follow him because of his fake girlfriend saga, caused many teams to shy away from Te'o. The Chargers made out like bandits when they traded up to get him in the second
round. In essence, they gave up a fourth round pick to make the trade. Te'o fits the Chargers for several reasons.

1) He won't have to blitz. Te'o is going to be penciled in as the day one starter at weakside inside linebacker. This means he isn't going to be called on to provide pressure on most plays. Te'o will get to sit back and use his greatest advantage, his instincts, to its fullest potential. Te'o showed just how soundly he understands the game time after time in college, especially during his senior season. Just look at the number of big impact plays Te'o made last season.

2) He doesn't have to worry about picking up a guard at the next level. Teams are still going to run the ball, so Te'o will deal with this from time to time, but once again, his position will allow him to sit back and make plays. He doesn't have the strength of most linebackers, so this will be a blessing. Te'o is a hard worker, so I look for this to be an area he really focuses on improving.

3) He can step into a leadership role. The Chargers unquestioned leader on offense is quarterback Philip Rivers. He commands respect from everyone in the huddle. The defense really seems to lack that. Sure, there are some great veteran players, but some leadership just seems to be missing. Te'o is a fiery guy who gets behind his teammates and pushes them to succeed. He will have to earn the respect of the team first, but I don't see that being an issue. His play on the field will allow for that to happen. Through rookie mini-camp, Te'o has already shown that he is ready to step up and lead. Guys who have that natural ability are always an asset to a team.

4) His heritage suits him well as a player in San Diego. Te'o couldn't have landed in a better spot than San Diego. His Polynesian roots will help him gain local fan support in a heartbeat. Being so close to his family will also be a big plus. He will have plenty of support from home during his time in san Diego. Let's not forget that perhaps the most famous defensive player for the Chargers was also of Polynesian heritage. This is not to say that Te'o will come close to being the kind of player that legend Junior Seau was, but he will be filling a gap that the team has had for years.

All of these factors combine to give Te'o and the Chargers a wonderful pairing. I look for Te'o to produce well in his first season and to become a vocal leader on this defense.

Seau's 55 to be Retired

The San Diego Chargers have announced that Junior Seau's number 55 will be retired. Seau, who tragically ended his life with a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the chest, is the most accomplished and decorated defensive player in Charger history. Seau, who was drafted 5th overall in the 1990 NFL Draft, played for the Chargers until 2003. Seau had an outstanding 20 year career and ranks only behind Clay Matthews at the linebacker position for most career games. He is a sure fired first ballot lock for the Hall of Fame. Seau went to 12 straight Pro Bowls as a Charger. Seau joins Lance Alworth and Dan Fouts as the only Chargers to have their numbers retired. Fouts wore 14 while Alworth wore 19. Seau's number will be retired September 16th.

Remembering Seau

The death of Junior Seau is nothing but tragic, regardless of how you look at it. A man gone in the prime of his life. Seau will be remembered for his tough play but kind and compassionate heart. His charity involvement has impacted the lives of many. He became a fan favorite wherever he went, wether that be San Diego, Miami, or New England.

There is no way to know yet if Seau suffered brain injuries due to football that may have contributed to his suicide. It is a question that has been weighing heavily on everyone as of late, and rightfully so. Brain injuries are having a terrible effect on former players. Just stop and think how many lawsuits the NFL is facing due to the issues associated with these brain injuries. The league waited far to long to act on information and is now paying a price for it. I do have to commend them for stepping things up now, but the damage has already been done. Countless players are going to have to face very tough times as they cope with these injuries. It is very likely that Seau had issues that we didn't know about. He was a tough and fierce competitor. Until the facts are in though, we know very little as to what happened.

Yet even with all of the uncertainty, all of the confusion, we still don't know the truth yet. For the time being, let us focus on the memory of Seau and let the data come to us. Remember the man who helped so many in the San Diego area. Remember the man who played football for 20 years, who everyday approched the game with a love and a passion that most of us only wish we could have for our job. This is a time to grieve and a time to reflect. You will be missed Junior.

Chargers Legend Junior Seau Found Dead

Former Charger, Dolphin, and Patriots linebacker Junior Seau was found dead Wednesday morning in what appears to be a suicide. He was found by a housekeeper with a gunshot wound to the chest, which is very similar to how former Chicago Bear Dave Duerson committed suicide. Duerson shot himself in the chest so as to preserve his brain and allow it to be studied. Seau is now the 8th member of the Chargers 1994 Super Bowl team to pass away.

Seau was a standout linebacker at USC and wore the famed 55 as part of the famed Club 55 while at USC. He is part of a long legacy of talented linebackers to come out of USC, with names such as Jack Del Rio, Willie McGinest, Chris Claiborne among others. Seau was a first team All-American in 1989. Seau was drafted 5th overall in the 1990 NFL Draft by the San Diego Chargers. Seau played with the Chargers until he was traded to the Miami Dolphins in 2003. While with the Chargers, Seau was named to the Pro Bowl 12 times while a Charger in one of the most dominant stretches at any position. Seau went to the Pro Bowl every year from 1991 through 2002. Seau was also a 10 time All-Pro. He was a key member of the Chargers 1994 Super Bowl run that saw them lose to the San Francisco 49ers. Seau finished his career with the New England Patriots before retiring in 2010. Seau played in the 2007 Super Bowl loss for the New England Patriots. Seau was voted to the Chargers all 1990's team and is enshrined in the Chargers Hall of Fame. Seau's name will one day be in Canton.

Seau will be remembered as a fan favorite who wowed with his superb play. He leaves behind a lasting legacy in the Junior Seau Foundation, which is a charity designed to empower and educate young people caught in a variety of circumstances. He also worked within the Samoan community in San Diego. Seau was 43 years old. Seau leaves behind 3 children and a legacy of excellence. Seau will be missed by fans and people all over the country.