Seau comes out of retirement to help Patriots

BOSTON (Reuters) - The New England Patriots lured Junior Seau out of retirement on Friday, the team again dipping into their past to try and strengthen linebacking options.

Two days after acquiring another familiar face at linebacker, Rosevelt Colvin, the Pats re-signed the 39-year-old Seau to provide depth in a position hit hard by injuries this season.

"What it took was a coach (Bill Belichick) that you respect, to make a call to come out and help guys that you have a lot of love for," Seau told reporters in Foxborough.

"It wasn't a hard decision," added the 12-times Pro Bowler who spent two seasons with the Pats after making his name with the San Diego Chargers. He also played for the Miami Dolphins.

Seau, who retired at the end of last season, takes the roster spot of Adalius Thomas who is out for the rest of the campaign after breaking his forearm.

The 39-year-old is expected to join the Patriots (7-5) for Sunday's game in Seattle against the Seahawks as New England makes a final push for a playoff berth.

Nine-year veteran Colvin, who played for New England for five years before being released at the end of last season, was brought in to bolster a unit also missing injured linebackers Eric Alexander and Pierre Woods.

(Writing by Larry Fine in New York, Editing by Tony Jimenez)