Junior Seau was one of those players everyone knew, even if you weren’t a hardcore football fan. He played 20 seasons in the NFL and was basically the heart and soul of the San Diego Chargers for years, later playing with the Dolphins and then the Patriots. He played linebacker like his hair was on fire, always flying around the field, hitting hard, leading by example, and genuinely loving the game. He made the Pro Bowl 12 times, was All-Pro multiple times, and even went to a Super Bowl with the Patriots. What people remember most, though, is his energy and passion. He looked like a guy who was having the time of his life out there.

Then in 2012, everything changed. Junior Seau died by suicide at just 43 years old, and it completely stunned people. What made it even more heartbreaking was that he shot himself in the chest instead of the head, which many believe he did on purpose so doctors could study his brain. When they did, they found he had CTE, a brain disease caused by repeated hits to the head. CTE can mess with your mood, your thinking, your emotions, and your impulse control, and the scary part is a lot of people don’t even know they have it while they’re alive.

His death really exposed how badly we handle mental health in this country, especially for men and athletes. There’s still this idea that you’re supposed to suck it up, be tough, and push through it, no matter what’s going on in your head. We treat broken bones and torn ligaments like emergencies, but depression, brain damage, and emotional pain get brushed off or ignored until it’s too late. For athletes, it can be even worse after retirement, when the game is gone, the routine is gone, and the injuries and mental scars are still there.

Junior Seau had fame, money, respect, and a smile everyone remembered, and it still wasn’t enough to protect him. That’s why his story sticks with people. It’s a reminder that mental health is just as real and just as serious as physical health, and in the U.S., we still don’t treat it that way until something tragic forces us to pay attention.

I want you all to embrace those close to you and tell them they are important and that you love them because just like that they can be gone.

1989 Score Barry Sanders rookie. Must have for everyone’s collection. Barry Sanders, born July 16, 1968, in Wichita, Kansas, is widely regarded as one of the greatest running backs in NFL history. After a record-breaking junior year at Oklahoma State, where he won the 1988 Heisman Trophy, Sanders was drafted third overall by the Detroit Lions in 1989. Known for his unmatched agility, balance, and elusiveness, he rushed for over 15,000 yards and scored 109 total touchdowns in just 10 seasons, earning 10 Pro Bowl selections and the 1997 NFL MVP award. Despite still being at the peak of his abilities, Sanders shocked the sports world by retiring abruptly in 1999, just shy of breaking Walter Payton’s all-time rushing record. Humble and private off the field, Sanders has remained an enduring symbol of grace, sportsmanship, and excellence in football.