Former Chicago Bears star S Roosevelt Taylor dies at 82

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May 29 (UPI) -- Former Chicago Bears star defensive back Roosevelt "Rosey" Taylor died at the age of 82, the team announced Friday.

The team didn't provide a cause of death.

"Today we lost a Bears great with the passing of Roosevelt Taylor," the Bears said in a statement. "Our thoughts are with Rosey's family and loved ones."

Taylor, a native of New Orleans and an alum of Grambling State University, spent the first nine seasons of his NFL career with the Bears (1961-69) and never missed a game. During that span, he appeared in 118 contests (108 starts) and recorded 23 interceptions and four defensive touchdowns.

Known for his ballhawk abilities, Taylor was named first-team All-Pro and earned his first trip to the Pro Bowl after leading the league with a career-best nine interceptions in 1963. He also helped the franchise beat the New York Giants at Wrigley Field to win the league championship that same year.

Taylor was named second-team All-Pro in 1964 and 1965, and was voted to his second Pro Bowl in 1968.