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Former Bears player Dave Duerson.
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Dave Duerson in action with the Chicago Bears

Former Bears player Dave Duerson.

Former Bears player Dave Duerson on Feb. 18, 2000, at a fundraiser for a high school junior who was injured during a game. (Candice C. Cusic, Chicago Tribune)

ASSET_BARCODE: AFF-920-CT ## DESCRIPTION: Chicago Bears ## EXTENDED_DESCRIPTION: November 1986 ## CAPTION: Bears slip past Falcons -- Two sacks and an interception by safety Dave Duerson [22] help the Bears edge the Atlanta Falcons 13-10. Chicago Tribune photo by Ed Wagner Jr. published November 17, 1986

Two sacks and an interception by safety Dave Duerson [22] helped the Bears edge the Atlanta Falcons 13-10 in 1986. (Ed Wagner Jr. / Chicago Tribune)

Dave Duerson lays a hit on the Raiders' James Lofton during a 1987 game.

Dave Duerson lays a hit on the Raiders’ James Lofton during a 1987 game. (Bob Langer, Chicago Tribune)

Defensive coordinator Buddy Ryan is held aloft by members of his defense including Otis Wilson #55, Richard Dent #95 and Dave Duerson #22, of the Chicago Bears, during Super Bowl XX on January 26, 1986 against the New England Patriots at the Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Defensive coordinator Buddy Ryan is held aloft by members of his defense including Otis Wilson #55, Richard Dent #95 and Dave Duerson #22, of the Chicago Bears, during Super Bowl XX on January 26, 1986 against the New England Patriots at the Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Kidwiler Collection / Getty Images)

Dave Duerson, 22, with the help of Richard Dent (95) and Wilber Marshall, tackle Atlanta Falcons running back Gerald Riggs during a 1985 game.

Dave Duerson, 22, with the help of Richard Dent (95) and Wilber Marshall, tackle Atlanta Falcons running back Gerald Riggs during a 1985 game. (Bob Langer, Chicago Tribune)

Dave Duerson keeps his eyes on the play action even though he is standing near the bench area in a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Tampa Stadium on October 6, 1985. The Bears won 27-19.

Dave Duerson keeps his eyes on the play action even though he is standing near the bench area in a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Tampa Stadium on October 6, 1985. The Bears won 27-19. (Michael J. Minardi, Getty Images)

Dave Duerson tries to tackle the Colts' George Wonsley during a 1985 game.

Dave Duerson tries to tackle the Colts’ George Wonsley during a 1985 game. (Bob Langer, Chicago Tribune)

Bears safety Dave Duerson (22) hurries a pass by New England Patriots quarterback Steve Grogan in the Super Bowl.

Bears safety Dave Duerson (22) hurries a pass by New England Patriots quarterback Steve Grogan in the Super Bowl. (Chicago Tribune archive photo, Chicago Tribune)

Tampa Bay's James Wilder is tackled during the Bears' 20-3 victory Sunday. Dave Duerson is No. 22.

Tampa Bay’s James Wilder is tackled during the Bears’ 20-3 victory Sunday. Dave Duerson is No. 22. (Ed Wagner Jr., Chicago Tribune)

The Chicago Bears line the field during a 1988 game at Soldier Field against Tampa Bay. Dave Duerson is No. 22.

The Chicago Bears line the field during a 1988 game at Soldier Field against Tampa Bay. Dave Duerson is No. 22. (Chicago Tribune archive photo, Chicago Tribune)

Former Bears defensive end Dave Duerson.

Former Bears defensive end Dave Duerson in 2005. (Charles Cherney, Chicago Tribune)

PGA hole captian Dave Duerson silences the crowd as Tiger Woods tees off on 12 during the 2nd round at 88th PGA Championship at Medinah Country Club.

PGA hole captian Dave Duerson silences the crowd as Tiger Woods tees off on 12 during the 2nd round at 88th PGA Championship at Medinah Country Club on Aug 18th 2006. (Charles Cherney, Chicago Tribune)

Dave Duerson chats with 18-year-old Robert Komosa, who suffered a similar injury to Rasul "Rocky" Clark.

Dave Duerson chats with 18-year-old Robert Komosa, who suffered a similar injury to Rasul “Rocky” Clark on Feb. 18, 2000. (Candice A. Cusic, Chicago Tribune)

Dave Duerson holds up his drivers' license during a public tribute to his teammate Walter Payton at Soldier Field.

Dave Duerson holds up his drivers’ license during a public tribute to his teammate Walter Payton at Soldier Field. (SUE OGROCKI, REUTERS)

The brick pillar holding the steel entrance gate is engraved with Dave Duerson's No. 22 at his former Highland Park home.

The brick pillar holding the steel entrance gate is engraved with Dave Duerson’s No. 22 at his former Highland Park home. (David Trotman-Wilkins, Chicago Tribune)

Dave Duerson, who still plays the flugelhorn on occasion, surrounded by memorabilia collected throughout his pro football career.

Dave Duerson, who still plays the flugelhorn on occasion, surrounded by memorabilia collected throughout his pro football career on June 18, 2007. (David Trotman-Wilkins, Chicago Tribune)

Pallbearers, including former teammate Richard Dent, front center, carry the casket of ex-Bear Dave Duerson into Antioch Missionary Baptist Church before his funeral Saturday. Duerson killed himself Feb. 17 with a gunshot to the chest at his Florida home. Read more >>

Pallbearers, including former teammate Richard Dent, front center, carry the casket of ex-Bear Dave Duerson into Antioch Missionary Baptist Church before his funeral. Duerson killed himself Feb. 17 with a gunshot to the chest at his Florida home. (Brian Cassella, Chicago Tribune)

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