He also had 10 fumble recoveries, nine forced fumbles, 37 sacks and 1,257 tackles, going over the 100-tackle mark in seven seasons. Former Bears coach Mike Ditka said Buffone had a lot of passion for the team, adding he has "nothing but great memories about him.". Number 55 is officially retired.Rest in peace,Doug. Many prayers to our cousins for the loss of Doug. 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. He also had the honor of serving as defensive captain for eight seasons, beginning in 1972. Sympathy to your family. you were a good friend and I am proud that I knew you and your family. What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative? Thank You Doug , well done indeed ! "He will always be celebrated as one of the Bears' greats for his contributions to his team and the fans who loved him. 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. His rebound downs Marian Catholic. 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. In the 21st century, it's not just urns and gravestones anymore. You played the game with unmatchable passion! "This is kind of a lull in the year. 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. #dougbuffone. Buffone played in 186 games for the Bears, making 1,257 tackles and going over the 100-tackle mark in seven seasons. 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 uniform, died Monday at the age of 70. Doug was very passionate about the Bears and how they played! The bottom line is he was true and loyal to his family, to football and to his friends. He was a first cousin to my mother Marjorie Harland(Yanni). Javascript is required for the selection of a player. Buffone retired after the 1979 season with 24 career interceptions, the most for any Bears linebacker. Copyright 2023 ESPN Internet Ventures. Over the years I got to know not only the football player, but the Man. "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. Doug Buffone will be missed. I never met the man, but through the radio I felt like I got to know Doug like an uncle. Just a great guy. My condolences and sympathy go out to Doug's family and worldwide friends. 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. 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'. June 27, 1944 - April 20, 2015 Chicago, Illinois | Age 70 Former Chicago Bears linebacker dies . Submit an Obituary. 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. Both players eventually found their way into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. I was fortunate enough to have Doug as a mentor, teammate, & friend at the University of Louisville. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. our prays are with you. God Bless, Linda Poulos. It's surprising how much a musical selection can affect mourning. Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles. Chicago Bears linebacker Doug Buffone. And that's what made him such a great guy, a great character, a great person." 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. Buffones team record for games played was ultimately eclipsed by former long snapper Patrick Mannelly, who now holds the mark with 245. Buffone was said to have died of natural causes at the age of 70. You nick named me "sugar bear" and I accepted it. Giving to charity is a meaningful way to honor someone who has died. Buffone was pronounced dead on the scene Monday Bear Down. 23, 2015. CHICAGO (WLS) -- Doug Buffone, Chicago radio host and legendary Chicago Bears linebacker, has died. 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. They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel. Buffone's 14 seasons in Chicago are tied for second most in club history. "Doug had a lot of passion for the Bears,' former teammate Mike Ditka said. 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's passion for the game of football and the Chicago Bears was unmatched, and he will be missed.". "Today is a sad day for Bears nation," said former Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher, who like Buffone played his entire career with the team. We grew up in Yatesboro together. PEACE. Reporting by Steve Ginsburg in Washington; Editing by Peter Cooney. Smooth and cool., Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. In retirement, Buffone owned restaurants and was a studio host and football analyst for a Chicago radio station. I just found this sad news out. "Today is a sad day for Bears nation,"Brian Urlacher tweeted. May you find comfort in knowing that suffering and death will end here on earth. "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. We are terribly saddened to hear of Dougs passing, Bears Chairman George McCaskey said in a statement. A Chicago great. Which first-round prospects should Raiders focus on at combine? I remember spending a day with you and your twins at Kim Baker's pool and recall the love you have for your familywhich will remain strong in your heart. Great player, sportscaster and Chicagoan. "We lost one of our greats. Former Bears middle linebacker Brian Urlacher tweeted about Buffone's death Monday. 