“Junior’s accomplishments on the field speak for themselves,” said Spanos. “His play on the field combined with his leadership and charisma became the face of this team for more than a decade. I can’t think of anyone more deserving of this honor.”

The game against the Titans on Sept. 16 will be dedicated in Seau’s honor. In addition, the team will wear a decal bearing number 55 on their helmets during that game while a giant number-55 banner will be unveiled that day, hung in the Qualcomm Stadium light ring and flown at every future home game.

Seau was a leader and the heart and soul of the Chargers from 1990-02. His stellar playing career was highlighted by 12 consecutive Pro Bowl appearances, the most by any player in Chargers history and tied for the third-longest streak ever. In 2009 he was chosen one of the 50 greatest Chargers of All Time; in 2011 he was inducted into the Chargers Hall of Fame in 2011 and he is undoubtedly a lock to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame when he becomes eligible in 2015.

Seau’s NFL statistics are beyond Hall of Fame worthy. He appeared in 268 regular season games, including 200 as a Charger, tied for second all-time in team annals. This total ranks second in NFL history among players whose primary position was linebacker (Clay Matthews, 278). During his stellar 20-year career, Seau racked up 1,524 tackles, 56.5 sacks and 18 interceptions. He was the team leader in tackles in eight of his 13 seasons in San Diego, averaging 116 tackles a year. Seau led the Chargers in tackles in 84 of the 200 games he played for San Diego and he recorded 10 or more tackles 47 times.

Seau’s greatness as a player on the field was equaled only by his leadership and generosity in the community. He was a loving father, an astute businessman and a community leader. He established the Junior Seau Foundation in 1992 to raise money and resources for programs that inspire young people to face life’s challenges with enthusiasm, hope and dignity. The Foundation’s mission: “to educate and empower young people through the support of child abuse prevention, drug and alcohol awareness, recreational opportunities, anti-juvenile delinquency efforts and complimentary educational programs.” He oversaw all the efforts of the Foundation and awarded hundreds of scholarships to college-bound students throughout the San Diego region. Every December, he led the holiday charge, taking several hundred underprivileged kids on a shopping spree to buy gifts for friends and family through the “Shop with a Jock” program.

As a testament to the contributions he made to enrich young lives in San Diego and around the country, Seau and his foundation were presented at the White House by President George W. Bush with the “Volunteer Service Award,” as part of the Asian Pacific Heritage Month celebration in May of 2005. Other honors bestowed upon Seau for his charitable efforts include: National Boys and Girls Clubs Hall of Fame (1999); San Diego Hall of Champions Professional Star of the Year (1992); NFL United Way representative (San Diego Chargers: 1992 and 1999); A Magazine: One of 100 most influential Asian Americans (1990s); JB Award which recognizes NFL players for dedication to build better families and stronger communities (2005); Sporting News Miami Dolphins Good Guy (2004), and spokesman for the National Beer Wholesaler’s Association appearing on national PSA’s to curb underage drinking and stop illegal alcohol consumption among youth. He received the 2003 Spirit of San Diego Award from the San Diego Chamber of Commerce for community commitment and leadership.

Perhaps the most memorable year of Seau’s career came in 1994 when he led the Chargers to Super Bowl XXIX against the San Francisco 49ers and was selected as the True Value NFL Man of the Year for his leadership and contributions off the field. Among his many honors, Seau was named the Chargers’ Most Valuable Player a team-record six times (1993, 1997-2001) and the Defensive Player of the Year twice (1998-99). He also was voted the Chargers’ Most Inspirational Player in 1997 and 2002. In 2000 he was named to the Chargers 40th Anniversary All-Time Team, the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s All-Decade Team for the ’90s and selected as the NFL Alumni Association’s Linebacker of the Year. He was a first-team All-Pro pick by the Associated Press six times during his career (1992-94, 1996, 1998, 2000) and was a second-team selection on two occasions (1995, 1999). He also received the Miami Dolphins’ Don Shula Leadership Award following the 2003-04 seasons.

In 1996, Junior opened SEAU’s the Restaurant, one of San Diego’s most popular sports-themed restaurants. Each year on Thanksgiving Day, the restaurant opens its doors to feed 600 residents of homeless shelters, victims of domestic violence, military families, and families from local Boys & Girls Clubs.

Fans attending the Celebration of Life for Junior Seau Friday night, May 11 will hear an all-star lineup share stories and memories of the San Diego sports and community icon.
The lineup includes San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders; former Chargers players Dan Fouts, Rodney Harrison and LaDainian Tomlinson; former Chargers Head Coach Bobby Ross and former Buccaneers and Broncos safety John Lynch (Torrey Pines High). Another former Chargers player and the Senior Pastor of The Rock Church in San Diego, Miles McPherson, will speak and serve as master of ceremonies. Shawn Mitchell, Senior Pastor at New Venture Christian Fellowship, will also be part of the program.

