Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Junior Seau returns to play for the New England Patriots

Linebacker Junior Seau, whose return to the New England Patriots has been long-anticipated, made it official Tuesday, according to a news release from Versus.

AFC East blog

Junior Seau returns to play for the New England Patriots

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Seau, who has been shooting episodes for his show, "Sports Jobs with Junior Seau," on the network, will provide depth and leadership at linebacker, where the Patriots have had a run of injuries. Versus said the show will debut Dec. 2, as planned.

Seau, a 12-time Pro Bowl player, came out of retirement last year to play the final four games with the Patriots after playing 27 games with them in 2006 and 2007. He said this fall that he would be willing to return to play, but only for New England.

He likely will make this season's debut Sunday at home against the Tennessee Titans, ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter reported last week. The Patriots will have to make a roster move to accommodate Seau on their 53-man roster.

"I'm very fortunate and honored to be involved with two class organizations -- the New England Patriots and Versus," Seau said in the statement. "I want to thank the management of both for making my return to the NFL with the New England Patriots a reality."

Coach Bill Belichick, when asked about Seau's reported signing during a conference call Tuesday afternoon, said: "We don't have anything to say about it."



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