The publication is reproduced in full below:
HONORING THE 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF JUNIOR SEAU'S PASSING
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HON. MIKE LEVIN
of california
in the house of representatives
Tuesday, July 5, 2022
Mr. LEVIN of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the extraordinary life of Junior Seau, who tragically passed away on May 2, 2012, in Oceanside, California. In honor of the 10th Anniversary of his passing, I would like to pay tribute to this incredible man and reflect on the life he led and the impact he had on our Nation and community in the 49th District.
Junior Seau was a born leader who inspired everyone he encountered. He was a football icon who paved the way for future generations of Samoan youth and was a generous philanthropist and humanitarian. Junior is survived by his parents, wife, children, siblings, and extended family.
Junior Seau was born Tiaina Baul Seau, Jr. in San Diego, California on January 19, 1969. His parents, Tiaina Seau, Sr. and Luisa Mauga Seau, came to San Diego from American Samoa. Junior spent several years in America Samoa during his youth before returning to Oceanside.
He attended Oceanside High School where he developed his exceptional athletic abilities. While known for his contributions to the Oceanside High football program, Junior also lettered in basketball and track and field. As a starting linebacker and tight end for the varsity football team, he demonstrated his athletic prowess. During his senior year in 1987, Parade Magazine selected him for the high school All-American team. Junior is one of the greatest athletes our community has ever produced and in 2014, Oceanside High School honored Junior with an on-
field tribute where they retired his number 11 jersey.
His academic and athletic achievements earned him admission to the University of Southern California where he played for the Trojans from 1987 to 1990 before being drafted to the National Football League. His USC career took off in 1989, and this season was one of the best in USC's distinguished defensive history, earning him the title of Pac-10 Defensive Player of the Year. Junior's legacy lives on at USC, as wearing his No. 55 jersey is now an honor bestowed upon those who follow in his footsteps. Junior was inducted into the University's Hall of Fame in 2009.
The San Diego Chargers drafted Junior Seau in the first round of the NFL Draft, as the 5th overall pick in 1990. He quickly became the heart and soul of the Chargers' defense and led the Chargers to their first and only Super Bowl appearance four years later. He was voted the Chargers' Most Inspirational Player in 1997 and again in 2002. These recognitions exemplify Junior's ability to inspire and motivate his teammates and demonstrates the role he played on the team.
Junior went on to play 20 seasons in the NFL, 13 with the Chargers, three with the Miami Dolphins, and finished his career in New England with the Patriots. In all, he totaled 1,849 tackles, 56.5 sacks, and 18 interceptions. Junior was named the NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 1992 and 1998, the Chargers' Most Valuable Player six times, and was named to the NFL's All-Decade Team of the 1990s. He is widely considered one of the best linebackers in NFL history.
While his contributions to sports history are numerous, Junior's leadership extended beyond the gridiron. Junior Seau was a passionate humanitarian who cared deeply about giving back to his community. He established the Junior Seau Foundation in 1992 to support San Diego youth, and the Foundation has since given more than $5 million to community organizations. In 2015, the Foundation donated $500,000 to Rady Children's North Coastal Center in Oceanside which enabled the expansion of pediatric urgent care and specialty services. In 2016, the organization gave $250,000 to UC San Diego to support brain injury research and education. The Junior Seau Foundation has also provided scholarships and gifts to underprivileged children throughout the region.
Madam Speaker, Junior Seau was an exceptional individual, and I am honored to share part of his story today. To his family, friends, and all who knew him, supported him, and cheered for him over the years, I share in the celebration of his life at the 10th Anniversary of his passing.
Junior was a light in our community, and we miss him. His legacy lives on and will never be forgotten.
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SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 168, No. 111(1), Congressional Record Vol. 168, No. 111(2)
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