Buffone was drafted by the Bears in 1966, spending 15 seasons with the team. What a guy! He will not soon be forgotten.I hope the promise at Isaiah 65:20 will bring comfort to the Buffone family. Buffone was pronounced dead on the scene Monday The Bears selected him in the fourth round of the 1966 NFL draft and he chose the team over a better contract offer from San Diego in the old AFL. Buffone's team record for games played was ultimately eclipsed by former long snapper Patrick Mannelly, who now holds the mark with 245. FYI the boy could dance.". "I was going to call him over the weekend just to check in with him and see what was going on. I feel blessed to have known him. Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love. A great Bear, but a better person. RIP. May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. All Rights Reserved. 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. This is a big event. My Condolences to the Buffone family. I was fortunate enough to have Doug as a mentor, teammate, & friend at the University of Louisville. ESPN'sJeff Dickerson andThe Associated Press contributed to this report. It's a great event that they're (now) going to have it in Chicago. "I will always remember him for his football talent, sense of humor and enduring friendship," Butkus said. I just found this sad news out. All rights reserved. and Love. A native of Yatesboro, Pennsylvania, Buffone was a fourth-round draft pick by the Bears. There was many a walk back to the car after a Bears game where I said, "I can't wait to hear what Doug has to say about this game." Over the years I got to know not only the football player, but the Man. 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. "Even when he was healthy, our rookie year we got close but we just didn't have enough to get into the playoffs. Number 55 is officially retired.Rest in peace,Doug. He had 1,257 tackles, going over the 100 tackle mark in seven seasons. Even the year we were 1-13, I always had the feeling we were going to win and we just didn't. He will always be celebrated as one of the Bears greats for his contributions to his team and the fans who loved him. May god bless the buffone family. ", "His was a life really well lived," WSCR-AM broadcaster Dan Bernstein said. (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. Buffone was said to have died of natural causes at the age of 70. Dana and family, be assured of my prayers. 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. Butkus said he had been planning to call Buffone to check in last week but never did. Yet Buffones death was also untimely, unexpected and filled with another kind of sadness. Love listening to him and O'bradovich after Bears games. PEACE. you were a good friend and I am proud that I knew you and your family. A great player on the field and an even better man off the field in all aspects. And that's what made him such a great guy, a great character, a great person." Melanie Davidson Banks. Thread starter richsox24; Start date Apr 20, 2015; richsox24 Apr 20, 2015 #1 Just reported. WebCompare Doug Buffone to . Bears chairman George McCaskey noted that Buffone's relationship with the team's fans continued beyond his playing days. "As I have loved you, Love one another" As the summertime approaches I am deeply aware of the extent to which Love has changed my life,The Love of strangers, for those in distress,The Love of family, The Love of Friends; And the ineffiable Love of Our Father in Heaven as expressed in the Gospels's Plan of Salvation and as Manifest in the Peace it gives in the face of devastating loss May His Love bring to you and your family the Peace is has brought to me this day and throughtout the coming days. Doug was an excellent linebacker and had great career. The thoughts and prayers of the people of Chicago are with Doug's family, friends, and many fans during this difficult time.". The Associated Press. He teamed with fellow ex-Bears great Ed O'Bradovich on the radio in recent years. CHICAGO (AP) Former Chicago Bears linebacker Doug Buffone, whose reputation for being a passionate football player carried over into his career as a The shockwaves from Doug's passing have been felt by so many of us. Buffone and his family resided in Chicago, and he was heavily involved in Chicago sports and broadcasting. 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 had like bird legs but a developed upper body. My condolences to the family and he will be truly missed! Buffone started a record 186 games as a Bear, during which time he recorded more than 1,200 tackles and 24 interceptions. He channeled his passion for the team and sport into a successful career as a Chicago sports radio personality. 