Police were called to Buffones Chicago home on Monday afternoon, where he was found unresponsive in bed. Chicago and bear fans around the world will miss you. Buffone was the star of a popular segment of the Mully and Hanley show on WCSR on Fridays during the football season. "He understood how important it was to go out of your way to appreciate your family and the good things that you have.". Born in Yatesboro, Pennsylvania, Buffone played linebacker and center from 1962 to 1965 at the University of Louisville. Thank You Doug , well done indeed ! He was a Pro Bowler in my eyes on my team., In recent years, Buffone hosted a Bears postgame radio show on WSCR-AM 670 with Ed OBradovich. Thanks Doug for all you did as a player and broadcaster. 2023 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Satellite Information Network, LLC. "Today is a sad day for Bears nation," said former Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher, who like Buffone played his entire career with the team. Doug was The man and always will be the Man. If youre in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist. In addition to the 24 interceptions, Buffone had 10 fumble recoveries, nine forced fumbles and 37 sacks. Thank you Mr Buffone, your example shows us how to live and to love. Buffone was an entrepreneur, and part owner of several Chicago area businesses, including "Gibson's Steak House", one of the most popular nightspots in Chicago's Rush Street area, and Digital One, a video production and streaming video company in the Chicago suburbs. "But that kind of floored me when my son called me and said what had happened. Buffone played in 186 games for the Bears, making 1,257 tackles and going over the 100-tackle mark in seven seasons. Dear Dana, Kay Varga and I are thinking of you and sending you heartfelt prayers to give you strength to help you through this most difficult time. He will be missed by all he touched. It's the old thing. Doug was my football hero. In a statement, Hall of Famer Dick Butkus, who played alongside Buffone on the Bears for seven years, said a "great man" was lost. Tony Catanese Mechanicsville,MD. I'm sure my dad is dancing and singing (two of his favorite things) in heaven having you up there with him. Smooth and cool., Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. I appreciated his honesty and knowledge and just want to say thank you Big Doug. Mr Buffone has always been a true ambassador for Chicago, the Bears, and the NFL. He spoke at the Fenwick Fathers' Club several times about how much he enjoyed his own high school football days. He had like bird legs but a developed upper body. RIP #55 You will always be in our hearts!! And yet, somehow, someway, neither player ever saw the postseason with some of the Bears' potential momentum slowed by a pair of knee injuries suffered by Sayers. CHICAGO -- Former Bears linebacker Doug Buffone, whose reputation for being a passionate football player carried over into his career as a sports broadcaster, died Monday at the age of 70. I was fortunate enough to have Doug as a mentor, teammate, & friend at the University of Louisville. And he proved it each week over his 14-year career, a tenure record he shared with another great, Bill George, for 33 seasons. Chicago Bears legend Doug Buffone, who played in 186 games for the organization and is considered to be one of the greatest players to ever wear the teams uniform, died Monday at the age of 70. My condolences to the family and he will be truly missed! In his post-NFL life, he hosted various Bears talk shows and the post-game shows for the games, co-hosted by former player and teammate Ed O'Bradovich, on 670 The Score. He provided broadcast color commentary for the first NFL game (featuring the Bears and the Dallas Cowboys) in Europe. And he proved it each week over his 14-year career, a tenure record he shared with another great, Bill George, for 33 seasons. WebCompare Doug Buffone to . Paramedics were called to Buffones home in the 1200 block of West Lexington Street around 1:30 p.m. Monday, according to police and fire officials. The team said in a statement that Buffone "will always be celebrated as one of the Bears greats for his contributions to his team and the fans who loved him. He was also the last active Bears player who played for the team with George Halas as the head coach. June 27, 1944 - April 20, 2015 Chicago, Illinois | Age 70 Former Chicago Bears linebacker dies . What a guy! Paramedics and police were summoned to Buffone's home on Chicago's West Side and found a 70-year-old man dead due to natural causes, said police spokesman Thomas Sweeney. ", "His special relationship with Bears fans continued beyond his playing days, first through founding the Bear Report and later as one of the pioneers and long-time contributors to Chicagos first sports radio station, WSCR. My father Ernie Poulos enjoyed your company so much. We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time. He was a great player and even better person after football. Learn how and when to remove this template message, "Who's Who In Town Caught In Tangled Webio Deal", "Former Bear Doug Buffone found dead at home", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Doug_Buffone&oldid=1140680500, Players of American football from Pennsylvania, People from