Junior Seau was a true great

Close your eyes and visualize Junior Seau playing linebacker.

You will see a wild, unpredictable, explosive ball of energy that always seemed to have a knack for the football, even if he wasn't always playing the defense the way it was drawn up.

Junior Seau was one of the best of our generation, the kind of defensive player you tuned in to watch.

He wasn't just a sack guy, one of those off-the-edge pass rushers. No, Seau could do it all. He could rush the passer, he could cover backs and tight ends and he could tackle.

As news of his death came out Wednesday, reportedly from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, I closed my eyes, said a prayer, and then remembered him for the great player he was during his 19-year career.

The details of why it happened will surface, and I'm sure the game of football will be blamed, but Seau loved the game. It was a passion you could see every time he took the field, a tornado-like style that made him stand out from so many other linebackers.

No. 55, you will be missed.

I just wish you could be around when your bust is cast in Canton.