He remains the Cardinals' No. Rest in peace #55! St Patrick John Class of 1982 and Lake Forest College Class 1986 numbers 51&52 at Belmont & Austin will be at the visitation with a smile.No tears because I believe that number 55 is in heaven as I type this! the former Bears linebacker who died April 20th at age 70 of natural causes. (Chicago Tribune historical photo). There was no one tougher on Sundays than Doug Buffone.. In a statement, Hall of Famer Dick Butkus, who played alongside Buffone on the Bears for seven years, said a "great man" was lost. Copyright 2023 WLS-TV. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. 2023 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Satellite Information Network, LLC. Buffone's unbridled Bears enthusiasm made him a must-listen after games, especially following a difficult loss. In a statement, Hall of Famer Dick Butkus, who played alongside Buffone on the Bears for seven years, said a "great man" was lost. I was just happy to be there, to tell you the truth. 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. 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. Buffone is one of only four players to lead UofL in tackles for three consecutive seasons. He finished every time., Lifes a beach under the basket for Lemonts Miles Beachum. I just found this sad news out. Buffone in recent years hosted a Bears postgame radio show on WSCR-AM with former teammate Ed O'Bradovich. May god bless the buffone family. I have nothing but great memories about him., Doug was a Bear. R.I.P. Former Bears middle linebacker Brian Urlacher tweeted about Buffone's death Monday. "He was a very special guy.". Offering my sincere condolences. Doug brought us all so much joy.."I am a 70 year woman who listens to The Score often, and I always loved Doug's passion and honesty.he made me smile. Buffone played collegiate football for Louisville. Everybody on the team wanted To wear Butkus's number; I proudly wore 55 ! Buffone, a well-liked and passionate linebacker who played 14 seasons for the Bears, was found dead at his home. Thank You Doug , well done indeed ! And I don't know if we really improved after that (with) our draft choices or whatever. Number 55 is officially retired.Rest in peace,Doug. Buffone later laughed recalling how the real source of the odor was a dead rat they found in his locker buried beneath his stuff. Shamrock John. doug buffone obituary Buffone, Doug Every man's death diminishes us, but that holds double for legends like Doug Buffone. Doug and OB were my therapy after a tough loss and part of my celebration after a great win. ol' buddy! I am Dyke's 1st cousin. Enjoy that great football field in the sky. He was a first cousin to my mother Marjorie Harland(Yanni). "Doug's passion for the game of football and the Chicago Bears was unmatched, and he will be missed.". He was a great player and a great friend, former Bears tight end and coach Mike Ditka said. "We lost one of our greats. Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you. As many who knew him have said, he was a great man and loved his family and his Bears. "He wasn't worried about his awards or anything else," Butkus said. "Even when he was healthy, our rookie year we got close but we just didn't have enough to get into the playoffs. Doug will be fondly remembered through many recaptures of the lives he touched. 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. Buffone, a fourth-round draft pick whose 24 interceptions remain the most in club history for a linebacker, Doug Buffone will be missed." "I was going to call him over the weekend just to check in with him and see what was going on. Great athlete! Bears chairman George McCaskey noted that Buffone's relationship with the team's fans continued beyond his playing days. Javascript is required for the selection of a player. Great person. (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. God bless him. Our sincere condolences to the Buffone family. "Doug's passion for the game of football and the Chicago Bears was unmatched, and he will be missed.". 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. The others are Mark Sander, Tom Jackson (197072) and Tyrus McCloud (1994-96). My heart is heavy with sadness. 1 sport. The pride Doug brought to the community in which he grew up could never be measured. He was also the last active Bears player who played for the team with George Halas as the head coach. 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. Published by Chicago Sun-Times on Apr. Hub. with funeral mass to follow at 6 pm. His rebound downs Marian Catholic. For some people, the best send-off is one that they would have loved to attendthemselves: a big party. He also had the honor of serving as defensive captain for eight seasons, beginning in 1972. thank you Doug for making the Bears watchable , your news radio great God Bless rest in peace >>>AMEN. Born on June 27, 1944, in Yatesboro, Pa., Buffone was the son of a coal miner. Obituaries Section. Not only a BEARS Icon, but a good man and I am sure a wonderful Husband, Father, Grandfather and son! "He just did the job. "He was a very special guy.". He made a lasting impression as a "man's -man and a genuine nice guy.". 