Dave Duerson Biography: Stats, Awards, Net Worth, Age, Death, Height, Parents, Siblings, Wife, Children

Dave Duerson was an American professional football player. He played safety in the NFL, most notably for the Chicago Bears, where he won Super Bowl XX, and later for the New York Giants, winning Super Bowl XXV.

A four-time Pro Bowl selection, Duerson was known for his toughness and leadership on the field. After retiring, he successfully ventured into business.

Profile

• Full Name: Dave Duerson
• Stage Name: Dave Duerson
• Born: November 28, 1960
• Age: 50 years old (Passed away on February 17, 2011)
• Birthplace: Muncie, Indiana, United States
• Nationality: American
• Occupation: Former Professional Football Player (NFL)
• Height: 6 feet 1 inch (1.85 m)
• Parent: Arthur Duerson Jr., Julia Leavell
• Siblings: Michael Duerson, Arthur Duerson III, Viola Duerson
• Spouse: Alicia Duerson (divorced)
• Children: Tregg Duerson, Brock Duerson, Taylor Duerson, Derek Duerson
• Relationship: Divorced
• Net Worth: $2 million

Early Life And Education

Dave Duerson was born on November 28, 1960, in Muncie, Indiana, United States. He was 50 years old at the time of his death. He was the son of Arthur Duerson Jr. and Julia Leavell. He grew up alongside his siblings, Michael Duerson, Arthur Duerson III, and Viola Duerson. Raised in a Christian household, Duerson was of African-American descent.

He attended Northside High School in Muncie, where he excelled both academically and athletically, becoming one of the top high school football players in the country. After high school, he earned a scholarship to the University of Notre Dame, where he continued his football career and graduated with honors in economics.

Career

Dave Duerson began his professional football career when he was selected by the Chicago Bears in the third round of the 1983 NFL Draft. Playing as a safety, he quickly became a key part of the Bears’ powerful defense. Duerson helped lead the team to a dominant victory in Super Bowl XX in 1986. Known for his intelligence, hard-hitting style, and leadership, he was selected to the Pro Bowl four consecutive times from 1985 to 1988.

After his time with the Bears, Duerson played for the New York Giants, where he won a second Super Bowl title at Super Bowl XXV. He later finished his NFL career with the Phoenix Cardinals before retiring.

Following his retirement from football, Duerson became a successful businessman. He owned several McDonald’s franchises and led Duerson Foods, a company that supplied meat products. His post-football career highlighted his commitment to leadership both on and off the field.

Awards and Nominations

• 4× Pro Bowl selection (1985–1988)
• 3× Second-team All-Pro (1986–1988)
• Super Bowl XX Champion (Chicago Bears)
• Super Bowl XXV Champion (New York Giants)
• NFL Man of the Year Award Finalist

Personal Life

Dave Duerson was previously married to Alicia Duerson. The couple eventually divorced after several years of marriage. Together, they had four children: Tregg Duerson (born in 1983), Brock Duerson (born in 1986), Taylor Duerson (born in 1988), and Derek Duerson (born in 1990).

At the time of his death, Dave Duerson was single. He stood at a height of 6 feet 1 inch (1.85 meters). Known for being a devoted father, he remained close to his children even after his divorce.

Filmography

• Film: Featured posthumously in the documentary League of Denial: The NFL’s Concussion Crisis
• Other: His story was also part of the inspiration for the 2015 film Concussion, starring Will Smith.

Net Worth

Before his passing in 2011, Dave Duerson had an estimated net worth of around $2 million. Although he earned millions during his NFL career and later became a successful entrepreneur through his company, Duerson Foods, financial challenges in his later years — including the bankruptcy and closure of his business in 2006 — affected his overall wealth.

His main sources of income included his NFL contracts, business ventures in the food industry, and ownership of several McDonald’s franchises earlier after his retirement from football. However, business struggles and personal financial difficulties in his later years reduced his net worth significantly by the time of his death.