The Celebration of Life begins at 6:30 pm Friday on the field at Qualcomm Stadium. The ceremony is open to the public and parking and admission are free. The parking lot at Qualcomm Stadium will open at 2 pm and the stadium gates will open at 4:30 pm. There is no reserve seating and a large crowd is expected, so fans are urged to arrive early and carpool or take the Trolley. The parking lot could close as early as 5:00 pm.

The Celebration of Life will allow San Diegans to join in a community-wide tribute to their native son who passed away on Wednesday, May 2. Fans will have the opportunity to leave personal messages for the Seau family on the Plaza Concourse between Gates C and D.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Junior’s honor to the Junior Seau Foundation Friday night at tables located around the Plaza Concourse. Donations also can be mailed to the Junior Seau Foundation, 5275 Market Street, Suite B, San Diego, CA 92114. Donations also can be made online atwww.juniorseau.org.

Ingram was the Charger’s first-round selection and the 18th choice overall. The South Carolina linebacker made 19 sacks and 26 tackles for loss in his last two college seasons. Ingram’s deal includes a team option for a fifth season, standard for first-round picks.
Reyes, a 6-foot-4, 299-pound defensive end was a three-year starter with Connecticut who finished his career with 142 tackles, 11.5 sacks and 32.5 tackles for loss. Molk, a 6-2, 287-pound center from Michigan won the Rimington Award as college football’s best center in 2011

Ingram, a 6-2, 265-pounder, played both linebacker and defensive line at South Carolina, earning consensus first-team All-America and All-Southeastern Conference honors as a senior team captain. He posted the fourth-most sacks in South Carolina history and the fifth-most tackles for loss. Ingram helped the Gamecocks rank third in the nation in total defense and 11th in scoring defense in 2011 and he finished his career with 109 tackles, 21.5 sacks and 30.5 tackles for loss. He became just the third consensus first-team All-America in South Carolina history and the school’s first since 1984.

Defensive lineman Kendall Reyes from Connecticut was the Chargers’ pick in the second round, No. 49 overall. The 6-4, 300-pounder lined up all along the defensive line for the Huskies. He was a first-team All-Big East Conference pick as a senior and was named to a long list of postseason award watch lists, including the Lombardi Award and the Outland Trophy. Reyes was a three-year starter who finished his career with 142 tackles, 11.5 sacks and 32.5 tackles for loss.

The Chargers made a trade with Miami in the third round, moving up five spots to No. 73 to select strong safety Brandon Taylorfrom Louisiana State. A 5-11, 210-pounder, Taylor began his career as a cornerback and then bulked up to play safety his final two seasons. As a senior, Taylor wore No. 18 for the Tigers, a tradition in Baton Rouge where the coaching staff awards that number to a player who has the highest character and leadership qualities to represent LSU. Taylor started the majority of his last three seasons and posted career totals that include 160 tackles, four interceptions and 11.5 tackles for loss. In order to obtain Taylor, the Chargers sent the Dolphins their third-round pick (No. 78) and the Bolts’ sixth-round pick (No. 183).

The Chargers opened the final day of the draft with their first offensive selection, landing highly-decorated tight end Ladarius Green from Louisiana-Lafayette in the fourth round (No. 110). A three-time All-Sun Belt League choice, the 6-6, 238 pound Green caught 149 passes for 2,201 yards and 22 touchdowns during his career with the Ragin’ Cajuns. In his final collegiate game, Green caught five passes for 121 yards and a touchdown in the New Orleans Bowl against San Diego State. Green’s 22 touchdown catches were second-most in school history behind current New York Giants wide receiver Brandon Stokley.

The Chargers used their fifth-round pick (No. 149) to select offensive guard Johnnie Troutman from Penn State. A 6-4, 327-pounder, Troutman started the last three seasons at left guard for the Nittany Lions without allowing a sack, and during his senior season in 2011 he wasn’t flagged for a single penalty. Troutman was an honorable mention All-Big Ten pick in ’11 and he was named the Brooks-Irvine Memorial Football Club of New Jersey’s Division I College Player of the Year.

The Chargers selected a second offensive lineman with their first of two seventh-round picks, choosing Michigan center David Molk (No. 226), winner of the 2011 Rimington Award as the nation’s best center. The 6-2, 287-pounder was a finalist for the Rimington Award in 2010, a consensus first-team All-America in ’11, and a first-team All-Big Ten pick his final two seasons in Ann Arbor. Molk drew raves at the ’11 NFL Combine where he posted the best 40-yard dash time among centers (5.18) and the most bench-press reps at 225 pounds (41).

San Diego closed out the 2012 NFL Draft with the selection of Edwin “Rock” Baker, a 5-8, 208-pound running back from Michigan State. A 2,293-yard rusher with 19 career touchdowns in East Lansing, Baker concluded his career as the 12th all-time leading rusher in Michigan State history, despite playing just three seasons for the Spartans. As a true sophomore in 2010, Baker earned first-team All-Big Ten accolades.

