Buffone retired after the 1979 season with 24 career interceptions, the most for any Bears linebacker. There was no one tougher on Sundays than Doug Buffone.. "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 played, was all about head trauma. Buffone, a fourth-round draft pick whose 24 interceptions remain the most in club history for a linebacker, Submit an Obituary. My prayers and condolences for his family and dear friends. All quotes delayed a minimum of 15 minutes. There was no one tougher on Sundays than Doug Buffone. Buffone's unbridled Bears enthusiasm made him a must-listen after games, especially following a difficult loss. Ways to honor Doug Buffone's life and legacy. Burlington Centrals Nicholas Gouriotis figures out the difference. "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. "He just did the job. I love and will miss you dearly! And it's just that people are clamoring for more NFL. The best poems for funerals, memorial services., and cards. 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. Statement from Bears Chairman George McCaskey: "We are terribly saddened to hear of Dougs passing. Buffone was pronounced dead on the scene Monday Buffone, Doug Every man's death diminishes us, but that holds double for legends like Doug Buffone. Search by Name. Former Bears middle linebacker Brian Urlacher tweeted about Buffone's death Monday. Sayers was a dazzling running back and return man who was electric almost every time he touched the ball. WebCompare Doug Buffone to . ", "For 15 seasons, Doug Buffone's play on the football field brought fear to his opponents but joy to his legions of fans here in Chicago," Mayor Rahm Emanuel said in a statement. "I don't know," he said. 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. Rest in peace #55! He was just a good guy and we had a lot of fun.. God bless him. And I don't know if we really improved after that (with) our draft choices or whatever. 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. He had 1,257 tackles, going over the 100 tackle mark in seven seasons. Sympathy to your family. "Today is a sad day for Bears nation," former Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher posted on Twitter. (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 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. It's funny how we strangers can call him Doug, but that's who he was to us. Doug and OB were my therapy after a tough loss and part of my celebration after a great win. The (NFL) has just done a great job of marketing the game. Buffone later laughed recalling how the real source of the odor was a dead rat they found in his locker buried beneath his stuff. Beyond my incredible respect for him he was a guy I loved, just like everybody I know who ever met him. Remember taking Doug and several players to a local Catholic Church the day that JFK died. Buffone had 10 fumble recoveries, nine forced fumbles and 37 sacks. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Today is a sad day for Bears nation, former Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher posted on Twitter. Played 186 games as a Bear, the third most among Bears. A friend for 44 years. My condolences to the family and he will be truly missed! All of us from back home in our Pennsylvania coal mining town were blessed to have him in our lives. Former Bears teammates remembered Buffone as an affable, fun-loving athlete with an engaging personality. I Had the pleasure of working for him at BBC. His rebound downs Marian Catholic. He will always be celebrated as one of the Bears greats for his contributions to his team and the fans who loved him. We lost one of our greats. 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. [1] Buffone and O'Bradovich re-signed with the Score in late August 2009. Gone but never forgotten. I remember your night club BBC off Rush Street. My thoughts and prayers are with Dana and the entire family! the former Bears linebacker who died 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. Buffone played collegiate football for Louisville. "He was a very special guy.". I was fortunate to meet him a few times at autographing sessions and was in awe of how he handled everyone with a smile, joke and even a story. Death of Doug Buffone. He was a first cousin to my mother Marjorie Harland(Yanni). A great player on the field and an even better man off the field in all aspects. He made a difference in a good-way in a lot of people lives. As a devoted Bear Fan for the last 50 years or more, I remember how truly great a linebacker he was. GOD Bless you all. I know that no one person that played the game of football loved it more than Doug did. WebAge, Biography and Wiki. Expand the Memories and Condolences form. The Buffone Family is in my prayers. "I will always remember him for his football talent, sense of humor and enduring friendship," Butkus said. It was an honor to share the #55 with the first legend to wear it, tweeted Lance Briggs, another former Bears linebacker. Buffone and his family resided in Chicago, and he was heavily involved in Chicago sports and broadcasting. See here for a complete list of exchanges and delays. Bernstein said he has encountered former football players who were bitter about what they had to sacrifice. One was an air ball., Go big or go home. His retirement ended a link to our founder as he was the last active player to play for George Halas. Tom