Armstrong County, Pennsylvania, Short description is different from Wikidata, Articles needing additional references from April 2015, All articles needing additional references, Articles using infobox templates with no data rows, NFL player missing current team parameter, Infobox NFL biography articles missing alt text and caption, Infobox NFL biography articles with old NFL.com URL, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0. He was a fourth-round draft pick. We grew up in Yatesboro together. (Reuters) - Doug Buffone, a linebacker who played 14 seasons for the National Football League's Chicago Bears before retiring in 1980 as the franchise's all-time leader in games played, died on Monday at the age of 70, the team said. The (NFL) has just done a great job of marketing the game. doug buffone obituary Buffone, Doug Every man's death diminishes us, but that holds double for legends like Doug Buffone. Buffone played in 186 games for the Bears, making 1,257 tackles and going over the 100-tackle mark in seven seasons. All quotes delayed a minimum of 15 minutes. Unless you are experienced as an estate executor, you probably should hire an attorney. He served as an unofficial ambassador for the team he loved and the game he devoted himself to, earning legions of friends and admirers through his unfailing graciousness and good-hearted nature. Following his collegiate career, Buffone was selected by the Chicago Bears in the fourth round of the 1966 NFL Draft and the eighth round of the American Football League Draft by the San Diego Chargers. only met a couple times.. truly a class act .. Condolences to his friends and family. Doug's athletic prowess at Shannock Valley High School earned him a scholarship to the University of Louisville where he established a career total of 479 tackles, which remains third in program history to this day. Buffone co-hosted "Chicago NFL Live" on "The Score" WSCR 670 AM, as well as Bears postgame with Ed O'Bradovich, and recently completed 14 seasons of The Doug Buffone Show on Fox Sports Net Chicago. It was an honor to share the #55 with the first legend to wear it, tweeted Lance Briggs, another former Bears linebacker. Buffone, a fourth-round draft pick whose 24 interceptions remain the most in club history for a linebacker, was found dead in his Chicago home, the coroners office He also had the honor of serving as defensive captain for eight seasons, beginning in 1972. By the time Buffone wrapped up his brilliant career, he led all Bears linebackers with 24 career interceptions. "He was a very special guy.". 2 Alabama mounts massive comeback amid ejections to beat Auburn, claim SEC title, Ravens GM says he's 'optimistic' team can get a deal done with QB Lamar Jackson, Aaron Rodgers offers vague update on his NFL future: 'All the answers are right inside me'. A friend for 44 years. Butkus said he had been planning to call Buffone to check in last week but never did. May memories of him and the love of your family and friends give you strength in the days ahead. Buffone was an outspoken critic of the team in slow times, quoted by the Tribune from his radio show saying, "I could have gone to Rush Street last night and found 24 players who could do better than the Bears did today. Butkus spoke on a variety of topics during a conference call Tuesday, a call held by the NFL as the league continues promoting next week's NFL draft here in Chicago. He was so proud of you and loved you like a son. I was just happy to be there, to tell you the truth. "I was going to call him over the weekend just to check in with him and see what was going on. CHICAGO -- Former Bears linebacker Doug Buffone, whose reputation for being a passionate football player carried over into his career as a sports broadcaster, Dougie, you were a great teammate." He also had 10 fumble recoveries, nine forced fumbles, 37 sacks and 1,257 tackles, going over the 100-tackle mark in seven seasons. Our sincere condolences to the Buffone family. The first two pickoffs of his career came off future Hall of Famers Bart Starr and Johnny Unitas. Paramedics and police were summoned to Buffone's home on Chicago's West Side and found a 70-year-old man dead due to natural causes, said police Doug was also a successful businessman dating back to his playing career, a restaurateur and bar owner and the founder of what is now known as the Bear Report. Buffone had 10 fumble recoveries, nine forced fumbles and 37 sacks. Ravens GM says he covets QBs, Montana SB jersey breaks Brady's auction record, Colts GM pins moving up to 'guy worthy of it', McCarthy: 'New voice' calling plays will help Dak, Out of dark, Rodgers vows decision coming soon, Survey: Vikes, Fins, Raiders top FA report cards, Chargers GM halts speculation: Allen staying put. Choice is: Ex: Ray Lewis, Junior Seau. Just a great guy. And now it just seems that (the excitement) is not just starting in August at training camps. We lost one of our greats. 