Chargers 2012 Draft Class
Melvin Ingram (Outside Linebacker) Round 1 (18) 6-2 / 265 pounds South Carolina
Kendall Reyes (Defensive End) Round 2 (49) 6-4 / 300 pounds Connecticut
Brandon Taylor (Strong Safety) Round 3 (73) 5-11 / 210 pounds LSU
Ladarius Green (Tight End) Round 4 (110) 6-6 / 238 pounds Louisiana Lafayette
Johnnie Troutman (Guard) Round 5 (149) 6-4 / 327 pounds Penn State
David Molk (Center) Round 7 (226) 6-2 / 287 pounds Michigan
Edwin “Rock” Baker (Running Back) Round 7 (250) 5-8 / 208 pounds Michigan State

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Fans attending the party at the Team Store will enter the stadium through Gate G.

The day-long dance audition welcomes more than 400 hopefuls annually from across the nation and overseas, each of which seek 28 coveted positions. The Charger Girls are known as one of professional sports’ most talented and respected cheer and dance teams.

Applications are only available online at www.chargers.com and applicants must be at least 18 years old. The application along with a $20 registration fee should be submitted via mail or hand-delivered no later than April 11for pre-registration status. Women are encouraged to send a 5x7 (or larger) headshot and/or full body shot with their application. Walk-ups will be accepted at the door with a $25 registration fee. Please make check or money order payable to e2k. Applicants are required to wear a two-piece and flesh colored nylons/hosiery as well as jazz, dance or athletic shoes. Applicants should arrive early and bring plenty of fluids and a light snack.

Judges will be looking for the brightest young talent with dance ability, crowd appeal and showmanship. Finalists can expect an interview and final dance audition during the week following the audition.

Team members must have flexible schedules for twice-weekly rehearsals, games and public appearances prior to and during the season.
For more information, visit http://www.chargers.com/charger-girls.

The San Diego Chargers added their third wide receiver/kick returner of free agency today, signing former Tampa Bay Buccaneer Michael Spurlock to a one-year contract. 

The 5-11, 200-pound speedster is in his fifth NFL season and the Chargers will be his fourth NFL team. He’s spent time with Arizona, San Francisco and Tampa Bay, where he played under Chargers Assistant Head Coach - Special Teams Rich Bisaccia. 

Spurlock is one of only two players in Tampa Bay history with both a punt and kickoff return touchdown to his credit and he’s the first Buccaneer with two kickoff returns for touchdowns. He also is responsible for four of the seven longest kickoff returns in the franchise’s history. Spurlock has returned 73 career kickoffs for 1,830 yards (25.1 avg.) with two touchdowns and a long of 90 yards; 41 punts for 334 yards (8.1 avg.) with a TD and a long of 71 yards, and caught 23 passes for 294 more yards (12.8 avg.) and two touchdowns. 

Spurlock is from Gentry, Mississippi. He was a quarterback and running back at the University of Mississippi, who made his way into the NFL by signing with Arizona as an undrafted free agent in 2006. 

Spurlock becomes the 14th unrestricted free agent signed by the Chargers since free agency opened. He joins DE Luis Castillo, DT Antonio Garay, T Jared Gaither, OLB Jarrett Johnson, FB Le’Ron McClain, WR Robert Meachem, WR-KRs Eddie Royal and Roscoe Parrish, TEs Randy McMichael, Kory Sperry and Dante Rosario, SS Atari Bigby and QB Charlie Whitehurst. The list does not include C Nick Hardwick and LB Demorrio Williams, who both signed immediately before free agency began.

The San Diego Chargers have re-signed defensive end Luis Castillo to a one-year contract.

The 6-3, 290-pounder will play his eighth NFL season in 2012. Castillo suffered a fractured tibia in the Chargers’ 2011 season opener against Minnesota and missed the remainder of the season. He was officially placed on the “Reserve-Injured” list Dec. 8.

During his first six seasons, the former first-round draft pick has been a consistent performer from his defensive end spot, accumulating 276 tackles, 19 sacks and 43 tackles for loss while playing in 81 games with 78 starts. Castillo has also started seven playoff games for the Bolts, racking up 20 total tackles, two sacks and four tackles for loss.

Castillo becomes the 13th unrestricted free agent signed by the Chargers since free agency opened. He joins DT Antonio Garay, T Jared Gaither, OLB Jarrett Johnson, FB Le’Ron McClain, WR Robert Meachem, WR-KRs Eddie Royal and Roscoe Parrish, TEs Randy McMichael, Kory Sperry and Dante Rosario, SS Atari Bigby and QB Charlie Whitehurst. The list does not include C Nick Hardwick and LB Demorrio Williams, who both signed immediately before free agency began.