The upbeat spring practice that first-year UCLA Coach Jim Mora was enjoying was significantly marred Wednesday by the death of former NFL linebacker Junior Seau.
Mora, an assistant with the San Diego Chargers from 1985 to 1991, coached Seau for two seasons and was shocked by the news of his apparent suicide.
“He loved life and had a tremendous impact on the young people that he touched through his work in the community,” Mora said. “My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and his beautiful children.”
PHOTOS: Junior Seau | 1969 - 2012
Seau played for the Chargers from 1990 to 2002 and spent a total of 20 seasons in the NFL.
“I had the honor of coaching Junior when he first came into the league and from Day 1 his passion for the game was infectious,” Mora said.
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