Thursday, May 03, 2012

RIP "Buddy"

There isn't much I can say about the loss of arguably the best linebacker I saw play.  It is just so tragic that someone so full of life doing what he loved could feel so empty without it that they couldn't bear to go on.  I know my friends in San Diego County and the whole community are in shock.  My thoughts are with them.
I want to share something from Patriots owner Robert Kraft, who always seems to have something uniquely touching to say during difficult moments.
"Every day, Junior Seau greeted his teammates and coaches with an energetic 'Hey, Buddy!' It was genuine, enthusiastic and backed by his radiant smile. For four seasons, after every game he played, he would always find me in the locker room just to give me a big hug and squeeze tighter than anyone I remember. It was one of the many things I enjoyed about him. He was passionate about football and always spoke with great conviction. He may have been one of the most charismatic Patriots player in franchise history. I loved listening to him when he addressed an audience. I will never forget presenting him with his AFC Championship ring at Seau's Restaurant in San Diego before our game against the Chargers in 2008. It was a memorable moment shared by both Patriots and Chargers fans, who that day celebrated pregame together as Junior Seau fans. He was beloved in his hometown of San Diego and quickly became a fan favorite in New England. Today, the fans of the teams for which Junior played - San Diego, Miami and New England - lost more than a legendary football player. We lost our 'Buddy.' My thoughts and prayers are with his family and I extend my sincere condolences to his many friends and former teammates."
Also, there is video of this (I saw it on TV but cannot find it on the web), Robert Kraft coming out, when he learned the press was hanging around, to share a private note he had received from Junior following the death of Myra Kraft, which reads as follows:
 "I'm so sorry about the passing of Mrs. Kraft. She was an inspiration to me. I have so much respect for all she did to help people lead better lives. I'll always be there for you and your family. (Signed) Junior Seau, love you, Buddy."
Accompanying the note was a "generous donation" to the Myra Kraft Foundation.

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1 comment:

Anonymous said...

That's the Junior we all knew and loved.