And it's just that people are clamoring for more NFL. He was also the last active Bears player who played for the team with George Halas as the head coach. Sincerely, Marilyn Davis. To me, I loved the game and it was all about playing football and to get drafted and lo and behold play for your home city and have a guy like (defensive end Ed) O'Bradovich that I used to watch at Illiinois and Gale. Great athlete! the former Bears linebacker who died I never met the man, but through the radio I felt like I got to know Doug like an uncle. No cause of death was released. He also had the honor of serving as defensive captain for eight seasons, beginning in 1972. "There was no one tougher on Sundays than Doug Buffone." We pray for him and for the family . Former Bears running back Ronnie Bull recalled the challenge of having to practice against the likes of Buffone, O'Bradovich and Butkus. You made us all so proud to be from Shannock Valley High School. Over the years I got to know not only the football player, but the Man. 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's 14 seasons in Chicago are tied for second most in club history. At the time of his retirement, Buffone was the Bears' all-time leader in games played with 186. What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative? Butkus said he had been planning to call Buffone to check in last week but never did. "He will always be celebrated as one of the Bears' greats for his contributions to his team and the fans who loved him. #bearslegend #55. ", Oswego Easts Jehvion Starwood steps up with winning 3-pointer in OT. He was just a good guy and we had a lot of fun.. He was a great player and even better person after football. Search by Name. 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. Dana, and family'. 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. He was a Bears rookie. 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. Grief researchers say holding that missing funeral service, even a year or more later, can still help us heal. 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. 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; "It's the old syndrome," Butkus said Tuesday. 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. The Associated Press. 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. I will be 60 years old this year and have been a Bears season ticket holder since 1980. Hope to see you in Heaven some day. See How All 50 Wards Voted in the 2023 Chicago Mayoral Election. Death of Doug Buffone. All rights reserved. rest in peace DOUG I was proud to be on the committee when they retired your high school jersey. He was 70. Chicago Bears linebacker Doug Buffone. FYI the boy could dance.". It was my privilege to know Doug for 32 years, going back to when he owned Doug Buffone's Bear Report. Buffone retired after the 1979 season with 24 career interceptions, the most for any Bears linebacker. Beginning in the 1990s, Buffone became a fixture on Chicago sports talk radio and local television. "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. I just found this sad news out. RIP Doug.I will miss your post game show and all the fun stuff you did on the other shows.BIG DOUG! Doug rest in peace met you twice you were great to talk to you made me laugh. Today is a sad day for Bears nation. Burlington Centrals Nicholas Gouriotis figures out the difference. Buffone's team record for games played was ultimately eclipsed by former long snapper Patrick Mannelly, who now holds the mark with 245. In a statement, Hall of Famer Dick Butkus, who played alongside Buffone on the Bears for seven years, said a "great man" was lost. "His was a life really well lived," WSCR-AM broadcaster Dan Bernstein said. His rebound downs Marian Catholic. In a statement, Hall of Famer Dick Butkus, who played alongside Buffone on the Bears for seven years, said a "great man" was lost. Doug Buffone will be missed. NFL draft questions for teams in the top 10: Will the Colts trade up? ESPN's Jeff Dickerson and The Associated Press contributed to this report. Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you. 23, 2015. His retirement ended a link to our founder as he was the last active player to play for George Halas. Oswego Easts Jehvion Starwood steps up with winning 3-pointer in OT. Javascript is required for the selection of a player. 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 In retirement, Buffone owned restaurants and was a studio host and football analyst for a Chicago radio station. He was 70. My heart is heavy with sadness. He was selected in the fourth round of the 1966 NFL draft out of Louisville. It's funny how we strangers can call him Doug, but that's who he was to us. You taught me that it's o.k. He finished every time., Lifes a beach under the basket for Lemonts Miles Beachum. "Even when he was healthy, our rookie year we got close but we just didn't have enough to get into the playoffs. I love and will miss you dearly! And every year we went to training camp I thought we were going to win. 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! R.I.P. Thank Mr. Buffone for your hard nose defense that you brought to the Bears. 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. Buffone's 14 seasons in Chicago are tied for second most in club history. you were a good friend and I am proud that I knew you and your family. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. I have nothing but great memories about him., Doug was a Bear. I was just happy to be there, to tell you the truth. One was an air ball., Go big or go home. Gonna miss him. From the sidelines of the Chicago Bears to the Casino, you will be greatly missed. He was a fourth-round draft pick. When I was a little football manager at SVHS, Doug made me feel important to the team. Former Bears coach Mike Ditka said Buffone had a lot of passion for the team, adding he has "nothing but great memories about him.". 