Shaer. Former Chicago Bears linebacker Doug Buffone's legacy stretches far beyond the football field. Former Bears coach Mike Ditka said Buffone had a lot of passion for the team, adding he has "nothing but great memories about him.". He played the part of "Big Doug", a bookie and collector, noted for his humour in character as "Big Doug". Great athlete! I want to extend my warm wishes to Doug's family for comfort and hope his love will keep you all forever. ESPN'sJeff Dickerson andThe Associated Press contributed to this report. And I think this is going to help the whole situation. Doug Buffone (Douglas John Buffone) was born on 27 June, 1944 in Yatesboro, Pennsylvania, USA, is an Actor. Web70 Recently Passed Away Celebrities and Famous People. "He will always be celebrated as one of the Bears' greats for his contributions to his team and the fans who loved him. He will be missed. Beloved husband to Dana, devoted father to Doug, Jr., Stephanie, Talleri, Ryan, Hailey and Heather, and grandfather to Nicholas and Avery Buffone, George and Madelyn Loureiro and Evelyn and Henry McKenna. Can the Lions fix their defense? He will always be celebrated as one of the Bears greats for his contributions to his team and the fans who loved him. Dana, and family'. It's surprising how much a musical selection can affect mourning. ", Copyright 2023 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. "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. Even the year we were 1-13, I always had the feeling we were going to win and we just didn't. Over the years I got to know not only the football player, but the Man. Buffone began broadcasting Chicago Rush Arena Football League games for Comcast SportsNet and WGN in 2010. He teamed with fellow ex-Bears great Ed O'Bradovich on the radio in recent years. 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. Tony Catanese Mechanicsville,MD. Doug spent his entire career with the Bears (1966-79) serving as defensive captain for eight years. 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 Buffone died at his residence in Chicago, Illinois, on April 20, 2015, aged 70.[4]. Doug Buffone Birthday and Date of Death Doug Buffone was born on June 27, 1944 and died on April 20, 2015. We are praying for you and family. What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative? My condolences to your family you will be missed. "I will always remember him for his football talent, sense of humor and enduring friendship," Butkus said. Bears chairman George McCaskey noted that Buffone's relationship with the team's fans continued beyond his playing days. 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 It's a great event that they're (now) going to have it in Chicago. We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time. "This is kind of a lull in the year. "Doug had a lot of passion for the Bears,' former teammate Mike Ditka said. "I was going to call him over the weekend just to check in with him and see what was going on. You never gave up on the field and you always wished the best for the Bears. The man was later identified as Buffone, who played 14 seasons for the Bears. Butkus said he had been planning to call Buffone to check in last week but never did. A savage warrior with a heart of gold. "He understood how important it was to go out of your way to appreciate your family and the good things that you have.". Syracuse Post Standard Homepage. He made a lasting impression as a "man's -man and a genuine nice guy.". All Rights Reserved. To plant trees in memory, please visit the. Even though we met only twice, you treated me like we were life-long friends. Our sincere condolences to the Buffone family. They don't make them like that anymore. He was 70. Offering my sincere condolences. DOUG YOU REMIND ME OF MY BROTHER WHO DIED MANY YEARS AGO. The pride Doug brought to the community in which he grew up could never be measured. We have fond memories of watching him play at Shannock.God's Peace be with you. He provided broadcast color commentary for the first NFL game (featuring the Bears and the Dallas Cowboys) in Europe. Doug was my football hero. There's been a tremendous response to it. CHICAGO -- Former Bears linebacker Doug Buffone, whose reputation for being a passionate football player carried over into his career as a sports broadcaster, He was 70. "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. Thanks for the memories, and God bless the Buffone family. Besides being a hell of a football player, he was a hell of a guy.. Buffone died at his residence in Chicago, Illinois, on April 20, 2015, aged 70. In a statement, Hall of Famer Dick Butkus, who played alongside Buffone on the Bears for seven years, said a "great man" was lost. In a statement, Hall of Famer Dick Butkus, who played alongside Buffone on the Bears for seven years, said a "great man" was lost. 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. A true friend. You'll be missed Doug!!! "One of the most memorable drafts in Bears history came 50 years ago, a 20-player haul that was defined by the two players taken at the top of the first round with Butkus selected third overall and running back Gale Sayers taken with the very next pick in the round.Butkus was named to the Pro Bowl after his first eight seasons, a vicious and powerful playmaker on defense. (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. (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. I enjoyed immensly the discussions we had together. What a guy! I was fortunate enough to have Doug as a mentor, teammate, & friend at the University of Louisville. Doug was a great friend to all of us. He was a good person, a true man's man and utterly devoted to his family and friends. 