The guys in the locker room can also count themselves among those who are thrilled to see him back.
"I'm happy to see him," defensive tackle Vince Wilfork told Boston.com on Thursday. "I think a lot of guys can learn from a guy like that. He comes to work prepared every day and ready to work. On and off the field, a great guy. I've been here for six years and three of them I've had a chance to play with Junior, so it's exciting for me and hopefully exciting for this defense to have a guy like that come back."
Seau spent the first 13 years of his career in San Diego before jumping ship to Miami for three years. He came out of retirement to join New England in 2006, retired after the 2007 season, then returned for the final four games of 2008.
This will be the third time he has come out of retirement to become a member of the Patriots.
"It just showed me how much he thinks of this game and how much respect he has for the game and for this organization to come back for another [season] with us," Wilfork added.
Linebacker Derrick Burgess is so happy to have Seau back that he had no qualms about switching to No. 53 so Seau could reclaim his old No. 55.
What did it take to get it back?
"A smile and a 'thank you,'" Seau said.