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. "You didn't get the exposure like you do today," Butkus said. Sympathy to your family. No cause of death was released. Paramedics were called to Buffone's Chicago home Monday afternoon, where they found the popular linebacker-turned-broadcaster unresponsive, police said. It's the old thing. I should have made the call. Doug Buffone, a former Bears linebacker who made a seamless transition from a prominent football career to a successful second life as a popular Chicago sports I never heard him gripe, Butkus said. Doug will be fondly remembered through many recaptures of the lives he touched. Unfortunately he played on some of the worst Bear teams in history, and never got the chance to play in any post season games except for a 1st round game in 1977. By the time Buffone wrapped up his brilliant career, he led all Bears linebackers with 24 career interceptions. In lieu of flowers, charitable donations to Maryville Academy and Mercy Hospital Heart and Vascular Center would be much appreciated. So sad to lose a boyhood friend. He was just a good guy and we had a lot of fun.. My father Ernie Poulos enjoyed your company so much. I never met Mr. Dougbut I loved to listen to him and his buddy OB, after a Bears win/loss, AND learned alot about football. In a 14-year NFL career, Buffone's rugged play and indomitable attitude represented the spirit of the Bears and the city of Chicago. ol' buddy! May the God of all comfort be with you all. Syracuse Post Standard Homepage. He was a kind and very well respected person throughout his earthly life. When I was a little football manager at SVHS, Doug made me feel important to the team. Why the Packers' transition to Jordan Love, whenever it happens, will require patience, A new home for Michael Thomas? A life well lived. Hope to see you in Heaven some day. "We lost one of our greats. Buffone's 14 seasons in Chicago are tied for second most in club history. Bears chairman George McCaskey noted that Buffone's relationship with the team's fans continued beyond his playing days. While we seldom saw each other after he left RV, anytime we crossed paths, he always conducted himself as if we were old friends. Such an amazing man. Portrait. "There was no one tougher on Sundays than Doug Buffone." rest in peace DOUG I was proud to be on the committee when they retired your high school jersey. He was very cordial and friendly to the people attending the luncheon and was truly interested in our thoughts about the Bears and life in general. May you find comfort in knowing that suffering and death will end here on earth. We have fond memories of watching him play at Shannock.God's Peace be with you. Jupiter and Venus appear to 'kiss' in the sky, Belvidere Jeep assembly plant shut down indefinitely, Chicago Weather: Cloudy and much cooler Thursday. Doug played, was all about head trauma. And I didn't call. "It drove him nuts when we didn't play well, and we always appreciated that he wore his heart on his sleeve because we knew how much he cared," McCaskey said. From the sidelines of the Chicago Bears to the Casino, you will be greatly missed. Everybody on the team wanted To wear Butkus's number; I proudly wore 55 ! Doug and OB were my therapy after a tough loss and part of my celebration after a great win. (CBS) Legendary Chicago Bear and 670 The Score Bears postgame co-host Doug Buffone has died at 70. Discover Doug Buffone's Biography, Age, Height, Physical Stats, Dating/Affairs, Family and career updates. Former Bears running back Ronnie Bull recalled the challenge of having to practice against the likes of Buffone, O'Bradovich and Butkus. "We are terribly saddened to hear of Doug's passing," Bears chairman George McCaskey said in a statement. Buffone went on to play 15 seasons at linebacker for the Bears, retiring in 1980 as the all-time leader in games played for the legendary organization. He was a fourth-round draft pick. David Kessler's top 4 tips for dealing with holiday grief. He was 70. He played the game with passion and conviction. Former Bears middle linebacker Brian Urlacher tweeted about Buffone's death Monday. In a statement, Hall of Famer Dick Butkus, who played alongside Buffone on the Bears for seven years, said a "great man" was lost. 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'. There was no one tougher on Sundays than Doug Buffone.". Could never know a better person and all that did were blessed! 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. 63-yo Bodybuilder Doug Brignoles Cause of Death Revealed As Covid-19 Infection Not Vaccination While there was speculation about Brignole's death, L.A. He was a great player and even better person after football. As many who knew him have said, he was a great man and loved his family and his Bears. CHICAGO (WLS) -- Doug Buffone, Chicago radio host and legendary Chicago Bears linebacker, has died. RIP Our prayers to your family! Not only a BEARS Icon, but a good man and I am sure a wonderful Husband, Father, Grandfather and son! 