Junior Seau Induction into Professional Football Hall of Fame

In San Diego, Junior Seau was considered by fans to be the complete package

The late Junior Seau, considered by many to be the greatest linebacker in NFL history, will be inducted into the Professional Football Hall of Fame Saturday.

The induction can be seen live via ESPN's stream here, beginning at 4 p.m. PT.

Seau was the only first-time eligible candidate selected for the HOF Class of 2015. He’ll join Jerome Bettis, Tim Brown, Charles Haley, Bill Polian, Will Shields, Mick Tingelhoff, Ron Wolf when the class is officially inducted on August 8.

Tiaina Seau, Jr. played 20 years in the NFL. Wearing number 55, Seau played 13 seasons with the San Diego Chargers, three seasons with the Miami Dolphins and four with the New England Patriots.

"Junior is one of the greatest players in the history of the game, regardless of position,” said San Diego-based sportswriter Jim Trotter, one of the HOF voters.

Another selection committee member echoed Trotter’s thoughts. “He was a fierce tackler. He’s everything you want in a player and an immense leader,” said Charean Williams.

Junior Seau: Through the Years

In San Diego, where Seau made his home, he was considered by fans to be the complete package - successful on the field and off, charitable, handsome, friendly and approachable. He embodied the power of an NFL linebacker with the spirit of a surfer.

On May 2, 2012, Seau was found dead of a self-inflicted shotgun wound in his Oceanside home right along the shore. His death occurred less than three years after his retirement from football.

When family and friends gather in Canton, Ohio to remember Seau they will be thinking about the eight-time All-Pro linebacker who helped to lead the Chargers to their first Super Bowl in 1994.

They will be reminiscing about the man named as the NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 1992 and to the NFL’s All-Decade Team of the 1990s.

They will be applauding the man who was drafted in the first round in 1990 and by the end of his career had tallied 56.5 career sacks and 18 interceptions.

But most of all, they will be honoring the charismatic, iconic San Diegan who will be considered by many to be the greatest Charger of all time.

A compilation of video from NBC 7 archives showing Junior Seau in action on the field at Qualcomm Stadium.

NBC 7's Derek Togerson will be at the induction and will report for NBC 7 SportsWrap. NBC 7 will be presenting a special program honoring Junior Seau’s Induction into the Professional Football Hall of Fame.

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