Former USC and San Diego Chargers linebacker Junior Seau was found dead in San Diego on Wednesday.
According to reports, the former Super Bowl champ may have succumbed to a self-inflicted gunshot wound at his Oceanside, Calif. home.
He leaves behind three children.
Almost immediately, the news went viral on Twitter as fans reacted with shock.
Celebrities and sports stars – some of whom had connections to the athlete (like his former USC teammate Rodney Peete, and Reggie Bush and Rey Maualuga, who attended his alma mater) – and some who were just fans, shared their grief on Twitter.
Here is what they wrote:
San Diego Chargers Statement: Everyone at the Chargers is in complete shock and disbelief right now… We ask everyone to stop what they’re doing and send their prayers to Junior and his family.
Rodney Peete: I am without words today, R.I.P. Junior Seau
Reggie Bush: R.I.P Jr. Seau one of the greatest players to play the game!
Chad Ochocinco: My prayers and condolences to the family of one of the NFL’s greatest linebackers to ever play the game.. Junior Seau.. R.I.P
Nick Lachey: So sad to hear about junior seau’s passing. I loved him as a Trojan and got to know him a little over the years. Great guy. #rip
Kendra Wilkinson: I’m so sad. RIP JUNIOR SEAU. He was an amazing player and an amazing man. I looked up to him when I was young. 🙁
Arsenio Hall: SEAU!
Rey Maualuga: Say it ain’t so!? Junior Seau? Please tell me this ain’t true!!!!!!!!
Matthew Barkley (USC’s current quarterback): #RIPJuniorSeau You were one of the greatest Trojans of all time
Carson Daly: So sad to hear about Junior Seau. Growing up in LA a big football fan he was a beast. I’m praying for his family especially his 3 kids. Wow
Holly Robinson Peete: Paralyzed with grief over the loss of our dear friend Junior Seau…Husband devastated. I just don’t want to believe it Loved him….
USC Trojans statement: The Trojan Family lost a legend today. Junior Seau, we will miss you. Our condolences to his family. #RIP55
Tom Arnold: #RIP Junior Seau. Got to know him on the sports show and a bunch of charity stuff. Great guy. GREAT ballplayer. Respect to his family.
Evan Royster (Washington Redskins): always loved watchin junior seau play… still hoping these reports arent true
Mohamed Massaquoi (Cleveland Browns): RIP Junior Seau. Life is so precious. Cherish every moment of it.
Kurt Warner: Saddened 2 hear of the death of NFL GREAT Junior Seau! A great football player but an even GREATER man! He will b missed! #fb
Jimmy Clausen (Carolina Panthers): R.I.P Junior Seau one ofbthe greatest plsyers ever…Thoughts and prayers r with ur family!
Keary Colbert (Kansas City Chiefs): Damn, that stings!!!! I’m literally sick to my stomach.
Damian Williams (Tennessee Titans) : My prayers and thoughts out to one of the greatest Trojans and NFL linebackers to ever play #JuniorSeau RIP
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