Pro-Bowl Linebacker, NFL Mentor and Humanitarian loss to apparent suicide.

The NFL suffered a tremendous shock and loss on May 2, 2102 with the apparent suicide of 11 time Pro Bowler Tiaina Baul “Junior” Seau. His death affected many fans, players and coaches who knew him and were inspired by his mental toughness, competitive nature, and giving spirit.

Known for his fierceness against opposing offenses and also his playful nature with his teammates, the news of his demise clearly shook those who knew and loved him. The roaring question of how could such a formidable athlete eventually move to such a dark place that suicide appeared the best option remains in his friends’ and family’s minds.

Seau excelled at football in California graduating from Oceanside, attending Southern California and leaving his junior year to be drafted 5th overall by the San Diego Chargers. During his 20 year career he became known as an excellent mentor known as much for his leadership as for his heroic tackles.

His mental approach to the game incorporated several aspects, the first being a strong football mind, football confidence and being physically prepared for any scenario he faced. His work ethic challenged both athletes and coaches around him, and this form of leadership helped earn him 11 nominations to the Pro-Bowl.

Tedy Bruschi, a teammate on the 2007 New England Patriots relayed how Seau’s presence inspired those around him, “He made strength coaches get there early, he made veteran players work harder, and have more fun. He was always trying to do something new.” This tremendous work ethic parlayed into an incredible mental strength and mental preparedness for any opponent he faced.

Seau also practiced another strategy of staying mentally strong and that included finding outlets to relieve stressful situations with humor. His instinct and tackles were primal in nature, but stories reflect that he often returned to the huddle with a joke and a smile. He knew when to physically and mentally focus, but he also allowed small breaks to keep the tension of the game in check.

If there was a broken play or missed tackle, Seau did not focus on the negative. He picked others up around him, and focused on making the next play a positive one. In this regard, he diffused the impact of a negative performance instead emphasizing his energy on improving the next play.

Athletes who demonstrate true leadership, football mental toughness and mental perseverance not only perform at their maximum ability, but inspire those around them to exceed expectations as well. However, there are times when the transition from athlete to retired athlete causes many difficulties in the adjustment. The truly mentally tough person should exhibit that attitude both on the field and in their personal life.

Junior Seau provided many youth with activities and funding through his Junior Seau Foundation. He exhibited the attributes of the mentally tough, both on and off the field. However in the last few years he found the full transition to the life of the retired athlete too difficult to navigate. There is also consideration into the possible effects of numerous concussions on the mental health of aging football players affecting their mental health.

Junior Seau’s suicide leaves many questions unanswered, but his life can still be celebrated as that of a world class athlete, humanitarian and a player with a strong football mind.

Junior Seau may you rest in peace – You will be truly missed.