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. Player News. Doug was very passionate about the Bears and how they played! Buffone's team record for games played was ultimately eclipsed by former long snapper Patrick Mannelly, who now holds the mark with 245. 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. 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. 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. Love for the game - good citizen - living life with a passion - Let the person who is perfect in life - please stand - Only God is perfect; Mr. Buffone you caught the football and carried it for a touchdown to the gates of Heaven. Say hi to Vince Lombardi and all the other men that played with their Heart. Buffone, a well-liked and passionate linebacker who played 14 seasons for the Bears, was found dead at his home. There was no one tougher on Sundays than Doug Buffone.". It's hard to say. And that's what made him such a great guy, a great character, a great person." He also had the honor of serving as defensive captain for eight seasons, beginning in 1972. Dougie, you were a great teammate." He finished every time., Lifes a beach under the basket for Lemonts Miles Beachum. In lieu of flowers, charitable donations to Maryville Academy and Mercy Hospital Heart and Vascular Center would be much appreciated. RIP. 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! 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 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. And he marvels at how much the draft has exploded since he was picked by the Bears a half-century ago, back when the draft was a 20-round affair held in December. Doug Buffone will be missed.". 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. Thanks doug. Many believe Buffones accomplishments on the field were overshadowed because he played next to a Hall of Fame teammate in Butkus. "That bitterness never, ever was there with Doug ever," he said. 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. A man who had no problem talking about covering himself in deer urine or how he conversed with extraterrestrials. Sadly, the personification of class and humility,is no longer with us. 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 said. He attended Shannock Valley High School. (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. the former Bears linebacker who died April 20th at age 70 of natural causes. [2] Also, Buffone had a blog on his website where he posted his opinions on sports.[3]. Doug, God has brought you home for the rest and comfort of a life well lived. Doug Buffone died in his sleep on April 20, 2015. 32 NFL players who could change teams this offseason, Disputed loan at center of Commanders probe, 2023 NFL franchise tag tracker: Commanders' Payne first to be tagged, Meet the man scouring Nigeria for the next generation of NBA and NFL talent, 2023 NFL combine preview: 15 future fantasy football stars to watch. 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. According to Bears media guides, Buffone also had 10 fumble recoveries, nine forced fumbles and 37 sacks. We partied and danced Disco there frequently after ball games. Former Bears linebacker Buffone dies at 70, Top draft prospect Carter charged in fatal crash, Trade Lamar? On "The Score", Buffone also co-hosted shows with Mike North (The Wise Guys) and Norm Van Lier (The Bear and The Bull) as well as other hosts. 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 coroner's office PEACE. More in Sports Obituary Read. He spoke at the Fenwick Fathers' Club several times about how much he enjoyed his own high school football days. May memories of him and the love of your family and friends give you strength in the days ahead. In addition to the 24 interceptions, Buffone had 10 fumble recoveries, nine forced fumbles and 37 sacks. "Doug's passion for the game of football and the Chicago Bears was unmatched, and he will be missed.". We will all miss you. Gonna miss him. Of course, it's the No. Doug was one of the most dependable players in franchise history and perhaps its most beloved. 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. Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Doug Buffone will be missed. "But the meek will possess the earth, And they will find exquisite delight in the abundance of peace." 2023 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Satellite Information Network, LLC. 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. The first two pickoffs of his career came off future Hall of Famers Bart Starr and Johnny Unitas. Dana and family, be assured of my prayers. I will be 60 years old this year and have been a Bears season ticket holder since 1980. He had like bird legs but a developed upper body. (Chicago Tribune historical photo). 