SAN DIEGO (CNS) - Football fans at the 33rd annual Chargers Blood Drive got a treat Tuesday with an appearance by former star linebacker Junior Seau, who is scheduled to be inducted into the team's Hall of Fame on Sunday.
The event, at the Town and Country Hotel and Convention Center, benefits the San Diego Blood Bank.
Appearing with Seau in the first few hours of the blood drive were current Charger players Vincent Brown, Shaun Phillips and Mike Tolbert, and former placekickers John Carney and Rolf Benirschke.
The blood drive began in 1979 when the team and blood bank teamed in honor of Benirschke, who had two major surgeries within six days for ulcerative colitis. More than 50,000 pints of blood have been collected in the years since, according to blood bank officials.
Donors receive a Chargers Blood Drive T-shirt, which can be autographed by players from the football team.
The blood drive was scheduled to end at 6 p.m., following a fashion show featuring players and family members.