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. As I read all the kind words about him, I how true they are. It was an honor to share the #55 with the first legend to wear it," tweeted Lance Briggs, another former Bears linebacker. 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. Doug, a kind soul. 1 sport. Rest in peace, my friend. [1] Buffone and O'Bradovich re-signed with the Score in late August 2009. Your legacy will live forever in my heart and mind.. Bear Down! (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 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. As a University of Louisville teammate from 63-66 he was the inspiration and leader of everyone's effort. Thread starter richsox24; Start date Apr 20, 2015; richsox24 Apr 20, 2015 #1 Just reported. Obituaries Section. Doug was also a connector, the type of person who constantly stayed in touch with old friends and teammates and served as an historian on Bears history. RIP Doug.I will miss your post game show and all the fun stuff you did on the other shows.BIG DOUG! Deepest Sympathy to the family. CHICAGO -- Former Bears linebacker Doug Buffone, whose reputation for being a passionate football player carried over into his career as a sports broadcaster, I am sad that I won't be able to listen to him any more. Player News. Can the Lions fix their defense? DOUG YOU REMIND ME OF MY BROTHER WHO DIED MANY YEARS AGO. When you met Doug Buffone you fell in love with him, and that's how we feel.. From the sidelines of the Chicago Bears to the Casino, you will be greatly missed. "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. We pray for him and for the family . with funeral mass to follow at 6 pm. 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. Don't take it out on us,' Bull said. He was 70. And now it just seems that (the excitement) is not just starting in August at training camps. NFL draft questions for teams in the top 10: Will the Colts trade up? Doug Buffone Birthday and Date of Death Doug Buffone was born on June 27, 1944 and died on April 20, 2015. And every year we went to training camp I thought we were going to win. His earlier misses? All rights reserved. (Chicago Tribune historical photo). 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. "But the meek will possess the earth, And they will find exquisite delight in the abundance of peace." All of us from back home in our Pennsylvania coal mining town were blessed to have him in our lives. I hope that Doug and Norm Van Lear reunite and I can just hear the 2 of them. Former Bears running back Ronnie Bull recalled the challenge of having to practice against the likes of Buffone, O'Bradovich and Butkus. Beyond my incredible respect for him he was a guy I loved, just like everybody I know who ever met him. I'm sure my dad is dancing and singing (two of his favorite things) in heaven having you up there with him. There's been a tremendous response to it. 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. "I was going to call him over the weekend just to check in with him and see what was going on. Rest in peace big Doug. Syracuse Post Standard. "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. ", Copyright 2023 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. Born on June 27, 1944, in Yatesboro, Pa., Buffone was the son of a coal miner. Dear Dana, Kay Varga and I are thinking of you and sending you heartfelt prayers to give you strength to help you through this most difficult time. 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." Love listening to him and O'bradovich after Bears games. He is known for The NFL on CBS (1956), NFL Monday Night Football (1970) and The NFL on NBC (1965). "He understood how important it was to go out of your way to appreciate your family and the good things that you have.". ESPN's Jeff Dickerson and The Associated Press contributed to this report. Radio host and legendary Chicago Bears linebacker Doug Buffone dies at 70 (Photo: 1977), quoted by the Tribune from his radio show. The shockwaves from Doug's passing have been felt by so many of us. The pride Doug brought to the community in which he grew up could never be measured. Former Bears middle linebacker Brian Urlacher tweeted about Buffone's death Monday. It drove him nuts when we didnt play well and we always appreciated that he wore his heart on his sleeve because we knew how much he cared. 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.". "He was a very special guy.". RIP Our prayers to your family! My prayers and condolences for his family and dear friends. Doug was The man and always will be the Man. "We are terribly saddened to hear of Doug's passing," Bears chairman George McCaskey said in a statement. Please tell my dad, your Uncle Joe, hi and we miss and love him. You never gave up on the field and you always wished the best for the Bears. Is officially retired.Rest in peace, Doug, and they will find exquisite delight in the.! When should you send it, and he will be missed. `` but the Man was going call. 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