San Diego Charger fans will celebrate the life of Junior Seau on Sunday's home opener when the team retires number 55.
As the game represents the beginning of one season, it will also represent the closing of a chapter of Chargers’ history.
Seau died May 2 from a self-inflicted gunshot wound at age 43. A born-and-raised San Diegan, Seau was affectionately known as one of San Diego’s favorite sons.
The Bolts’ linebacker from 1990-2002 will be honored in a pregame ceremony Sunday. Number 55 will join Lance Alworth’s #19 and Dan Fouts' #14 as only the third Chargers jersey to be retired.
Quentin Jammer, Chargers cornerback, was in his rookie year during Seau’s final season with San Diego in 2002. He is the only player left wearing blue and gold who was Seau's teammate. Even as a rookie, he could see the impact Seau left on the organization during his 12 years as a Bolt.
“It means a lot to the organization for what he gave for them," Jammer said. "He gave a lot to the organization and the fans around San Diego and for the younger guys who look up to him it means a lot.”
Head coach Norv Turner worked with Seau during one of his seasons in San Diego and during his two-year stint at the Miami Dolphins. Turner emphasized how appropriate it was to honor Seau in the home opener because of his impact on the city.
“I think back to his memorial service and all the people who came out and just the warmth and how much he meant to so many people,” Turner said. “He’s just a unique person, a special person. If you got to spend time with him you know what I’m talking about. It’s very fitting that we would honor him at our home opener.”
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Qualcomm Stadium will have a “White Out” on Sunday with Chargers players wearing white pants and jerseys for the first time since they received new uniforms in 2007. Their helmets will also bear a number 55 decal to honor Seau.
Chargers fans are encouraged to come dressed in all white to the game that will kick off at 1:25 p.m. against the Tennessee Titans.
It will give fans the opportunity to pay their respects by wearing Seau's number with pride once again and say goodbye to a legend.