1 sport. Postgames will never be the same without him. The team said in a statement that Buffone will always be celebrated as one of the Bears greats for his contributions to his team and the fans who loved him. Doug Buffone will be missed. One time for Doug Buffone! "I don't know," he said. "This is kind of a lull in the year. 23, 2015. My condolences to Dana & children, Mr.Buffone you were a solid contributor to society and the Bears.A real class act God Bless you and your entire family.You will be missed. After his playing days were over , had a great career doing radio with OB. A man who had no problem talking about covering himself in deer urine or how he conversed with extraterrestrials. Expand the Memories and Condolences form. He had 1,257 tackles, going over the 100 tackle mark in seven seasons. Born on June 27, 1944, in Yatesboro, Pa., Buffone was the son of a coal miner. Doug will be missed but not forgotten. His rebound downs Marian Catholic. He will not soon be forgotten.I hope the promise at Isaiah 65:20 will bring comfort to the Buffone family. And they've made it a very big deal now. It was an exhibition game in 1966. Melanie Davidson Banks. Buffone, a fourth-round draft pick whose 24 interceptions remain the most in club history for a linebacker, NFL draft questions for teams in the top 10: Will the Colts trade up? "That bitterness never, ever was there with Doug ever," he said. Food has always been a go-to for people in mourning. I met Buz at the Bears training camp in Rensselaer, Indiana in 1969, through his teammate and my best friend, Willie Holman. He left an indelible impression on the market's young, aspiring broadcasters, including former colleague and current co-host of ESPN Radio's Mike and Mike program, Mike Greenberg. Remember Doug "Dike" from my days at U of L. He was a star (I was nobody---Just a regular student) but he always took the time to talk. His earlier misses? Enjoy that great football field in the sky. Former Bears coach Mike Ditka said Buffone had a lot of passion for the team, adding he has "nothing but great memories about him.". Butkus will have a role in next week's production downtown, announcing one of the Bears' selections on the draft's second day. His retirement from football also signaled the end of an era for the Bears as he was the last active Bear to have played for George Halas. Everybody on the team wanted To wear Butkus's number; I proudly wore 55 ! Buffone, who is third on the Bears all-time list in games played, was a member of the Bears for his entire 14-year career, and he holds several records, including sacks in a season and most career interceptions by a linebacker. Rest in peace big Doug. I am truly sorry for the loss of Doug Buffone. This is a big event. Buffone is survived by his wife, Dana, and six children: Doug Jr., Stephanie, Talleri, Ryan, Hailey and Heather. It's hard to say. Former Bears coach Mike Ditka said Buffone had a lot of passion for the team, adding he has "nothing but great memories about him.". You have funeral questions, we have answers. One was an air ball., Go big or go home. Jupiter and Venus appear to 'kiss' in the sky, Belvidere Jeep assembly plant shut down indefinitely, Chicago Weather: Cloudy and much cooler Thursday. Add Your Blog Posts Here; Player News Archive; Player News RSS Feed; Rushing & Receiving * Selected to Pro Bowl, + First-Team AP All-Pro, Bold indicates league leader; Doug Buffone was very kind to the Dominican Friars at Fenwick High School outside of Chicago. Chicago Bears linebacker Doug Buffone. #bearslegend #55. God Bless, Linda Poulos. A gentle giant. Buffone, a well-liked and passionate linebacker who played 14 seasons for the Bears, was found dead at his home. You taught me that it's o.k. He died on April 20, 2015 in Chicago, Illinois, USA. Adored his children and his Dana. Even though we met only twice, you treated me like we were life-long friends. "I don't think anybody that has played for the Bears ever had more.' Sincerely, Marilyn Davis. Beginning in the 1990s, Buffone became a fixture on Chicago sports talk radio and local television. I'll never forget the laughs. I Had the pleasure of working for him at BBC. Buffone was said to have died of natural causes at the age of 70. Had 11 solo tackles vs. New Orleans (10/6/74), Holds the Bears record for most career interceptions at linebacker (24), Was voted into the Louisville Hall of Fame with Johnny Unitas in 1979, National Italian American Sports hall of fame member since 1992, This page was last edited on 21 February 2023, at 06:39. He was a good person, a true man's man and utterly devoted to his family and friends. Legendary Chicago Bears linebacker Dick Butkus said Tuesday he was "floored" when he received news Monday that former teammate and close friend Doug Buffone had died. My condolence to the Buffone Family> I had the pleasure of watching him play and then listening to him on the radio. Buffone was said to have died of natural causes at the age of 70.Butkus said he had been planning to call Buffone to check in last week but never did. Buffone was pronounced dead on the scene Monday Thread starter richsox24; Start date Apr 20, 2015; richsox24 Apr 20, 2015 #1 Just reported. I had the PLEASURE of meeting him in person a few times and you could just see and his passion for the game and his love of the Bears. Buffone was an entrepreneur, and part owner of several Chicago area businesses, including "Gibson's Steak House", one of the most popular nightspots in Chicago's Rush Street area, and Digital One, a video production and streaming video company in the Chicago suburbs. Police News Affairs said he was pronounced dead on the scene. R.I.P. He teamed with