TMZ has reported that former NFL linebacker Junior Seau was found dead Wednesday morning at his Southern California home. The legendary former San diego Charger was only 43 years old.

Seau was found by his girlfriend with a fatal shotgun wound to the chest with the cause of death being suspected to be suicidal at this time. Officers found Seau in his bedroom with a gun by his side around 9:35 am, and efforts to revive him were unsuccessful.

At this time Police officials have not come to a valid conclusion to his death or why; however reports have linked his death to be associated with chronic traumatic encephalopathy, a trauma induced disease common to NFL players and others who have received repeated blows to the head.

Seau was an outstanding and exceptional player in his days in the NFL. He was selected fifth overall in the 1990 NFL draft coming out of USC, a 12-time Pro Bowler and 6-time First-Team All-Pro. He played with the San Diego Chargers through the 2002 season, spent 2003-2005 with the Miami Dolphins, and then signed with the New England Patriots in time for the 2006 season.

In New England’s perfect regular season of 2007, he played in all 16 games and started four. Seau first retires after that season, only to come back and play in 2008 and 2009 before finally leaving the NFL for good.

Newspitter will like to send our prayers and condolences to him and his family for this difficult time.

May your heart and soul rest in peace.