Dave Duerson, ex-Bear from legendary '85 Super Bowl team, dies at 50

(CBS/CBSSports/AP) - Dave Duerson, a four-time Pro Bowler, Notre Dame legend and Super Bowl champion, was found dead in his home Friday morning. He was 50-years-old.

The Bears released a statement Friday saying they were "stunned and saddened" by the news and called Duerson "a great contributor to our team and the Chicago community."

"Today is a difficult day for all of us who loved Dave," the team said. "We'll miss him. Our prayers are with his family."

Miami-Dade police detective Robert Williams said the body of a Dave Duerson was found Thursday in Sunny Isles Beach, Fla. Investigators have not determined the cause of death. Williams says detectives are awaiting the medical examiner's report.

Duerson's ex-wife, Alicia Duerson, told NBC Chicago that he "loved and cherished his family" and was "extremely proud" of Notre Dame and the Bears.

A native of Muncie, Ind., Duerson was a third-round draft pick by the Bears in 1983 out of Notre Dame and became a key figure on one of the greatest defenses ever assembled.

Who can forget the 1985 team mauling opponents while shuffling all the way to the championship with Hall of Famers such as Mike Singletary, Dan Hampton and Richard Dent up front? With Todd Bell sitting out the entire season, Duerson played a big role in the backfield with five interceptions that year and made the first of four straight Pro Bowls.

"He was a great player for us," coach Mike Ditka told the Associated Press. "He stepped in and did a great job. It's very sad."