fellow ex-Bears great Ed O'Bradovich on the radio in recent years. My God Bless Doug and his Family. Visitation on Friday at Old St. Patrick's Church, 700 W. Adams, Friday at 2 pm. ", "His was a life really well lived," WSCR-AM broadcaster Dan Bernstein said. Ways to honor Doug Buffone's life and legacy. My prayers and condolences for his family and dear friends. He led Louisville in tackles three straight years and remains third on the all-time career list for tackles made with 479. Buffone began broadcasting Chicago Rush Arena Football League games for Comcast SportsNet and WGN in 2010. Buffone's unbridled Bears enthusiasm made him a must-listen after games, especially following a difficult loss. I'm going to miss BIG DOUG! Search by Name. By the time Buffone wrapped up his brilliant career, he led all Bears linebackers with 24 career interceptions. May you find comfort in knowing that suffering and death will end here on earth. Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. His earlier misses? "He just did the job. Burlington Centrals Nicholas Gouriotis figures out the difference. I will always remember our times together. Chicago Bears linebacker Doug Buffone. The Buffone Family is in my prayers. We partied and danced Disco there frequently after ball games. There's been a tremendous response to it. All Rights Reserved. I just found this sad news out. A staple of the Bears' defense in the mid-1960s until his retirement following the 1979 season, Buffone arrived in Chicago in 1966 when team founder George Halas selected the linebacker in the fourth round of the NFL draft out of Louisville. Buffone retired after the 1979 season with 24 career interceptions to lead all Bears linebackers. (Reporting by Steve Ginsburg in Washington; Editing by Peter Cooney), The Rush: Suns Kevin Durant dazzles in his debut against the Hornets, Sexual assault lawsuit against Jerry Jones revived after appeal, likely headed for trial, No. "We lost one of our greats. My thoughts and prayers are with Dana and the entire family! I was 10 when I attended tha bobby Douglas football camp at moose heart in the suburbs I remember Doug I got his autograph and recall was very nice and happy to be there rip go bears, My condolences on the painful loss of Doug Buffone. Great Player----Better Person. 37:10. (Reuters) - Doug Buffone, a linebacker who played 14 seasons for the National Football Leagues Chicago Bears before retiring in 1980 as the franchises all-time leader in games played, died on Monday at the age of 70, the team said. thank you Doug for making the Bears watchable , your news radio great God Bless rest in peace >>>AMEN. [1] Buffone and O'Bradovich re-signed with the Score in late August 2009. I never met the man, but through the radio I felt like I got to know Doug like an uncle. Besides being a hell of a football player, he was a hell of a guy.. Doug was one of the founders of the Arena Football League, starting the Chicago Bruisers franchise, which played in the ArenaBowl II, he appeared on some Bruisers Radio and TV broadcasts with Les Grobstein, and was involved in the United States Football League with the Chicago Blitz. Enjoy heaven with Sweetness, Gale, and Papa Bear. A true friend. To plant trees in memory, please visit the. His retirement ended a link to our founder as he was the last active player to play for George Halas.. Doug was very passionate about the Bears and how they played! Not only a BEARS Icon, but a good man and I am sure a wonderful Husband, Father, Grandfather and son! CHICAGO (WLS) -- Doug Buffone, Chicago radio host and legendary Chicago Bears linebacker, has died. He was 70. Police say Buffone was found dead in his University Village home in the 1200-block of West Lexington by paramedics Monday afternoon. Buffone was drafted by the Bears in 1966, spending 15 seasons with the team. Love to listen to him and Ed O after the game because the called it the way it was. Player News. "We are terribly saddened to hear of Doug's passing," Bears chairman George McCaskey said in a statement. May the God of all comfort be with you all. Submit an Obituary. Send simple, comforting meals with Home Chef. He will be deeply missed. Loving brother of Sam, Dennis, Joseph, Debbie, Donna Jeanne and Tina. "You didn't get the exposure like you do today," Butkus said. Beyond my incredible respect for him he was a guy I loved, just like everybody I know who ever met him. "Doug's passion for the game of football and the Chicago Bears was unmatched, and he will be missed.". CHICAGO -- Former Bears linebacker Doug Buffone, whose reputation for being a passionate football player carried over into his career as a sports broadcaster, See here for a complete list of exchanges and delays. 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Only met a couple times.. truly a class act.. condolences to his family and dear friends doug buffone cause of death... You the truth to live and to love seasons with the Score in late August 2009 knowledge! In knowing that suffering and death will end here on earth choice is Ex! The world will miss you this difficult time 's passion for the team lead all Bears linebackers with career... Treated me like we were life-long friends residence in Chicago, the Bears in,! Memory, please visit the recoveries, nine forced fumbles and 37 sacks, News.