I appreciated his honesty and knowledge and just want to say thank you Big Doug. 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. "Even when he was healthy, our rookie year we got close but we just didn't have enough to get into the playoffs. "But that kind of floored me when my son called me and said what had happened. "He was a very special guy.". Doug was one of the most dependable players in franchise history and perhaps its most beloved. We partied and danced Disco there frequently after ball games. We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time. 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. And he proved it each week over his 14-year career, a tenure record he shared with another great, Bill George, for 33 seasons. "He will always be celebrated as one of the Bears' greats for his contributions to his team and the fans who loved him. This is a big event. May memories of him and the love of your family and friends give you strength in the days ahead. All of us from back home in our Pennsylvania coal mining town were blessed to have him in our lives. (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. But Butkus never gives it extended thought. Buffone's unbridled Bears enthusiasm made him a must-listen after games, especially following a difficult loss. My heart is heavy with sadness. Today is a sad day for Bears nation, former Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher posted on Twitter. "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. Buffone later laughed recalling how the real source of the odor was a dead rat they found in his locker buried beneath his stuff. My sister Flora Davidson and I send our sympathy to the whole Buffone family. RIP #55 You will always be in our hearts!! Doug Buffone will be missed." Doug was my football hero. Heartfelt sympathy to the Buffone family from an old Yatesboro neighbor and friend. He was also the last active Bears player who played for the team with George Halas as the head coach. 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 "Butkus remembered Buffone as a hard-working teammate who spent his 14 seasons with the Bears invested in the team rather than chasing his own personal glory. Doug and OB were my therapy after a tough loss and part of my celebration after a great win. 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. ", "His was a life really well lived," WSCR-AM broadcaster Dan Bernstein said. Doug has already entered the gates of Heaven. He will be missed by all he touched. Burlington Centrals Nicholas Gouriotis figures out the difference. 23, 2015. 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! Sympathy to your family. You have funeral questions, we have answers. Great Player----Better Person. 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. Smooth and cool., Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. Syracuse Post Standard. Bernstein said he has encountered former football players who were bitter about what they had to sacrifice. WebAge, Biography and Wiki. Not only a BEARS Icon, but a good man and I am sure a wonderful Husband, Father, Grandfather and son! Our sincere condolences to the Buffone family. 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. He also had 10 fumble recoveries, nine forced fumbles, 37 sacks and 1,257 tackles, going over the 100-tackle mark in seven seasons. Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love. I was a little girl, during the first half of his football career, he always treated me like I was special when I would see him or go to one of his games. My deepest sympathy to the entire Buffone family. A great Bear, but a better person. A native of Yatesboro, Pennsylvania, Buffone was a fourth-round draft pick by the Bears. You will be greatly missed old friend. Doug Buffone will be missed.. 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. Gone but never forgotten. Born in Yatesboro, Pennsylvania, Buffone played linebacker and center from 1962 to 1965 at the University of Louisville. In the 21st century, it's not just urns and gravestones anymore. Bernstein said he has encountered former football players who were bitter about what they had to sacrifice. Doug was a lifelong entrepreneur, owning enterprises as varied as an embroidery company and a high-tech online video platform. 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. Doug Buffone loved to tell stories, especially the one about his first game against the rival Packers. Dana and family, be assured of my prayers. And now it just seems that (the excitement) is not just starting in August at training camps. Doug was a great friend to all of us. RIP. Great player, broadcaster, and humanitarian. "He understood how important it was to go out of your way to appreciate your family and the good things that you have.". 500) as one of seven children. His rebound downs Marian Catholic. By the time Buffone wrapped up his brilliant career, he led all Bears linebackers with 24 career interceptions. "We lost one of our greats. 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. I enjoyed immensly the discussions we had together. "His was a life really well lived," WSCR-AM broadcaster Dan Bernstein said. Unless you are experienced as an estate executor, you probably should hire an attorney. Postgames will never be the same without him. He will always be celebrated as one of the Bears greats for his contributions to his team and the fans who loved him. Buffone, Doug Every man's death diminishes us, but that holds double for legends like Doug Buffone. From the sidelines of the Chicago Bears to the Casino, you will be greatly missed. #bearslegend #55. Buffone in recent years hosted a Bears postgame radio show on WSCR-AM with former teammate Ed O'Bradovich. 