Junior Seau, former NFL and USC star, possible suicide at 43

A 911 call came from Seau's Oceanside home about 10 a.m. Responders found Seau dead of a gunshot wound that appears to be self-inflicted. He was found by his girlfriend.

Seau played 20 seasons in the NFL, mostly for the San Diego Chargers. He was named to the Pro Bowl 12 times. He also played for the Miami Dolphins and the New England Patriots.

Seau had starred in high school in Oceanside before going to USC. "He was a local hero -- he certainly gave back to the community and to the youth through his Junior Seau Foundation," Oceanside Mayor Jim Wood told the North County Times. "Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends."

The Chargers cancelled a conference call today with season ticket holders. "Everyone at the Chargers is in complete shock and disbelief right now. We ask everyone to stop what they're doing and send their prayers to Junior and his family," the Chargers said in a statement.

In 2010, Seau was involved in a crash near his home when the sport-utility vehicle he was driving went over a beachside cliff. The accident occurred after he was arrested in Oceanside on suspicion of domestic violence.

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