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. I never met the man, but through the radio I felt like I got to know Doug like an uncle. You made us all so proud to be from Shannock Valley High School. Smooth and cool., Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Doug Buffone will be missed." You'll be missed Doug!!! "We are terribly saddened to hear of Doug's passing," Bears chairman George McCaskey said in a statement. 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 It was an exhibition game in 1966. A native of Yatesboro, Pa., Buffone was a fourth-round draft pick by the Bears in 1966 out of Louisville. Rest in peace big Doug. All quotes delayed a minimum of 15 minutes. I remember your night club BBC off Rush Street. Doug was a lifelong entrepreneur, owning enterprises as varied as an embroidery company and a high-tech online video platform. Doug spent his entire career with the Bears (1966-79) serving as defensive captain for eight years. "We lost one of our greats. A true friend. The Associated Press. He was a great player and even better person after football. He played the part of "Big Doug", a bookie and collector, noted for his humour in character as "Big Doug". #dougbuffone. 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. Dougie, you were a great teammate." Former Bears teammates remembered Buffone as an affable, fun-loving athlete with an engaging personality. 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. Send simple, comforting meals with Home Chef. All rights reserved. Buffone retired after the 1979 season with 24 career interceptions to lead all Bears linebackers. It was an honor to share the #55 with the first legend to wear it," tweeted Lance Briggs, another former Bears linebacker. A savage warrior with a heart of gold. Mr Buffone has always been a true ambassador for Chicago, the Bears, and the NFL. "I don't know," he said. 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. 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. We partied and danced Disco there frequently after ball games. "He will always be celebrated as one of the Bears' greats for his contributions to his team and the fans who loved him. Such an amazing man. Postgames will never be the same without him. Veteran head coach Frank Camp, who tutored NFL greats like Johnny Unitas, Lenny Lyles, Ernie Green and Ken Kortas, said Buffone was "the most complete ball player I've ever coached.". Just a great guy. While we seldom saw each other after he left RV, anytime we crossed paths, he always conducted himself as if we were old friends. Our condolences to the family - Doug will be greatly missed. 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. 23, 2015. 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. And they've made it a very big deal now. 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. I never heard him gripe, Butkus said. At Louisville, Buffone played center and linebacker for coach Frank Camp. 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. Don't take it out on us,' Bull said. My Condolences to the Buffone family. When I was a little football manager at SVHS, Doug made me feel important to the team. From the sidelines of the Chicago Bears to the Casino, you will be greatly missed. Not bad for the son of a coal miner who grew up in tiny Yatesboro, Pennsylvania (pop. 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 channeled his passion for the team and sport into a successful career as a Chicago sports radio personality. 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. One time for Doug Buffone! Buffone's 14 seasons in Chicago are tied for second most in club history. Thanks Doug for all you did as a player and broadcaster. He was just a good guy and we had a lot of fun.. My condolences to the Buffone family. "One time for Doug Buffone! 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. He will always be celebrated as one of the Bears greats for his contributions to his team and the fans who loved him. A great player on the field and an even better man off the field in all aspects. to laugh at yourself. Sincerely, Marilyn Davis. I enjoyed immensly the discussions we had together. RIP Our prayers to your family! Great player, sportscaster and Chicagoan. Tony Catanese Mechanicsville,MD. He teamed with fellow ex-Bears great Ed O'Bradovich on the radio in recent years. And I didn't call. Born in Yatesboro, Pennsylvania, Buffone played linebacker and center from 1962 to 1965 at the University of Louisville. And I think this is going to help the whole situation. "Doug had a lot of passion for the Bears,' former teammate Mike Ditka said. 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. Enjoy heaven with Sweetness, Gale, and Papa Bear. A gentle giant. 