Patriots mourn death of ex-linebacker Junior Seau - Boston News, Weather, Sports | FOX 25 | MyFoxBoston

FOXBOROUGH (AP) - The New England Patriots say they are "deeply saddened" by the death of linebacker Junior Seau, who spent parts of the last four of his 20 NFL seasons with them.

Seau, 43, was found shot to death at his Oceanside, Calif., home Wednesday in what police said appeared to be suicide.

The Patriots said Seau's "unrivaled passion for the game quickly made him a fan favorite here in New England."

Seau spent most of his career with San Diego and also played for Miami. He came out of retirement to play 2006-2009 for New England.

He was with the Patriots when they ended their quest for a perfect 2007 season with a Super Bowl loss to the New York Giants. He had 76 tackles (55 solo) and 3.5 sacks, and a career-high three interceptions that season.

Patriots quarterback Tom Brady posted on Facebook that, "Junior Seau was a great teammate and even better friend. His legacy will live on and the memories of his time here with us will never be forgotten. We love you 'buddy.'"

Patriots owner Bob Kraft released the following statement on Seau's death:

"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."