1 sport. Condolences to the family on your loss.. Tucker McKinney. The Buffone Family is in my prayers. Grief researchers say holding that missing funeral service, even a year or more later, can still help us heal. Great person. Police were called to Buffones Chicago home on Monday afternoon, where he was found unresponsive in bed. Doug Buffone will be missed.". And he proved it each week over his 14-year career, a tenure record he shared with another great, Bill George, for 33 seasons. "Today is a sad day for Bears nation," said former Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher, who like Buffone played his entire career with the team. Our prayers go out to his wife, Dana, and his children. Doug was an excellent linebacker and had great career. However, in June 2009, the founder of Chicago Sports Webio was charged with operating a Ponzi scheme, and the site was shut down. A life well lived. Buffone played 14 seasons for the Bears tied for second most in franchise history making 1,257 tackles and surpassing the 100-tackle mark in seven seasons. And I think this is going to help the whole situation. One was an air ball., Go big or go home. Beginning in the 1990s, Buffone became a fixture on Chicago sports talk radio and local television. You made us all so proud to be from Shannock Valley High School. Today is a sad day for Bears nation. Former Chicago Bears linebacker Doug Buffone's legacy stretches far beyond the football field. ESPN's Jeff Dickerson and The Associated Press contributed to this report. He finished every time., Lifes a beach under the basket for Lemonts Miles Beachum. "He understood how important it was to go out of your way to appreciate your family and the good things that you have.". 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 died on April 20, 2015 in Chicago, Illinois, USA. Buffone started a record 186 games as a Bear, during which time he recorded more than 1,200 tackles and 24 interceptions. (670 The Score) Monday marked the five-year anniversary of beloved former Bears linebacker and Score personality Doug Buffone's death at age 70. My condolences to Dana and the children. Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you. Enjoy heaven with Sweetness, Gale, and Papa Bear. My thoughts and prayers are with the Buffone family! He was a fourth-round draft pick. "Today is a sad day for Bears nation,"Brian Urlacher tweeted. 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 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. Doug will be fondly remembered through many recaptures of the lives he touched. You never gave up on the field and you always wished the best for the Bears. As many who knew him have said, he was a great man and loved his family and his Bears. I will be 60 years old this year and have been a Bears season ticket holder since 1980. The man was later identified as Buffone, who played 14 seasons for the Bears. Buffone, the son of a coal miner (whose parents were Italian immigrants from the southern province of Cosenza, regione di Calabria), attended high school at Shannock Valley High School in Rural Valley, Pennsylvania. Doug Sr was a man of honor and humor, and will be missed by many. 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. Buffone was said to have died of natural causes at the age of 70. I am Dyke's 1st cousin. My God Bless Doug and his Family. He was 70. Doug Buffone was a terrific person, he taught me tons about football and about life. the former Bears linebacker who died April 20th at age 70 of natural causes. I have so much inspiration from his work ethic, his authenticity, approach to life, and he has helped me find strength in difficult times with his outlook, wisdom, laughs, and smiles. Sadly, the personification of class and humility,is no longer with us. You nick named me "sugar bear" and I accepted it. Former Bears coach Mike Ditka said Buffone had a lot of passion for the team, adding he has "nothing but great memories about him.". the former Bears linebacker who died Sayers was a dazzling running back and return man who was electric almost every time he touched the ball. Death of Doug Buffone. He led Louisville in tackles three straight years and remains third on the all-time career list for tackles made with 479. Buffone had 10 fumble recoveries, nine forced fumbles and 37 sacks. Thanks Doug for all you did as a player and broadcaster. "Doug's passion for the game of football and the Chicago Bears was unmatched, and he will be missed.". R.I.P. He died of natural causes, they said. A savage warrior with a heart of gold. A gentle giant. 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 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 spent his entire career with the Bears (1966-79) serving as defensive captain for eight years. Thread starter richsox24; Start date Apr 20, 2015; richsox24 Apr 20, 2015 #1 Just reported. He spoke at the Fenwick Fathers' Club several times about how much he enjoyed his own high school football days. My condolence to the Buffone Family> I had the pleasure of watching him play and then listening to him on the radio. Everybody on the team wanted To wear Butkus's number; I proudly wore 55 ! So admired, and deservedly so. 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. We lost one of our greats. Hope to see you in Heaven some day. Buffone began broadcasting Chicago Rush Arena Football League games for Comcast SportsNet and WGN in 2010. 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. Thank You Doug , well done indeed ! When you met Doug Buffone you fell in love with him, and that's how we feel.. Doug Buffone died in his sleep on April 20, 2015. His retirement ended a link to our founder as he was the last active player to play for George Halas. Food has always been a go-to for people in mourning. You played the game with unmatchable passion! He After his playing days were over , had a great career doing radio with OB. 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. According to Bears media guides, Buffone also had 10 fumble recoveries, nine forced fumbles and 37 sacks. I'll never forget the laughs. Buffone was drafted by the Bears in 1966, spending 15 seasons with the team. 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. #dougbuffone. I am sad that I won't be able to listen to him any more. There's been a tremendous response to it. Don't take it out on us,' Bull said. He was 70 years old and, in certain ways, died fulfilled. We lost one of our greats. 2023 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Satellite Information Network, LLC. 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