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. A true friend. Played 186 games as a Bear, the third most among Bears. Number 55 is officially retired.Rest in peace,Doug. In a statement, Hall of Famer Dick Butkus, who played alongside Buffone on the Bears for seven years, said a "great man" was lost. He made a lasting impression as a "man's -man and a genuine nice guy.". And I didn't call. Buffone started a record 186 games as a Bear, during which time he recorded more than 1,200 tackles and 24 interceptions. So sad to lose a boyhood friend. "He wasn't worried about his awards or anything else," Butkus said. Smooth and cool., Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. Listening to him and Ed was great. My thoughts and prayers are with Dana and the entire family! Police News Affairs said he was pronounced dead on the scene. Could never know a better person and all that did were blessed! June 27, 1944 - April 20, 2015 Chicago, Illinois | Age 70 Former Chicago Bears linebacker dies . A native of Yatesboro, Pennsylvania, Buffone was a fourth-round draft pick by the Bears. 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. Shamrock John. 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.". Thanks doug. Buffones team record for games played was ultimately eclipsed by former long snapper Patrick Mannelly, who now holds the mark with 245. As a devoted Bear Fan for the last 50 years or more, I remember how truly great a linebacker he was. Former Bears teammates remembered Buffone as an affable, fun-loving athlete with an engaging personality. Doug was very passionate about the Bears and how they played! "People talk about all that. Ways to honor Doug Buffone's life and legacy. Many believe Buffones accomplishments on the field were overshadowed because he played next to a Hall of Fame teammate in Butkus. Enjoy heaven with Sweetness, Gale, and Papa Bear. I cannot tell you how much I will miss him.. He played the part of "Big Doug", a bookie and collector, noted for his humour in character as "Big Doug". You have funeral questions, we have answers. 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. He spoke at the Fenwick Fathers' Club several times about how much he enjoyed his own high school football days. 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 Paramedics were called to Buffone's Chicago home Monday afternoon, where they found the popular linebacker-turned-broadcaster unresponsive, police said. 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 We lost one of our greats. 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, was found dead in his Chicago home Monday, according to police. We are terribly saddened to hear of Dougs passing, Bears Chairman George McCaskey said in a statement. 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. "But that kind of floored me when my son called me and said what had happened. 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. Godspeed to all concerned. All the accolades he received, he deserved, and then some. The first two interceptions of his career came off future Hall of Famers Bart Starr and Johnny Unitas. It seemed to me he was lucky that he never had any serious injuries while he played with me, Dick Butkus said. A friend for 44 years. He had 1,257 tackles, going over the 100 tackle mark in seven seasons. Web70 Recently Passed Away Celebrities and Famous People. As a University of Louisville teammate from 63-66 he was the inspiration and leader of everyone's effort. "This is kind of a lull in the year. Doug Buffone Birthday and Date of Death Doug Buffone was born on June 27, 1944 and died on April 20, 2015. Douglas John Buffone (June 27, 1944 April 20, 2015) was an American football linebacker in the National Football League. This is a big event. Bernstein said he has encountered former football players who were bitter about what they had to sacrifice. You will be greatly missed old friend. 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. Buffone's unbridled Bears enthusiasm made him a must-listen after games, especially following a difficult loss. Submit an Obituary. He attended Shannock Valley High School. However, in June 2009, the founder of Chicago Sports Webio was charged with operating a Ponzi scheme, and the site was shut down. I feel blessed to have known him. (Chicago Tribune historical photo). He remains the Cardinals' No. 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. They don't make them like that anymore. As many who knew him have said, he was a great man and loved his family and his Bears. 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. Buffone is one of only four players to lead UofL in tackles for three consecutive seasons. ~Ps. 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. The first two pickoffs of his career came off future Hall of Famers Bart Starr and Johnny Unitas. All of us from back home in our Pennsylvania coal mining town were blessed to have him in our lives. Portrait. Buffone is survived by his wife, Dana, and six children: Doug Jr., Stephanie, Talleri, Ryan, Hailey and Heather. Doug will be fondly remembered through many recaptures of the lives he touched. He also held the team's record for most games played with 186. 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 home, according to police. I send my sympathy and prayers to Doug's (Dyke's) family. He is known for The NFL on CBS (1956), NFL Monday Night Football (1970) and The NFL on NBC (1965). RIP. 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