The wonderfully touching moment from Sydney Seau to her father
I can’t imagine the strength it took Sydney Seau to talk about her father, newly enshrined Pro Football Hall of Famer Junior Seau, and she did so with such incredible grace and honor.
It was the most beautiful Hall of Fame moment you’re ever going to see.
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Sydney Seau spoke over a highlight video of her father, narrating his career. If there was any worry that any of the moment would focus on Junior Seau’s 2012 suicide and the wrongful death lawsuit against the NFL, there was no need. Sydney Seau, in the video, spoke often of how much her father loved football and how his passion on the field was unmatched.
“I think he’s the epitome or the perfect match to football,” Sydney Seau said. “They’re both stubborn, they’re both relentless, competitive, hard hitting. I feel like he changed what the embodiment of passion is in the game.”
After the video, Sydney Seau and Junior Seau’s three sons unveiled his bust. The siblings hugged on stage. Junior Seau’s mother in the crowd sobbed.
Then Sydney Seau did an interview with NFL Network, and she gave what amounted to a speech. It was an incredible speech, at that.
Sydney talked about what Junior would say, how he would thank everyone and mostly his parents, because he was always so selfless.
“I think my father would be completely overwhelmed and honored to be inducted into a class with the most elite athletes and professionals,” Sydney Seau said.
“I know this isn’t my speech to give, this is his. He spent 20 years in the league and he deserves this moment. All I can do is humbly attempt to thank the people in his life and career who made this induction possible.”
A few times Sydney Seau had to pause briefly and compose herself. She apologized because she was getting emotional. There was no need to apologize.
At the end, she started speaking directly to her late father.
“Dad, you gave us your time, your presence, your love, but most of all you gave us your heart,” Sydney Seau said. “And I know at times it seemed as if everything you accomplished in life wasn’t enough, but, today and every day since you held me in your arms for the first time, you were more than enough, you were everything.
“I want nothing more than to see you come on stage and give the speech you were meant to give and give me a hug and tell me you love me one last time. But that isn’t a reality. And I know his athleticism and talent made him extraordinary enough to make it into the Hall, but it is his passion and heart that make him truly legendary and deserving of this tremendous honor.
“Dad, I love you and I miss you. Congratulations, you made it.”
Sydney Seau held it together to deliver that beautiful tribute to her father. I wonder how many people in the stadium were able to hold it together as she spoke.
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Frank Schwab is the editor of Shutdown Corner on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter! Follow @YahooSchwab