OCEANSIDE, Calif. -- Former NFL star Junior Seau was found dead at his home Wednesday, authorities said.  Police Lt. Karen Laser confirmed the death and U-T San Diego reported that a 911 call came from the home at 10 a.m.

Oceanside police chief Frank McCoy said Wednesday afternoon that a woman who identified herself as Seau's girlfriend said she discovered Seau unconscious with a gunshot wound to his chest. McCoy said police found a handgun near Seau and the incident is being investigated as a suicide.

Seau's mother appeared before reporters, weeping uncontrollably.

Seau was a standout linebacker with the University of Southern California before going to the San Diego Chargers, whom he led to the Super Bowl following the 1994 season.

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