[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 111 (Tuesday, July 5, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E691]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





         HONORING THE 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF JUNIOR SEAU'S PASSING

                                 ______
                                 

                            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.

                          ____________________