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. Buffone started a record 186 games as a Bear, during which time he recorded more than 1,200 tackles and 24 interceptions. "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 cares," McCaskey said in a statement. The Buffone Family is in my prayers. I'm sure my dad is dancing and singing (two of his favorite things) in heaven having you up there with him. (Chicago Tribune historical photo). "He will always be celebrated as one of the Bears' greats for his contributions to his team and the fans who loved him. 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. 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. 500) as one of seven children. I never had the honor and privilege of meeting Doug but I listened to him on the radio religiously. I'm going to miss BIG DOUG! He was 70. Police were called to Buffones Chicago home on Monday afternoon, where he was found unresponsive in bed. 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. RIP Doug Buffone. Paramedics and police were summoned to Buffone's home on Chicago's West Side and found a 70-year-old man dead from natural causes, said police "We are terribly saddened to hear of Doug's passing," Bears chairman George McCaskey said in a statement. God Bless, Linda Poulos. Reporting by Steve Ginsburg in Washington; Editing by Peter Cooney. You played the game with unmatchable passion! Cause of death not yet known. our prays are with you. May memories of him and the love of your family and friends give you strength in the days ahead. His rebound downs Marian Catholic. One was an air ball., Go big or go home. He attended Shannock Valley High School. The man was later identified as Buffone, who played 14 seasons for the Bears. "He was a very special guy. ", "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. Doug was the man. Buffone was drafted by the Bears in 1966, spending 15 seasons with the team. 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. Visitation on Friday at Old St. Patrick's Church, 700 W. Adams, Friday at 2 pm. However, in June 2009, the founder of Chicago Sports Webio was charged with operating a Ponzi scheme, and the site was shut down. More in Sports Obituary Read. Cause of death not yet known. 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. June 27, 1944 - April 20, 2015 Chicago, Illinois | Age 70 Former Chicago Bears linebacker dies . He spoke at the Fenwick Fathers' Club several times about how much he enjoyed his own high school football days. Butkus will have a role in next week's production downtown, announcing one of the Bears' selections on the draft's second day. You will be greatly missed old friend. Yet Buffones death was also untimely, unexpected and filled with another kind of sadness. "We lost one of our greats. 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. 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 70. RIP. He died on April 20, 2015 in Chicago, Illinois, USA. RIP blueline EOG Master Apr 20, 2015 #2 Re: Former Bear Doug Buffone dies at 70 only show at WSCR I made it a point to listen to RIP John Kelly Born Gambler Staff member Apr 20, 2015 #3 Re: Former Bear Doug Buffone dies at 70 RIP Doug.I will miss your post game show and all the fun stuff you did on the other shows.BIG DOUG! We have fond memories of watching him play at Shannock.God's Peace be with you. We lost one of our greats. Doug Buffone will be missed. Doug Buffone (Douglas John Buffone) was born on 27 June, 1944 in Yatesboro, Pennsylvania, USA, is an Actor. 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'. As a devoted Bear Fan for the last 50 years or more, I remember how truly great a linebacker he was. "But that kind of floored me when my son called me and said what had happened. 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. 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. Gone but never forgotten. See here for a complete list of exchanges and delays. Doug was one of the most dependable players in franchise history and perhaps its most beloved. (670 The Score) Monday marked the five-year anniversary of beloved former Bears linebacker and Score personality Doug Buffone's death at age 70. CHICAGO (AP) Former Chicago Bears linebacker Doug Buffone, whose reputation for being a passionate football player carried over into his career as a sports broadcaster, was found dead Monday in his . Dougs passion for the game of football and the Chicago Bears was unmatched and he will be missed. A man who had no problem talking about covering himself in deer urine or how he conversed with extraterrestrials. DOUG YOU REMIND ME OF MY BROTHER WHO DIED MANY YEARS AGO. Sadly, the personification of class and humility,is no longer with us. 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. the former Bears linebacker who died Former Bears linebacker Buffone dies at 70, Top draft prospect Carter charged in fatal crash, Trade Lamar? 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 Doug Buffone Birthday and Date of Death Doug Buffone was born on June 27, 1944 and died on April 20, 2015. I hope that Doug and Norm Van Lear reunite and I can just hear the 2 of them. Beyond my incredible respect for him he was a guy I loved, just like everybody I know who ever met him. Deepest Sympathy to the family. My condolences and sympathy go out to Doug's family and worldwide friends. My condolences to the family and he will be truly missed! Buffone was said to have died of natural causes at the age of 70. "I don't think anybody that has played for the Bears ever had more.' Listening to him and Ed was great. 