NFL: Junior Seau Returns To Patriots

In a season in which headlines are dominated by the likes of Pac-Man Jones and Plaxico Burress, it is nice to see some good news involving a much-loved player and stand-up guy. The New England Patriots today signed 12-time Pro Bowler and future Hall of Famer Junior Seau to replace Adalius Thomas at linebacker. (With an arm injury, Thomas will miss the rest of the season.)

The 39 year old Seau played 27 games for the Patriots the last two years, but hasn't been with a team this season. He played with the San Diego Chargers his first 12 years in the league, earning a Pro Bowl berth each season.

Off the field, he established the Seau Foundation, which raises money for drug awareness, child abuse prevention and college scholarships.

(Photo: Getty Images)

Buddy Early is the editor in chief of Sports Out Loud, soon to be Compete, the only gay sports magazine in the United States.

Unless otherwise stated, no particular sexual orientation of anyone depicted is implied or should be presumed.