FOXBORO -- On the day that Junior Seau will be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Bill Belichick had some heartfelt words to describe the former Patriots linebacker.
"The one word I've always used with Junior is 'passion,' " Belichick said. "Of all the players I've coached, his passion for the game -- in every sense of it -- was exceptional. In the building, in the classroom. On the practice field. Around his teammates. In the games. On the sideline. Whatever it was. I would say that was the one thing about Junior that was always exceptional relative to other players. Forget about ability and all that. His playing style was his true passion for the game of football.
"Junior and I personally had a good relationship. He was on this team for different parts of four seasons and was always a very honest, up-front, team-oriented player. This team, this organization, I think all of us that interacted with him, a lot of us here feel privileged to have had that opportunity to play with or coach Junior. He was pretty special, aside from all the accolades that he rightly deserves for his playing ability and production. I'm talking about, really, all the other things. Well-deserved. We're very proud of his recognition, and I've expressed that to his family on behalf of the organization. We're fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with him."
Seau played 21 years in the NFL, racking up 12 Pro Bowl and 10 All-Pro selections. He played in New England from 2006-09, and was a significant contributor in his first two seasons with the team. In 2007, he served as a team captain.
After battling depression and behavioral changes, Seau died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the chest in 2012. He was elected to be enshrined in Canton earlier this year. His daughter, Sydney Seau will be interviewed on stage after her father's bust is revealed.