Junior Seau

July 13, 2015
Despite the significant concussion discussion that ensued following the suicide of Junior Seau, a 2015 Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee, the first posthumous biography of the athlete notably lacks details on head injuries. The former linebacker committed suicide in 2012 at the age of 43; his family later sued the National Football League, alleging that the NFL concealed from players the dangers of football-related brain trauma. ESPN football writer Trotter, who covered Seau’s career and developed a professional and personal relationship with him, states that Seau, who played 268 NFL games over 20 seasons, was not once diagnosed with a concussion. Seau, born Tiaina Baul Seau Jr., grew up poor in San Diego County, Calif., and spent the majority of his NFL years with the hometown Chargers. He was universally considered one of the league’s nicest guys. But a series of poor post-retirement business decisions, excessive partying and addictions, and a self-perceived inability to love others set Seau on a path of destruction that ultimately led to his demise. Trotter interviewed many of Seau’s family members and friends, who here break their silence for the first time since his death. He also extensively quotes former NFL teammate Rodney Harrison, who blames a small group of enablers for not encouraging Seau to seek help when he needed it most.

August 1, 2015

Trotter, a popular NFL reporter for ESPN and Sports Illustrated, began his career writing for the San Diego Union-Tribune, where he got to know San Diego Chargers linebacker Junior Seau (1969-2012) while serving as a beat writer for the Chargers. Seau experienced a tragic life. Perhaps the greatest linebacker of his generation, he was a hard-working team player with a buoyant personality who was loved and respected by both teammates and opponents throughout his 20-year NFL career. However, his life had a dark side. So much of his identity was tied to football that one coach presciently remarked early in Seau's career, "It's not going to end well for this guy." As the years went on, the problems grew: drinking, gambling, womanizing, poor investing, and the physical toll of playing professional football. Trotter, utilizing his relationship with Seau, interviewed family, friends, teammates, coaches, ex-wives, former girlfriends, and even the athlete's children. What emerges is a sensitive, honest portrayal of a man in crisis who could see no way out of his worldly problems except suicide. VERDICT This frank biography of a football hero should appeal to a wide audience.

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