50 is too young to die... but shockingly, we have learned this morning that Dave Duerson, a Bears safety for seven seasons and a key member of the 1985 Super Bowl champions, was found dead this morning in his Miami home.
↵↵Duerson's family asks that he be remembered warmly.↵↵↵
↵"Our family asks that you please remember Dave as a good, kind, and caring man," Alicia Duerson, Dave's ex-wife told NBCChicago. "He loved and cherished his family and friends and was extremely proud of his beloved Notre Dame and [the] Chicago Bears. Please keep Dave and our family in your prayers."
The Bears also issued a statement:
↵↵“We are stunned and saddened to hear the tragic news regarding Dave Duerson. He was a great contributor to our team and the Chicago community. Today is a difficult day for all of us who loved Dave. We’ll miss him. Our prayers are with his family.â€â†µâ†µ
Duerson became a starter in 1985 and intercepted five passes that year; the next season was his best as a Bear, with six interceptions and seven sacks. He wound up on the 1990 New York Giants and got a second Super Bowl ring and finished his career with three seasons on the then-Phoenix Cardinals. He's had some hard times since his playing career ended and wound up living in South Florida. Our condolences to Duerson's family and friends.