San Diego Chargers Daily Links: May 3, 2012

Chargers coach mourns a mentor - Michael Gehlken
"He's what pushed me to get into coaching," Polk said. "The offense could come out, and he could tell you the top three plays they did in that formation. It was just mind-blowing how he could tell you, 'They're going to do this, and they're going to do this. And he's going to move.'

Acee: A star that transcended sports - Kevin Acee
Today, we absorb arguably the saddest news to ever hit San Diego in regards to one of its sports figures. Junior Seau, dead at age 43, was more than a sports figure, he was more than the face of a franchise.

Statements regarding the passing of Junior Seau - Chargers.com
"I can't put into words how I'm feeling right now. I'm shocked and devastated. Junior was my friend. We all lost a friend today. Junior was an icon in our community. He transcended the game. He wasn't just a football player, he was so much more. He was loved by everyone in our family, our organization and throughout the NFL. This is just such a tragic loss. One of the worst things I could ever imagine. My prayers go out to Junior's family. It's heartbreaking."

Canepa: Seau a San Diego treasure - Nick Canepa
Saying it best was Shawn Mitchell, Seau’s friend and Chargers pastor for the past 28 years, who spoke to the media Monday afternoon outside Seau’s Oceanside home: "Things might appear to be great on the outside but other things can be going on inside."

Share Your Favorite Junior Seau Stories - John Gennaro
Junior jumped snaps better than any ILB I've ever seen. He was always watching the ball, even when the play was nowhere near him. He never gave up on a play and took seemingly perfect angles to every tackle. Then, when he got to the the ball-carrier, he made sure they knew who hit them. After big plays at home, he'd fire up the crowd.

Spanos: Seau was 'heart and soul' of Chargers - Michael Gehlken
"Obviously, it's shocking," Spanos said. "It makes you feel very sad. He's brought so much to this community over the years. A good person, a good friend. He was the fabric — really a part of this community.

Junior Seau dies at 43 - ESPN.com news services
Quarterback Stan Humphries recalled that Seau did everything at the same speed, whether it was practicing, lifting weights or harassing John Elway. "The intensity, the smile, the infectious attitude, it carried over to all the other guys," said Humphries, who was shocked that Seau is now the eighth player from the '94 Super Bowl team to die.

Junior Seau was San Diego - Bill Williamson
However, the memory of Tiana Baul "Junior" Seau will never fade in San Diego.

Athletes react to Seau's death - ESPN.com
As news filtered out of former NFL linebacker Junior Seau's death, former teammates and other athletes whose lives he touched reacted on Twitter.