SAN DIEGO — Junior Seau is healthy and thinks he can still play. He also knew it was time to retire from a 16-year NFL career.

"It's pretty easy. When a team doesn't want you or need you, retire, buddy," the 12-time Pro Bowl linebacker said to laughter from a crowd of about 300 family, friends, players and team executives Monday at the San Diego Chargers' headquarters.

The 12-time Pro Bowl linebacker ended his career as only he could, with a news conference that was part revival meeting and part standup comedy.

Seau didn't pump his fists like he used to after practically every tackle and sack during his remarkable career. He didn't cry, either, although his voice cracked momentarily as he offered a closing prayer.

"Don't think you're going to come here and get a news conference where I'm going to cry," he said. "Listen, I win. I'm not going to cry. You know what? I won."

Seau, 37, was the live-wire leader of his hometown team from 1990 until being unceremoniously jettisoned in the spring of 2003. He played three less-productive years with the Miami Dolphins, who released him in March.

He was one of the NFL's greatest linebackers and helped the Chargers reach their only Super Bowl.

Seau both quoted from scripture and offered a message to the current players.

"You probably thought you were going to hear about football. It ain't about football anymore, all right? I'm going to tell you the truth: Respect the game. Love the game. Stop pushing the game away, youth. Because you know what? The game is going to go anyway. The game's going to leave you anyway. So why not embrace it? I loved that game."

Then, he quipped: "I almost cried."

"So please, understand when I say this," Seau added, "I'm not retiring. I am graduating. Today is my graduation day. Retirement means that you'll just go ahead and live on your laurels and surf all day in Oceanside. It ain't going to happen."

Seau was noncommittal about his future, whether it be coaching or broadcasting.

"It could include evangelism or the 9 o'clock slot on Comedy Central," said master of ceremonies Dick Enberg.

"That was his finest hour," said coach Marty Schottenheimer, who fancies himself as a skilled orator. "He captivated everybody." Schottenheimer coached against Seau for nine seasons in Kansas City, then coached him in his final year in San Diego.

"He's one of a kind," said running back LaDainian Tomlinson, who asked a serious question so his younger teammates could hear how Seau prepared himself for games.

Seau ragged on long snapper David Binn for having an easy job, noting that the 13-year veteran will break his record for most games played with the Chargers.

Binn responded by asking, "Can we get our discount at Seau's The Restaurant?"

Seau didn't go out the way he always figured he would — as a Charger. The team wasn't able to clear a roster spot to allow him to sign a one-day contract before retiring.