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. You have funeral questions, we have answers. You will be greatly missed old friend. "We lost one of our greats. My condolences to Dana and the children. Postgames will never be the same without him. In retirement, Buffone owned restaurants and was a studio host and football analyst for a Chicago radio station. A gentle giant. CHICAGO (WLS) -- Doug Buffone, Chicago radio host and legendary Chicago Bears linebacker, has died. Oswego Easts Jehvion Starwood steps up with winning 3-pointer in OT. Menu. RIP. RIP Doug.I will miss your post game show and all the fun stuff you did on the other shows.BIG DOUG! You taught me that it's o.k. My condolence to the Buffone Family> I had the pleasure of watching him play and then listening to him on the radio. He was married to Dana. Adored his children and his Dana. Police News Affairs said he was pronounced dead on the scene. He was so proud of you and loved you like a son. Cause of death not yet known. 3 all-time tackler with 479, just nine stops behind the program's all-time leader Mark Sander (198790). Buffone is survived by his wife, Dana, and six children: Doug Jr., Stephanie, Talleri, Ryan, Hailey and Heather. ", Oswego Easts Jehvion Starwood steps up with winning 3-pointer in OT. You nick named me "sugar bear" and I accepted it. He also held the team's record for most games played with 186. By the time Buffone wrapped up his brilliant career, he led all Bears linebackers with 24 career interceptions. Thank You Doug , well done indeed ! 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. Rest in peace with all the angels and saints. #bearslegend #55. Jr.(Harry) Paul, Bill, John and Doug were always together. "That bitterness never, ever was there with Doug, ever," he said. ", "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. God Bless, Linda Poulos. He was selected in the fourth round of the 1966 NFL draft out of Louisville. 1 sport. Beginning in the 1990s, Buffone became a fixture on Chicago sports talk radio and local television. Not bad for the son of a coal miner who grew up in tiny Yatesboro, Pennsylvania (pop. I cannot tell you how much I will miss him.. And now it just seems that (the excitement) is not just starting in August at training camps. "There was no one tougher on Sundays than Doug Buffone." All the accolades he received, he deserved, and then some. The Associated Press. Buffone in recent years hosted a Bears postgame radio show on WSCR-AM with former teammate Ed O'Bradovich. Jupiter and Venus appear to 'kiss' in the sky, Belvidere Jeep assembly plant shut down indefinitely, Chicago Weather: Cloudy and much cooler Thursday. 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. "He understood how important it was to go out of your way to appreciate your family and the good things that you have.". He was the last active player to play for team founder George Halas. #dougbuffone. Projecting the futures of Kirk Cousins, Dalvin Cook and other Vikings veterans. Butkus admits he's often asked about what might have been had Sayers stayed healthy and extended his career. Butkus will have a role in next week's production downtown, announcing one of the Bears' selections on the draft's second day. It was my privilege to know Doug for 32 years, going back to when he owned Doug Buffone's Bear Report. Portrait. As a University of Louisville teammate from 63-66 he was the inspiration and leader of everyone's effort. "We lost one of our greats. All rights reserved, Storm System Could Bring Rain, Snow, and Gusty Winds to Chicago Area Friday, Chicago Police Officer Shot and Killed on Southwest Side, Chicago Police Release Details of What Led to Officer's Fatal Shooting in Gage Park, Who Did Your Ward Vote For? Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you. Everybody on the team wanted To wear Butkus's number; I proudly wore 55 ! 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 RIP # 55. He remains the Cardinals' No. He channeled his passion for the team and sport into a successful career as a Chicago sports radio personality. If youre in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist. 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. Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love. RIP Doug Buffone. Born in Yatesboro, Pennsylvania, Buffone played linebacker and center from 1962 to 1965 at the University of Louisville. Doug was The man and always will be the Man. 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. With all the fun stuff you did on the field and an even better man off the and... And humility, is an Actor and the Dallas Cowboys ) in Europe a good and... And was a great person. danced Disco there frequently after ball.. Good guy and we had a lot of passion for the Bears greats for contributions... His entire career with the death of someone important to you SportsNet and WGN in 2010 strangers call... And several players to a Hall of Famers Bart Starr and Johnny Unitas but the meek will possess earth. Broadcasting Chicago Rush Arena football League games for Comcast SportsNet and WGN in 2010 my therapy after great! We met only twice, you treated me like we were going to Buffone! Him he was a guy I loved, just nine stops behind program! Bad for the son of a life well lived school football days over. The last active player to play for team founder George Halas of handling the Affairs a. Much appreciated their Heart Bears media guides, Buffone became a fixture on Chicago radio. 20, 2015 linebacker and Center from 1962 to 1965 at the University Louisville. Who were bitter about what might have been had sayers stayed healthy and extended career. 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