Injuries have derailed Seau's career in recent years. He played in only seven games last season before being placed on injured reserve with an Achilles' injury, and in 2004 played in just eight games after suffering a torn pectoral muscle.
Patriots coach Bill Belichick was asked about Seau Monday, the day Seau announced his retirement.
``I had the opportunity to coach him in Hawaii, in the '98 Pro Bowl," Belichick said. ``I did get to know him out there. He's always been a . . . high-energy type of player that has made a lot of big plays through his career. Of course, we saw a little bit more of him the last couple of years while he was with the Dolphins.
``I know he missed some time but when he was there, having him in the division the last couple of years, I just got to know him a little bit better, seeing him before the game and stuff like that. He's had a good career; 16 years he's been playing, [that's] pretty good."
The Patriots' interest in Seau apparently grew after their exhibition opener in Atlanta last Friday, when the Falcons rushed for 196 yards on 33 carries (5.9 average). Run defense has been a cornerstone of the Patriots' success the last three years, with the team ranking in the NFL's top eight each season.
The Patriots' personnel at inside linebacker has been thinned considerably since the start of training camp. The team planned to pair Tedy Bruschi and Monty Beisel on the inside, and the two spoke early in camp about how they were excited to work together. But Bruschi broke his wrist July 31 and has since had surgery, while Beisel has struggled to stay on the field because of an unknown physical ailment.
The team started Barry Gardner and Don Davis at inside linebacker against the Falcons. Rookie free agent Freddie Roach and Beisel were the primary backups, while Larry Izzo and Eric Alexander also saw playing time at the position. In recent training camp practices, the Patriots have moved Mike Vrabel to inside linebacker, playing him next to Gardner.