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. There was no one tougher on Sundays than Doug Buffone. He will be missed. Somebody that everybody loved. "That bitterness never, ever was there with Doug ever," he said. His rebound downs Marian Catholic. "His talent for tackling on the field earned him a special place in Bears history and his contributions in business and broadcasting made him a treasured member of our community off the field. See here for a complete list of exchanges and delays. Beyond my incredible respect for him he was a guy I loved, just like everybody I know who ever met him. RIP Doug Buffone. Buffone retired after the 1979 season with 24 career interceptions, the most for any Bears linebacker. 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. Doug rest in peace met you twice you were great to talk to you made me laugh. A visitation service for Buffone will be held at Old St. Pat's Church on Friday from 2-6 p.m. A funeral service will follow. One was an air ball., Go big or go home. ", Copyright 2023 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. Jr.(Harry) Paul, Bill, John and Doug were always together. thank you Doug for making the Bears watchable , your news radio great God Bless rest in peace >>>AMEN. Doug, a kind soul. Buffone died at his residence in Chicago, Illinois, on April 20, 2015, aged 70.[4]. "But that kind of floored me when my son called me and said what had happened. The Buffone Family is in my prayers. He attended Shannock Valley High School. He also had the honor of serving as defensive captain for eight seasons, beginning in 1972. Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you. A fearsome linebacker during a 14-year career, Doug transitioned into an instinctively honest analyst of the Bears, more or less, beginning with his retirement in 1979. Former Bears middle linebacker Brian Urlacher tweeted about Buffone's death Monday. The first two pickoffs of his career came off future Hall of Famers Bart Starr and Johnny Unitas. And he proved it each week over his 14-year career, a tenure record he shared with another great, Bill George, for 33 seasons. And it's just that people are clamoring for more NFL. the former Bears linebacker who died April 20th at age 70 of natural causes. Doug Buffone, a former Bears linebacker who made a seamless transition from a prominent football career to a successful second life as a popular Chicago sports radio personality and businessman, wa I knew doug throughout the 70,s and there after our paths crossed on occasion,and each time he would greet you with a BIG buffone smile! Former Bears teammates remembered Buffone as an affable, fun-loving athlete with an engaging personality. I am Dyke's 1st cousin. CHICAGO -- Former Bears linebacker Doug Buffone, whose reputation for being a passionate football player carried over into his career as a sports broadcaster, Enjoy that great football field in the sky. Very sorry for your loss Doug will be missed by friends,family and the sports world my heart goes out to his family. our prays are with you. Buffone's 14 seasons in Chicago are tied for second most in club history. Doug earned huge affection for his powerfully candid post-game show on WSCR-AM 670 with long-time friend and former teammate Ed O'Bradovich. We lost one of our greats. Great Player----Better Person. My thoughts and prayers are with Dana and the entire family! 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; The first time he came, as a Bear ,to play New Orleans, where I was an engineer at Chevron, he brought 4 of his teammates over to eat with me and my wife and for years that's all the neighbor's could talk about. Tom Shaer. He is known for The NFL on CBS (1956), NFL Monday Night Football (1970) and The NFL on NBC (1965). Buffone retired after the 1979 season with 24 career interceptions to lead all Bears linebackers. Thank You Doug , well done indeed ! We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time. What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative? Buffone played collegiate football for Louisville. My condolences and sympathy go out to Doug's family and worldwide friends. Just a great guy. Both players eventually found their way into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Even though we met only twice, you treated me like we were life-long friends. You made us all so proud to be from Shannock Valley High School. Buffone played in 186 games for the Bears, making 1,257 tackles and going over the 100-tackle mark in seven seasons. I know that no one person that played the game of football loved it more than Doug did. Learn How rich is He in this year and how He spends money? 