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The Kansas City Chiefs have already commented on the unfortunate news out of San Diego, that former Chargers LB Junior Seau has passed away. Members of the other AFC West teams, Denver Broncos and Oakland Raiders, have also issued statements on Seau's passing.
A collection of statements is below:
John Elway, former Broncos QB:
"I had the pleasure of playing against Junior for many years," Elway said via Twitter. "He played the game the way it was meant to be played. We shared a lot of laughs from our AFC West battles when I saw Junior before he was inducted into the Chargers Hall of Fame in November.
"Junior was a true competitor and a special player. My heartfelt condolences go out to the Seau family."
John Fox, former Chargers assistant coach under Seau:
"Junior was an incredible leader who played with great passion. Coaching on a defense that included him has been one of the most memorable experiences of my career. We had a great relationship. I have an enormous amount of respect for him as a player and a person.
"I offer my sympathies to his family."
"When I first got into the league in 1998, the two most dominating defenders I played against were Junior Seau and Bruce Smith," Manning said. "Junior was truly a once-in-a-lifetime player. I remember how many times we would be getting ready to play him and the Chargers and someone would say, ‘This is a blitz here.' And I would say, ‘That's not a blitz; that's just Junior Seau smelling something and going after it.' He was very difficult to play against because his instincts would always lead him to the right place on defense-or the wrong place for the offense. He and Ray Lewis are the two best linebackers I've ever played against, and I know many others would feel the same way.
"I had the great pleasure of playing against Junior, but I also had the honor of playing with Junior in a couple of Pro Bowls. Just in those shorts weeks of Pro Bowl practices, nobody had more passion for the game than Junior Seau. His energy and enthusiasm-you could tell how it spread back to his teammates with the Chargers, Dolphins and Patriots. I also got to attend some charity functions with him and I saw how philanthropic he was in giving his time and money to several worthy causes.
"To me, Junior had a quality of making the people around him feel special and comfortable. It didn't matter what environment he was in-he had just a great energy and an aura about him that people gravitated to. That's why he was such a great leader. I always felt good being around him. He was truly a one-of-a-kind football player and a one-of-a-kind person just because of his passion.
"I was honored to call Junior a friend and I was deeply saddened by the news of his passing. I will truly miss him, and I know a lot of people are going to miss him. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family."
We are deeply saddened by the news of the passing of Junior Seau. Junior's great passion, intensity and love for the game were evident every time he stepped on the football field. He was a formidable competitor who left an indelible mark on the game of football. We extend our most sincere condolences to his family and the Charger organization.
"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."
Chargers president Dean Spanos:
"I can't put into words how I'm feeling right now. 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."
"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."