Chiefs GM Scott Pioli Issues Sorrowful Statement On Junior Seau's Passing

As everyone comes to grips with the tragic loss of Junior Seau this week, various AFC West rival teams are also issuing statements with reactions and quotes of their own. The Kansas City Chiefs issued a statement from general manager Scott Pioli who signed the linebacker to a deal with the New England Patriots.

“I’m shocked and saddened by the tragic passing of Junior Seau," wrote Pioli in a statement released by the Chiefs. "Junior was a phenomenal football player, but more importantly a great man who I considered a friend. He was a player that always reminded us that football should be fun and he was a true joy to be around. This is a tremendous loss for all of those who were blessed to cross his path. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.”

Seau played 20 years in the NFL for the Chargers, Dolphins and Patriots. He appeared in 12 Pro Bowls and will undoubtedly enter the NFL Hall of Fame when he’s eligible.

San Diego Chargers President Dean Spanos: 'Junior [Seau] Transcended The Game]

As the NFL world comes to terms with the sudden and tragic loss of Junior Seau, former teams and teammates are starting to make official statements regarding the former 12-time Pro Bowler who passed away yesterday at the age of 43. The Chargers, for whom Seau played the bulk of his career, held a press conference yesterday in which everyone was clearly shocked. Team President Dean Spanos tried to put some of it into words.

“I can’t put into words how I’m feeling right now,” said Spanos. “I’m shocked and devastated. Junior was my friend. We all lost a friend today. Junior was an icon in our community. He transcended the game. He wasn’t just a football player, he was so much more. He was loved by everyone in our family, our organization and throughout the NFL. This is just such a tragic loss. One of the worst things I could ever imagine. My prayers go out to Junior’s family. It’s heartbreaking.”

Chargers head coach Norv Turner echoed many of Spanos’ sentiments in his own.

“I have no words to describe the passing of Junior Seau. It is a sad, sad day not only for me, but for the whole sports community. I worked with Junior here and later in Miami. I can tell you no one had more character and true leadership ability than Junior. He brought passion to the game of football that was unmatched. His commitment to charitable causes in the community was inspiring. It was an honor to know him. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.”

Seau retired from the NFL in 2009.

Stanford Routt Remembers Junior Seau As 'One Of The Best Linebackers To Ever Do It''

Stanford Routt is one of the first players to take to Twitter to express their emotions at the tragic news of Junior Seau's unexpected passing, and he speaks for most when he both celebrates his career and expresses shock over the news and the timing of it all.

R.I.P. to one of the best linebackers to ever do it Junior Seau...gone to soon...see you on the other side some day #TrueLegend

— Stanford Routt (@SRoutt26) May 2, 2012

The Chiefs cornerback has been around the NFL long enough to have seen Seau play for several years, although no player can match Seau's incredible longevity in the NFL for a full 20 seasons. Drafted in 1990, Seau went on to play two entire decades at the highest level for the Chargers, Dolphins and Patriots.

While the details aren't fully known, what is clear is that one of the game's best has been lost. Expect many more players to issue their own statements of sorrow and remembrance.

San Diego Chargers Issue Statement On Junior Seau

With the tragic passing of NFL great and former San Diego Chargers player Junior Seau this afternoon, many around the league are in mourning and even shock at the news. The San Diego Chargers issued a statement today about the loss of the 43-year-old linebacker who played an incredible 20 years in the National Football League

Statement: Everyone at the Chargers is in complete shock and disbelief right now...

— San Diego Chargers (@chargers) May 2, 2012

Sportswriter Will Brinson has even more from the team:

Chargers statement contd: "We ask everyone to stop what they’re doing and send their prayers to Junior and his family."

— Will Brinson (@willbrinson) May 2, 2012

Seau had over 1,500 tackles and 50 sacks in his NFL career and he played for the Chargers, Dolphins and Patriots in that time span. Chiefs fans certainly remember his presence on the other side for their division rivals year after year, and it brings up the feeling of losing Derrick Thomas so early in life.

More details will eventually emerge. For now there's only shock and confusion and sorrow.

Junior Seau Leaves Behind Incredible NFL Legacy For Chargers, Fans