Seau's second chance
At long last, his opportunity comes
FOXBOROUGH - Linebacker Junior Seau is heading back to the Super Bowl for the first time since 1994, in pursuit of the championship that has eluded him over the first 17 years of his career.
It's no wonder that one of the emotional leaders of the Patriots was emotional after yesterday's 21-12 victory over the Chargers in the AFC Championship game, embracing safety Rodney Harrison and kissing him on the cheek.
The 39-year-old Seau repeated time and time again that all he ever wanted was a chance to win, and he felt fortunate to have that in New England. Seau has become an inspirational leader for the Patriots, often delivering speeches to the team.
Players and coaches seemed especially happy that he'd finally have another chance to get a Super Bowl ring.
"I heard Bill [Belichick] say that you have to be happy for guys like that that play so hard and put everything into it throughout their career," linebacker Mike Vrabel said. "The type of player he is, a Hall of Famer, I'll be happy to go on a Super Bowl trip with him and hopefully win the game with him."
Seau was reflective after the win, which came against the team for which he suited up for 13 seasons. Did he think it would take this long to make a return trip to the Super Bowl?
"I didn't have a time frame, no one ever does," he responded. "All anyone wants, I don't care if you're a rookie, to an 18-year vet, to a third-grader, all we ever want in life is a chance. Does that mean a chance to win the Super Bowl? No, it's a chance to win. When you win often, it leads to greater things, and you learn that during the course of life."
Seau, who finished with six tackles, one sack, and a big third-down stop in the red zone, experienced a poignant moment with Harrison after the game.
"We shared a lot of years in San Diego and to have the latter part of our careers meet across the country, and to be able to be part of this special moment with a great coach here in New England, it's special, it really is," he said.
Harrison was overflowing with emotion, much of it for Seau.
"That's like a big brother of mine, a guy that's looked out for me for so many years," he said. "I was so proud and so happy for Junior Seau to get this opportunity."
Seau's big third-down stop came early in the third quarter. The Patriots led, 14-9, but the Chargers had moved to the New England 4 and faced third and 1.
Seau burst through the line to tackle running back Michael Turner for a 2-yard loss, and the Chargers had to settle for a field goal.
"That's just what Junior does," Harrison said. "That's what makes Junior Seau a Hall of Famer."
Now, Seau has a chance to call himself a Super Bowl champion on an undefeated team.
"The only thing you can say is it's special," he responded. "No. 1, a lot of hard work. To stay humble, to be able to be hungry, to be able to persevere during those close games that we've had along the journey, we now have one more game, one more game to be part of that forever. That's special."
Christopher L. Gasper of the Globe staff contributed to this report. 