Thursday's New England Patriots Links 5/3
A tragic day yesterday after the news of the death of former Patriots linebacker and Chargers great Junior Seau. Needless to say there are plenty of articles this morning on that and other topics, and here are this morning's top stories.
BOSTON GLOBE
A Tribute to Seau - Chad Finn
Finn has a terrific article this morning on Seau, and recalls some of his big moments here in New England.
Patriots react to the news of Junior Seau's death - Staff
The Globe gathered a list of tweets from a bunch of the Patriots players, who were all obviously devastated by the news.
Kraft remembers 'our buddy' Seau - Shalise Manza Young
Young has comments from Patriots owner Robert Kraft, who gave his reaction to the loss of Seau after the team issued a statement last night.
Patriots bring back Jabar Gaffney - Greg Bedard
Bedard has an entry this morning on the re-signing of former Patriots receiver Jabar Gaffney, who received a two-year contract.
Sources: Personnel executive Licht leaving Patriots - Shalise Manza Young
Young has an entry on the fact that New England's director of pro personnel Jason Licht is leaving the Patriots to take a role with the Arizona Cardinals, citing league sources.
BOSTON HERALD:
Seau shock: Another life cut short by unforgiving game - Ron Borges
Borges has a great column this morning on Seau, and compares him to other former players who were lost in similar fashion.
Kevin Faulk: Junior Seau ‘meant something’ to Pats - Karen Guregian
Guregian has an article with comments from Patriots runningback Kevin Faulk, who recalled some memories of Seau including his pregame speeches which Faulk called "powerful".
One question lingers after Junior Seau's death - Why? - Greg Cote
The Herald has a syndicated column out of Miami where Cote writes that Seau left no note, and wonders why this happened.
Patriots backup QB displays new polish - Karen Guregian
Guregian has an interesting article on back-up quarterback Ryan Mallett, who had some comments on former - and now current - teammate Jake Bequette whom he played with at Arkansas.
NOTEBOOK: Jabar Gaffney in comeback - Karen Guregian
Guregian files her notebook this morning, which leads off with the return of Patriots receiver Jabar Gaffney.
WEEI
In New England, Junior Seau was one of a kind, both on and off the field - Christopher Price
Price has a really great article this morning and recalls some memories of Seau here in Foxboro.
What the Return of Jabar Gaffney Means for the Patriots Passing Game - Christopher Price
Price has a good article on what the return of Jabar Gaffney will mean to the Patriots passing game for this upcoming season.
NESN.COM
Wes Welker Claims Larry Izzo Once Earned Game Ball for Pooping on Sideline During Patriots Game (Video) - NESN
You don't need an explanation for this one, you'll just have to watch the video.
Robert Kraft Joins Junior Seau's Teammates, Friends in Honoring Linebacker After Death - Jen Slothower
Slothower has a good article this morning on Seau's loss, and writes that his reach extended far beyond the locker room.
Jason Licht Takes New Job With Cardinals, Leaving Void in Patriots Front Office - Jeff Howe
Howe writes about the loss of director of pro personnel Jason Licht, who will be taking over as the Cardinals director of player personnel. Howe distinguishes the difference between his current role and his new one, pointing out that it's a promotion because Nick Caserio was his immediate boss here in New England.
CSNNE.COM
Curran: A transcendent Patriot - Tom E. Curran
Curran has a good article of his own this morning on Seau and has some of his own memories of the former Patriot.
Paoletti: Is this another case of C.T.E.? - Mary Paoletti
Paoletti looks at Seau's death and wonders if it's the result of C.T.E. -- a progressive degenerative condition linked to memory loss, depression, and dementia.
Gaffney returning to Patriots - Tom E. Curran
Curran has an article about the return of Jabar Gaffney, who now joins a crowded group heading into training camp.
SAN JOSE MERCURY NEWS
With Junior Seau death, NFL could be reaching tipping point - Mark Emmons
Emmons writes that with the deaths beginning to pile up among former players, the league has to continue to work toward understanding the connection between on-field concussions and the long-term mental impairment of players.
Monte Poole: Junior Seau's Cry For Help - Monte Poole
Poole has a great take on Seau's death, and feels that the reason he shot himself in the chest - and not the head - is a silent cry for help for the NFL to possibly look at his brain and compares this to the death of Chicago Bears safety Dave Duerson, who also shot himself in the chest instead off the head.
