Another shot: Seau seeks Super redemption 13 years in making

By: MIKE SULLIVAN - Staff Writer | Wednesday, January 30, 2008 11:54 PM PST ∞

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- Junior Seau doesn't just tell you it has been 13 years since the lone Super Bowl appearance of his 18-year NFL career. He provides another number that really drums home how long it has been.

Over and over, the Oceanside High alumnus reveals the number of games he's played since that disappointing evening in Miami when the San Francisco 49ers routed the Chargers on Jan. 29, 1995.

"It's been 181 games since I've been part of a Super Bowl," said Seau, a linebacker for the New England Patriots. "The game that I played against the 49ers was basically a game that we were overmatched. We really were.

"Going through that game was embarrassing due to the fact you wished you could go out there and perform at a high level. When that doesn't happen, it's very disappointing."

Seau is hoping for much better memories this Sunday when the Patriots play the New York Giants at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz.

This time, he's on the heavily favored team, not the overmatched squad. This time, he appreciates how rare it is to be part of a team playing in the Super Bowl.

"When I look back 181 games ago, I would never have thought it would be this long," Seau said. "We had an opportunity. We were young in San Diego when we went to that Super Bowl.

"When you look at it, you would think we would have a chance in the years to come, but it never came, and here we are."

Seau has fit in well with the Patriots since joining them in mid-August 2006, just days after he announced his retirement -- something he continues to term as a "graduation." Seau, who turned 39 on Jan. 19, had a career-best three interceptions this season and also had 3 1/2 sacks. The last time he had more sacks was when he recorded seven for the Chargers back in 1997.

But Seau's contributions aren't solely related to his playmaking ability. He is revered as a leader on a veteran New England squad that has an overabundance of leaders.

"The guys really respect him for everything he brings to the table," said Patriots safety Rodney Harrison, a former Charger teammate of Seau's. "He was voted captain this year in only his second season with the Patriots. His consistency and intensity every day has been tremendous for us."

Said cornerback Ellis Hobbs: "I look at him as a guy with a lot of wisdom. When he talks, you can't help but listen. There's a key phrase in everything he says for life, not just for football."

Seau has had exactly the type of impact coach Bill Belichick forecasted when he decided to lure Seau to the Patriots shortly after the "graduation" announcement at Chargers Park.

Belichick, not known for delivering insightful comments, becomes a true blabber mouth whenever the topic turns to Seau.

"He has earned a tremendous amount of respect on our football team and in our organization and the entire community," Belichick said. "The fact that he was elected captain this year when it was only his second year on the team is a little bit unusual. The way the voting went was also kind of unusual in that he had the exact same number of votes from offensive and defensive players.

"I think that shows the widespread support that he had within our football team. If you know Junior, it isn't really surprising because he brings great professionalism and energy."

Yet Seau wouldn't be on the Patriots if he couldn't still play the game at a high level. Chargers' fans were painfully reminded of that fact when the player who went to 12 Pro Bowls in 13 seasons with the franchise made the biggest play of New England's victory over the Chargers in the AFC Championship Game.

The Chargers were threatening to take the lead and were facing third-and-1 from the New England 4-yard line in the third quarter when Michael Turner was handed the ball. Seau shot through the left side of the Chargers' offensive line in electrifying fashion and tackled Turner for a 2-yard loss. The Chargers had to settle for a field goal and never scored again in a 21-12 loss.

"I've done that my whole career but knowing the situation that we were in, it will probably go down as my defining play," Seau said. "It was definitely a big play. It was a momentum-changer."

As he prepares for Sunday's contest, Seau is dodging all questions in regards to whether his second Super Bowl appearance will be the final game of his football career. He won't divulge his plans or if the decision hinges on whether or not he finally earns a Super Bowl ring.

"This game is such a big game that it's bigger than what I'm going to do after the game," Seau said. "We can't be hypothetical on whether we win or lose and try to put words into describing that."

But perhaps a comment by receiver Randy Moss is a hint at which way Seau is leaning.

"Now he has a chance to really go out on top," Moss said. "That's something all of us want to see for Junior."

-- Contact staff writer Mike Sullivan at (760) 739-6645 or msullivan@nctimes.com.

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