Junior Seau was one of the NFL’s most feared linebackers in his prime. And over the course of his 20-year career, he became one of the sport’s great personalities and most respected individuals.

In the immediate wake of the stunning news that the 43-year-old longtime San Diego Charger was found dead at his home Wednesday, past and present players shared their grief on Twitter.

I Just heard the sad news that Jr. Seau has Passed away. One of the greatest sports figures from San Diego. #tragic

— Terrell Davis (@Terrell_Davis) May 2, 2012

Don't think anyone truly understands how hard it is to play in this league. Seau played 20yrs. 1 of the greatest of our gen. Rest peacefully

— Chris Ogbonnaya (@ChrisOgbonnaya) May 2, 2012

Damn this one hurts San Diego! One of the greatest to to come from the city.

— Reggie Bush (@reggie_bush) May 2, 2012

Seau is the one and only autograph I have ever got in my life. I wrote him a letter when I was in high school he sent me a picture and a hat

— eric barton (@ericbarton50) May 2, 2012

My prayers and condolences to the family of one of the NFL's greatest linebackers to ever play the game.. Junior Seau.. R.I.P

— Chad Ochocinco (@ochocinco) May 2, 2012

So saddened by the news of Junior Seau's passing. The hearts of the Trojan family go out to his relatives and friends.

— Pete Carroll (@PeteCarroll) May 2, 2012

Junior was a true competitor and a special player. My heartfelt condolences go out to the Seau family.

— John Elway (@johnelway) May 2, 2012

Thoughts and prayers with Junior Seau's family.. Sad, sad day for football #55 #RIP

— Ryan Kerrigan (@RyanKerrigan91) May 2, 2012

God Bless Junior Seau & his family! My heart & condolences go out 2 his family. May u RIP!

— Terrell Owens (@terrellowens) May 2, 2012

Junior Seau was a phenomenal player. This is such a tragedy. May God be with his family. Hope he found peace.

— ryan clark (@RealRClark25) May 2, 2012

JUNIOR SEAU one of the greats!! Lord bless his soul. @NFL we need more suicide and depression advocacy during and post career

— Will Allen 26 (@WillAllenWAF) May 2, 2012

I'm heart goes out to Junior Seau & his family. Watched him as a kid & he represented a lot of great things.

— Darrelle Revis (@Revis24) May 2, 2012

Prayers to the family and friends of the NFL Great Junior Seau

— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) May 2, 2012

Wow this is a tough one.. When I was a frosh in HS Junior Seau worked the Jay Fiedler Football camp and at the end of one of the days he...

— Eric Olsen (@EOlsen69) May 2, 2012

Challenged any1 to a 1 on 1. Being one of the 'big' kids, I was volunteered by my buddies and went up in front of the whole camp to face...

— Eric Olsen (@EOlsen69) May 2, 2012

This monster of a man. Shaking in my cleats, he gave me a wink before a coach gave the cadence. He let me pancake him. And he sold it too...

— Eric Olsen (@EOlsen69) May 2, 2012

I can't even tell you how good I felt at that moment; it changed me forever. The whole camp cheered for me, a chubby kid that didn't know...

— Eric Olsen (@EOlsen69) May 2, 2012

If he even liked football. From then on I was addicted. All thanks 2 this 10 time all-pro that felt like making some snot-nosed kid's day...

— Eric Olsen (@EOlsen69) May 2, 2012

Doesn't seem like much but it meant a lot to me. Sorry for the essay just had to share. RIP Junior I'll never forget what you did for me.

— Eric Olsen (@EOlsen69) May 2, 2012

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More

Junior Seau dies, reportedly of gunshot wound

A retrospective of Junior Seau’s career

From the archives: The ‘94 Chargers’ Tragic Toll