Seau found dead aged 43

Former NFL linebacker Junior Seau has been found dead at his California home at the age of 43.

The news of Seau’s death was confirmed by the San Diego Chargers, where he spent the majority of a professional career that lasted 20 years before later playing with the Miami Dolphins and New England Patriots.

“Everyone at the Chargers is in complete shock and disbelief right now,” said a team statement.

“We ask everyone to stop what they’re doing and send their prayers to Junior and his family.”

Seau was a 12-time Pro Bowl linebacker and two-time AFC champion.

He was drafted by San Diego out of the University of Southern California in 1990 and played for the team until 2003 when he was traded to Miami.

In 2006, he announced his retirement, but only four days later signed for the New England Patriots where he played for another four seasons.

He played in two Super Bowls, for the Chargers in 1995 and the Patriots in 2008, but lost both times.