Seau may unretire to join Patriots

FOXBORO, Mass., Aug. 18 (UPI) -- Junior Seau, the NFL Pro Bowl linebacker who retired earlier this week, is reportedly considering coming out of retirement to join the Patriots.

Seau, 37, has played 16 seasons in the NFL, joining the San Diego Chargers after leaving the University of Southern California and playing the last three years with the Miami Dolphins.

The linebacker would fill a hole in the Patriots lineup created by Tedy Bruschi's injury, the Boston Herald reported.

"Junior left a message for Chargers President Dean Spanos alerting him that he may sign a contract and play for the New England Patriots," the Chargers said in a statement. "If in fact he chooses to continue his playing career, we wish him good health and the best of luck this season. Junior's place in the Chargers Hall of Fame awaits him when his career is over."

Seau played in 12 Pro Bowls. During his last two years with the Dolphins, his playing time was cut by injuries.