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. (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. He attended Shannock Valley High School. I was fortunate enough to have Doug as a mentor, teammate, & friend at the University of Louisville. WebAge, Biography and Wiki. RIP Doug.I will miss your post game show and all the fun stuff you did on the other shows.BIG DOUG! We are terribly saddened to hear of Dougs passing, Bears Chairman George McCaskey said in a statement. By the time Buffone wrapped up his brilliant career, he led all Bears linebackers with 24 career interceptions. Buffone retired after the 1979 season with 24 career interceptions, the most for any Bears linebacker. "We lost one of our greats. 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. with funeral mass to follow at 6 pm. And he proved it each week over his 14-year career, a tenure record he shared with another great, Bill George, for 33 seasons. His rebound downs Marian Catholic. May the God of all comfort be with you all. Buffone's 14 seasons in Chicago are tied for second most in club history. Condolences to the family on your loss.. Tucker McKinney. God Bless, Linda Poulos. Former Bears linebacker Buffone dies at 70, Top draft prospect Carter charged in fatal crash, Trade Lamar? Doug was one of the best partners I ever had on the air, a treat to listen to on his own, an outstanding football player and a better man. "We lost one of our greats. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. ", "His was a life really well lived," WSCR-AM broadcaster Dan Bernstein said. He was 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. Buffone's 14 seasons in Chicago are tied for second most in club history. It was an honor to share the #55 with the first legend to wear it," tweeted Lance Briggs, another former Bears linebacker. Former Bears middle linebacker Brian Urlacher tweeted about Buffone's death Monday. A true friend. Could the Cowboys look at a running back in first round again? There was no one tougher on Sundays than Doug Buffone.. 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. "We are terribly saddened to hear of Doug's passing," Bears chairman George McCaskey said in a statement. Former Bear Doug Buffone dies at 70. In May 2009, Buffone and his long-time Bears post-game partner Ed O'Bradovich left WSCR-AM and joined Chicago Sports Webio. However, in June 2009, the founder of Chicago Sports Webio was charged with operating a Ponzi scheme, and the site was shut down. [1] Buffone and O'Bradovich re-signed with the Score in late August 2009. Beginning in the 1990s, Buffone became a fixture on Chicago sports talk radio and local television. Death of Doug Buffone. Doug was the epitome of the All American as a player and gentlemen. Paramedics were called to Buffone's Chicago home Monday afternoon, where they found the popular linebacker-turned-broadcaster unresponsive, police said. Chicago Bears linebacker Doug Buffone. to laugh at yourself. A friend for 44 years. (Chicago Tribune historical photo). Former Chicago Bears linebacker Doug Buffone's legacy stretches far beyond the football field. We grew up in Yatesboro together. There was no one tougher on Sundays than Doug Buffone.". - 20 April 2015) (his death) (2 children) Trivia (1) As a devoted Bear Fan for the last 50 years or more, I remember how truly great a linebacker he was. 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 former Bears linebacker who died "He was a very special guy.". Buffone was said to have died of natural causes at the age of 70. Doug was a lifelong entrepreneur, owning enterprises as varied as an embroidery company and a high-tech online video platform. "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. Somebody that everybody loved. 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. The shockwaves from Doug's passing have been felt by so many of us. He will be missed. Many believe Buffones accomplishments on the field were overshadowed because he played next to a Hall of Fame teammate in Butkus. Syracuse Post Standard Homepage. "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. The Associated Press. He was 70. ", "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. 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. Great athlete! It's surprising how much a musical selection can affect mourning. He will be missed. Menu. It's the old thing. "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. Learn How rich is He in this year and how He spends money? 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. "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. My thoughts and prayers are with the Buffone family! See How All 50 Wards Voted in the 2023 Chicago Mayoral Election. We partied and danced Disco there frequently after ball games. Rest in peace with all the angels and saints. For some people, the best send-off is one that they would have loved to attendthemselves: a big party. 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. RIP Doug Buffone. 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. This is a big event. I never heard him gripe, Butkus said. 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.". Adored his children and his Dana. Not bad for the son of a coal miner who grew up in tiny Yatesboro, Pennsylvania (pop. Buffone died at his residence in Chicago, Illinois, on April 20, 2015, aged 70.[4]. Buffone played in 186 games for the Bears, making 1,257 tackles and going over the 100-tackle mark in seven seasons. Tribune reporter Carlos Sadovi contributed. 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. He was a great player and a great friend, former Bears tight end and coach Mike Ditka said. "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 remains the Cardinals' No. Please tell my dad, your Uncle Joe, hi and we miss and love him. 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 CHICAGO -- Former Bears linebacker Doug Buffone, whose reputation for being a passionate football player carried over into his career as a sports broadcaster, 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. our prays are with you. He spoke at the Fenwick Fathers' Club several times about how much he enjoyed his own high school football days. 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'. Projecting the futures of Kirk Cousins, Dalvin Cook and other Vikings veterans. Number 55 is officially retired.Rest in peace,Doug. NFL draft questions for teams in the top 10: Will the Colts trade up? 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. Just a great guy. The first two interceptions of his career came off future Hall of Famers Bart Starr and Johnny Unitas. In May 2009, Buffone and his long-time Bears post-game partner Ed O'Bradovich left WSCR-AM and joined Chicago Sports Webio. A Chicago great. 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. Rest in peace #55! Submit an Obituary. The Buffone Family is in my prayers. 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 Offering my sincere condolences. "Doug had a lot of passion for the Bears,' former teammate Mike Ditka said. His retirement ended a link to our founder as he was the last active player to play for George Halas. He was also the last active Bears player who played for the team with George Halas as the head coach. Visitation on Friday at Old St. Patrick's Church, 700 W. Adams, Friday at 2 pm. Doug Buffone was a terrific person, he taught me tons about football and about life. 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. #bearslegend #55. I met Buz at the Bears training camp in Rensselaer, Indiana in 1969, through his teammate and my best friend, Willie Holman. Grief researchers say holding that missing funeral service, even a year or more later, can still help us heal. And it's just that people are clamoring for more NFL. A native of Yatesboro, Pennsylvania, Buffone was a fourth-round draft pick by the Bears. My prayers and condolences for his family and dear friends. I cannot tell you how much I will miss him.. You taught me that it's o.k. Buffone died due to natural causes, said police spokesman Thomas Sweeney. They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel. the former Bears linebacker who died April 20th at age 70 of natural causes. Love to listen to him and Ed O after the game because the called it the way it was. A native of Yatesboro, Pa., Buffone was a fourth-round draft pick by the Bears in 1966 out of Louisville. Other shows Buffone was involved in producing included The Neal Anderson Show for WBBM-AM, and The Mike Ditka Show for WSCR-AM. He made a lasting impression as a "man's -man and a genuine nice guy.". "We lost one of our greats. "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. Melanie Davidson Banks. RIP friend. Sadly, the personification of class and humility,is no longer with us. ~Ps. RIP. Played 186 games as a Bear, the third most among Bears. Rest in peace big Doug. However, in June 2009, the founder of Chicago Sports Webio was charged with operating a Ponzi scheme, and the site was shut down. He was 70 years old and, in certain ways, died fulfilled. He will be missed by all he touched. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. only met a couple times.. truly a class act .. Condolences to his friends and family. My condolence to the Buffone Family> I had the pleasure of watching him play and then listening to him on the radio. Menu. He led Louisville in tackles three straight years and remains third on the all-time career list for tackles made with 479. He was selected in the fourth round of the 1966 NFL draft out of Louisville. He had 1,257 tackles, going over the 100 tackle mark in seven seasons. "That bitterness never, ever was there with Doug, ever," he said. 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