Junior Seau Found Dead; Cops Suspect Suicide

(CBS) Police confirmed former San Diego Chargers and New England Patriots star Junior Seau was found dead at his Oceanside, Ca. home Wednesday and they are treating it as a suicide investigation.

Seau died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the chest. If true, the suicide is very similar to former Bears great Dave Duerson, who died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the chest Feburary 17, 2011. Duerson shot himself in the chest so his brain could be examined in an effort to reduce brain injuries in the NFL. Neurologists at Boston University later confirmed Duerson suffered from a neurodegenerative disease linked to concussions.

"Everyone at the Chargers is in complete shock and disbelief right now," the team said in a statement. "We ask everyone to stop what they're doing and send their prayers to Junior and his family."

The San Diego Union Tribune reported a 911 call reporting a possible suicide was made to police at 10 a.m. PT.

Seau was involved in a car accident in 2010 when he drove his car off a cliff on the same day he was arrested for allegedly attacking his girlfriend. He claimed he fell asleep at the wheel and was not trying to kill himself.

TMZ first reported Seau's death.