David Russell "Dave" Duerson (November 28, 1960 – February 17, 2011) was an American football safety in the National Football League (NFL) who played for the Chicago Bears (1983–1989), New York Giants (1990), and Phoenix Cardinals (1991–1993).
He was selected to four consecutive Pro Bowls for NFL seasons 1985 through 1988.
At age 50, Duerson died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the chest.
Following his request, his brain was sent to the Boston University School of Medicine for research on chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).
Neurologists at Boston University confirmed that Duerson had CTE as a result of the concussions he suffered during his playing career.