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 You played the game with unmatchable passion! His earlier misses? He spoke at the Fenwick Fathers' Club several times about how much he enjoyed his own high school football days. A native of Yatesboro, Pa., Buffone was a fourth-round draft pick by the Bears in 1966 out of Louisville. He was 70. Dougs passion for the game of football and the Chicago Bears was unmatched and he will be missed. 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. "I will always remember him for his football talent, sense of humor and enduring friendship," Butkus said. He had 1,257 tackles, going over the 100 tackle mark in seven seasons. One time for Doug Buffone! Today is a sad day for Bears nation. It drove him nuts when we didnt play well and we always appreciated that he wore his heart on his sleeve because we knew how much he cared. My deepest sympathy to the entire Buffone family. We are praying for you and family. 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. Deepest Sympathy to the family. Butkus admits he's often asked about what might have been had Sayers stayed healthy and extended his career. "He will always be celebrated as one of the Bears' greats for his contributions to his team and the fans who loved him. Family (1) Spouse Dana (? Mitch Rosen, WSCR operations director, called Buffone a Chicago original., Not only a great football player, a great person on the radio but more than anything, just a great individual, Rosen said. Mr Buffone has always been a true ambassador for Chicago, the Bears, and the NFL. Doug Buffone will be missed." Just to say hello and find out what they were doing because I was going to be in town also (for the NFL draft next week) where maybe we could hook up somewhere. Tribune reporter Carlos Sadovi contributed. Sincerely, Marilyn Davis. Former Bears coach Mike Ditka said Buffone had a lot of passion for the team, adding he has "nothing but great memories about him.". Sadly, the personification of class and humility,is no longer with us. We are terribly saddened to hear of Dougs passing, Bears Chairman George McCaskey said in a statement. ~Ps. He was always engaging, wore his heart on his sleeve, and was a conduit to the Bears fans through the great Doug and OB Post Game shows. Doug Buffone will be missed." And I think this is going to help the whole situation. Expand the Memories and Condolences form. Career Powered by . "He will always be celebrated as one of the Bears' greats for his contributions to his team and the fans who loved him. 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. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. His rebound downs Marian Catholic. Burlington Centrals Nicholas Gouriotis figures out the difference. Statement from Bears Chairman George McCaskey: "We are terribly saddened to hear of Dougs passing. Visitation on Friday at Old St. Patrick's Church, 700 W. Adams, Friday at 2 pm. In May 2009, Buffone and his long-time Bears post-game partner Ed O'Bradovich left WSCR-AM and joined Chicago Sports Webio. 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.. In a statement, O'Bradovich said: Being with Doug the last 49 years, I know that no one person could love a family more than Doug. "We lost one of our greats. 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. It seemed to me he was lucky that he never had any serious injuries while he played with me, Dick Butkus said. Buffone, a well-liked and passionate linebacker who played 14 seasons for the Bears, was found dead at his home. 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. "That bitterness never, ever was there with Doug, ever," he said. I'm going to miss BIG DOUG! Buffone in recent years hosted a Bears postgame radio show on WSCR-AM with former teammate Ed O'Bradovich. "He understood how important it was to go out of your way to appreciate your family and the good things that you have.". Rest in peace #55! WebDoug Buffone was born on June 27, 1944 in Yatesboro, Pennsylvania, USA. with funeral mass to follow at 6 pm. In a statement, Hall of Famer Dick Butkus, who played alongside Buffone on the Bears for seven years, said a "great man" was lost. Cause of death not yet known. Rest in peace, my friend. The others are Mark Sander, Tom Jackson (197072) and Tyrus McCloud (1994-96). We will all miss you. "Today is a sad day for Bears nation," former Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher posted on Twitter. A gentle giant. RIP. I remember spending a day with you and your twins at Kim Baker's pool and recall the love you have for your familywhich will remain strong in your heart. Buffone's company Digital One is the creator of ClickStreamTV, an online video platform product that was designed for small to medium-sized businesses. Starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love and son the whole situation others are Sander... 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