Seau's return to the Patriots would be pathetic

A return to the New England Patriots by Junior Seau, who is currently unsigned, would be nothing short of pathetic, and also quite hypocritical. Seau, who has long craved a Super Bowl ring, is still in search of his first one. Surely he assumed he could get one the easy way by signing up with the Patriots, but it hasn't worked out that way. Now with the Patriots drafting a pair of linebackers this past weekend (let's face it, even their sixth-round pick, Bo Ruud, will probably end up in Canton seeing how as his coach will alert him of all the opponents' plays before they are run), a return by Seau would only spot him a part-time role. For a guy who rants on about his passion for the game, he might even be, dare I say, selling himself short.

Seau is 39, but he may be able to find more playing time elsewhere. Let's say a team like Indianapolis came calling. Last I checked the Colts were pretty good but could use some help at linebacker, and it's not as if a guy like Seau couldn't live with playing for Tony Dungy. But obviously he is so in love with Bill Belichick's "system*" that such a scenario is unlikely. Love for the game? Or just love for the quickie ring?

If Junior comes back as the senior citizen that he is, it would be nothing short of weaseling, a way to just put in enough reps to try and get that long-awaited ring the easy way. Seau, who once retired for a few days after Miami cut him and no one wanted anything to do with him, would lose the last ounces of respect that anyone should even have for him now. If he really was the heart and soul of the Chargers all those years, what a weak heart and soul that was. Seau was part of some pretty awful teams, including a 1-15 squad in 2000, but that doesn't mean he deserves a ring any more than the next guy. Going to the Patriots should not make anyone root for you, because you are part of the problem.

If Seau returns for his 19th season, it would be just the opposite of heartwarming. It would be a pathetic rouge to make one last run at it for the most hated team in football.