Junior Seau's daughter releases Hall of Fame speech in New York Times exclusive
Former San Diego Chargers linebacker Junior Seau was posthumously inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Saturday.
Seau, who committed suicide in May 2012, was represented by his daughter, Sydney, at the induction ceremony.
The Hall of Fame did not allow Sydney to speak on her father's behalf, citing a policy that disallows the issuing of full speeches on behalf of the deceased.
Although Sydney provided remarks live on NFL Network, she released a full version of the tribute she wanted to give her father in an exclusive video for the New York Times.
"First off, I would like to thank the generous people of Canton, Ohio, for opening up their homes for this event, the Pro Football Hall of Fame committee for voting my father into the Hall, and of course the other seven deserving inductees," she said.
"Before I start thanking communities, teams, family and friends that I do know and many others that I have yet to have the pleasure of getting to know, I would like to say that this is not my speech to give. This speech was meant for a man that worked 20 years within the sport he loved most in this world."
Sydney continued:
Even though he would never admit to retiring, I think this is the perfect final graduation. I say final graduation because in 2006, instead of retirement, my dad decided to graduate from being a Charger after 13 years. Today is the day he graduates from the game itself.
I think the point is, he could never fully retire from this game because that would indicate that he was quitting and you can't quit something that is a part of who you are. Instead he graduates, and this is the diploma he has always dreamed of.
Seau was one of the greatest linebackers of all time, selected to the Pro Bowl 12 times in his 20-year career. He won Defensive Player of the Year in 1992 and was named the Walter Payton Man of the Year in 1994.
Seau's daughter remained proud of her father through to the very end, and concluded with a strong yet emotional sendoff to her dad.
"Well, after this speech, I hope you can hear us when we say that we love you, and I hope that this induction can exemplify the fact that you were more than just Junior Seau - you were a light, and you're still mine. This is your speech, your moment and your honor, and to say that I'm the most proud daughter on Earth would be an understatement. Congratulations, Dad; you made it."