Several hundred people have taken part in a paddle-out in front of Junior Seau's Southern California home to pay tribute to the former NFL linebacker.

Fred Hodges shows a surfboard he decorated during a "paddle-out" in honor of Junior Seau in Oceanside, California.
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The Los Angeles Times reports that participants at Sunday's seaside memorial included Seau's former teammate Drew Brees, who played quarterback for the San Diego Chargers when Seau was the star linebacker.

The 43-year-old Seau committed suicide Wednesday at his home in Oceanside.

Seau was an avid surfer who was often seen riding the waves in front of his home. Fans and well-wishers formed a circle across the water and held hands while a prayer was said for him.

They also chanted Seau's name and the number 55, his number at Southern California and during 20 years in the NFL.

The Chargers are planning a celebration of Seau’s life on Friday, at San Diego’s Qualcomm Stadium, starting at 6:30 p.m. The parking lot opens at 2 p.m. Because a large crowd is expected, the team has suggested that people form carpools or take the San Diego trolley.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)

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