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." But Butkus never gives it extended thought. If youre in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist. Doug Buffone was a terrific person, he taught me tons about football and about life. PEACE. 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! It's a great event that they're (now) going to have it in Chicago. A great Bear, but a better person. Buffones team record for games played was ultimately eclipsed by former long snapper Patrick Mannelly, who now holds the mark with 245. He will be missed. Paramedics were called to Buffone's Chicago home Monday afternoon, where they found the popular linebacker-turned-broadcaster unresponsive, police said. Doug, God has brought you home for the rest and comfort of a life well lived. Portrait. Beginning in the 1990s, Buffone became a fixture on Chicago sports talk radio and local television. Buffone retired with 24 career interceptions to lead all Bear linebackers. It's funny how we strangers can call him Doug, but that's who he was to us. Buffone was said to have died of natural causes at the age of 70. Beginning in the 1990s, Buffone became a fixture on Chicago sports talk radio and local television. Even though we met only twice, you treated me like we were life-long friends. Buffone had 10 fumble recoveries, nine forced fumbles and 37 sacks. I love and will miss you dearly! 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. Over the years I got to know not only the football player, but the Man. Other shows Buffone was involved in producing included The Neal Anderson Show for WBBM-AM, and The Mike Ditka Show for WSCR-AM. Thank you Mr Buffone, your example shows us how to live and to love. It's the old thing. Melanie Davidson Banks. He was married to Dana. (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. Condolences to the family. In retirement, Buffone owned restaurants and was a studio host and football analyst for a Chicago radio station. Police say Buffone was found dead in his University Village home in the 1200-block of West Lexington by paramedics Monday afternoon. His earlier misses? WebDoug Buffone was born on June 27, 1944 in Yatesboro, Pennsylvania, USA. "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. RIP #55 You will always be in our hearts!! "I will always remember him for his football talent, sense of humor and enduring friendship," Butkus said. Buffone and his family resided in Chicago, and he was heavily involved in Chicago sports and broadcasting. Many prayers to our cousins for the loss of Doug. 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. Thanks for the memories, and God bless the Buffone family. There was no one tougher on Sundays than Doug Buffone.". Radio host and legendary Chicago Bears linebacker Doug Buffone dies at 70 (Photo: 1977), quoted by the Tribune from his radio show. Doug was an excellent linebacker and had great career. Many believe Buffones accomplishments on the field were overshadowed because he played next to a Hall of Fame teammate in Butkus. "Today is a sad day for Bears nation,"Brian Urlacher tweeted. I am truly sorry for the loss of Doug Buffone. He is known for The NFL on CBS (1956), NFL Monday Night Football (1970) and The NFL on NBC (1965). I will always remember our times together. He was kind, he was real, he was sincere, he will be truly missed by all. Douglas John Buffone (June 27, 1944 April 20, 2015) was an American football linebacker in the National Football League. My thoughts and prayers are with Dana and the entire family! Butkus said he had been planning to call Buffone to check in last week but never did. Copyright 2023 ESPN Internet Ventures. He was selected in the fourth round of the 1966 NFL draft out of Louisville. He provided broadcast color commentary for the first NFL game (featuring the Bears and the Dallas Cowboys) in Europe. I will be 60 years old this year and have been a Bears season ticket holder since 1980. Even the year we were 1-13, I always had the feeling we were going to win and we just didn't. Adored his children and his Dana. He died of natural causes, they said. Gonna miss him. They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel. Giving to charity is a meaningful way to honor someone who has died. Doug Buffone died in his sleep on April 20, 2015. There was no one tougher on Sundays than Doug Buffone. Buffone began broadcasting Chicago Rush Arena Football League games for Comcast SportsNet and WGN in 2010. ", "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. Send-Off is one of only four players to lead all Bear linebackers draft pick by Bears! Who grew up could never be measured loss and part of my celebration a! 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