Police: Junior Seau found dead at California home

Former NFL star Junior Seau was found shot to death at his home Wednesday morning in what police said appeared to be a suicide. He was 43.

Police Chief Frank McCoy said Seau's girlfriend reported finding him unconscious with a gunshot wound to the chest and lifesaving efforts were unsuccessful. A gun was found near him, McCoy said.

Seau's mother appeared before reporters, weeping uncontrollably.

“I don't understand ... I'm shocked,” Luisa Seau cried out.

Her son gave no indication of a problem when she spoke to him by phone earlier this week, she said.

“He's joking to me, he called me a 'homegirl,”' she said.

Seau was a standout linebacker with the University of Southern California before going to the San Diego Chargers _ his hometown team _ whom he led to the Super Bowl following the 1994 season.

“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,” the team said in a statement.

Seau's death follows the suicide last year of former Chicago Bears player Dave Duerson, who also shot himself in the chest.

Seau remained with the Chargers until 2003 and went on to play with the Miami Dolphins and New England Patriots before retiring after the 2009 season.

“Junior was a fierce competitor whose passion and work ethic lifted his teammates to greater heights. His enthusiasm for the game was infectious and he passed that on to everyone who was around him. He loved the game so much, and no one played with more sheer joy,” Dolphins CEO Mike Dee said in a statement.

“Junior was one-of-a-kind. The league will never see anyone like him again,” Dee said.

The Patriots also issued a statement expressing grief over Seau's death. “This is a sad day for the entire Patriots organization, our coaches and his many Patriots teammates,” the statement said. (AP)