His earlier misses? As a University of Louisville teammate from 63-66 he was the inspiration and leader of everyone's effort. Enjoy heaven with Sweetness, Gale, and Papa Bear. with funeral mass to follow at 6 pm. 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. 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. 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. We will all miss you. He was also the last active Bears player who played for the team with George Halas as the head coach. "He wasn't worried about his awards or anything else," Butkus said. Sympathy to your family. "He just did the job. Reporting by Steve Ginsburg in Washington; Editing by Peter Cooney. RIP #55 You will always be in our hearts!! ~Ps. 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. Police were conducting a death invgestigation Monday afternoon. Rest in peace big Doug. Legendary Chicago Bears linebacker Dick Butkus said Tuesday he was "floored" when he received news Monday that former teammate and close friend Doug Buffone had died. Former Bears middle linebacker Brian Urlacher tweeted about Buffone's death Monday. Rest in peace with all the angels and saints. 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. God bless him. Thank You Doug , well done indeed ! 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. 2023 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Satellite Information Network, LLC. I had the PLEASURE of meeting him in person a few times and you could just see and his passion for the game and his love of the Bears. The shockwaves from Doug's passing have been felt by so many of us. Tribune reporter Carlos Sadovi contributed. All the accolades he received, he deserved, and then some. CHICAGO (WLS) -- Doug Buffone, Chicago radio host and legendary Chicago Bears linebacker, has died. Sadly, the personification of class and humility,is no longer with us. I have fond memories of our boyhood days in Yatesboro. rest in peace DOUG I was proud to be on the committee when they retired your high school jersey. He was a first cousin to my mother Marjorie Harland(Yanni). 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 has already entered the gates of Heaven. Great player, sportscaster and Chicagoan. 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. They don't make them like that anymore. Discover Doug Buffone's Biography, Age, Height, Physical Stats, Dating/Affairs, Family and career updates. And now it just seems that (the excitement) is not just starting in August at training camps. I will always remember our times together. The thoughts and prayers of the people of Chicago are with Doug's family, friends, and many fans during this difficult time.". Buffone's unbridled Bears enthusiasm made him a must-listen after games, especially following a difficult loss. Doug was one of the most dependable players in franchise history and perhaps its most beloved. CHICAGO (AP) Former Chicago Bears linebacker Doug Buffone, whose reputation for being a passionate football player carried over into his career as a Doug Buffone will be missed. "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. In lieu of flowers, charitable donations to Maryville Academy and Mercy Hospital Heart and Vascular Center would be much appreciated. I have nothing but great memories about him., Doug was a Bear. Not bad for the son of a coal miner who grew up in tiny Yatesboro, Pennsylvania (pop. He will always be celebrated as one of the Bears greats for his contributions to his team and the fans who loved him. "Even when he was healthy, our rookie year we got close but we just didn't have enough to get into the playoffs. "Today is a sad day for Bears nation," said former Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher, who like Buffone played his entire career with the team. Buffone was an outspoken critic of the team in slow times, quoted by the Tribune from his radio show saying, "I could have gone to Rush Street last night and found 24 players who could do better than the Bears did today. Douglas John Buffone (June 27, 1944 April 20, 2015) was an American football linebacker in the National Football League. Buffone had 10 fumble recoveries, nine forced fumbles and 37 sacks. (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. Thank you Mr Buffone, your example shows us how to live and to love. "I don't know," he said. Menu. Somebody that everybody loved. This is a big event. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. For some people, the best send-off is one that they would have loved to attendthemselves: a big party. Say hi to Vince Lombardi and all the other men that played with their Heart. The Buffone Family is in my prayers. Buffone was said to have died of natural causes at the age of 70. Buffone played collegiate football for Louisville. Former Bears teammates remembered Buffone as an affable, fun-loving athlete with an engaging personality. ", "His was a life really well lived," WSCR-AM broadcaster Dan Bernstein said. A gentle giant. Even the year we were 1-13, I always had the feeling we were going to win and we just didn't. Learn how and when to remove this template message, "Who's Who In Town Caught In Tangled Webio Deal", "Former Bear Doug Buffone found dead at home", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Doug_Buffone&oldid=1140680500, Players of American football from Pennsylvania, People from Armstrong County, Pennsylvania, Short description is different from Wikidata, Articles needing additional references from April 2015, All articles needing additional references, Articles using infobox templates with no data rows, NFL player missing current team parameter, Infobox NFL biography articles missing alt text and caption, Infobox NFL biography articles with old NFL.com URL, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0. I love and will miss you dearly! I was just happy to be there, to tell you the truth. (Reporting by Steve Ginsburg in Washington; Editing by Peter Cooney), The Rush: Suns Kevin Durant dazzles in his debut against the Hornets, Sexual assault lawsuit against Jerry Jones revived after appeal, likely headed for trial, No. Everybody on the team wanted To wear Butkus's number; I proudly wore 55 ! So sad to lose a boyhood friend. [2] Also, Buffone had a blog on his website where he posted his opinions on sports.[3]. "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. And I don't know if we really improved after that (with) our draft choices or whatever. "I will always remember him for his football talent, sense of humor and enduring friendship," Butkus said. Even though we met only twice, you treated me like we were life-long friends. (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. However, in June 2009, the founder of Chicago Sports Webio was charged with operating a Ponzi scheme, and the site was shut down. I never heard him gripe, Butkus said. I enjoyed immensly the discussions we had together. You made us all so proud to be from Shannock Valley High School. Buffone's team record for games played was ultimately eclipsed by former long snapper Patrick Mannelly, who now holds the mark with 245. Adored his children and his Dana. When you met Doug Buffone you fell in love with him, and that's how we feel.. He is known for The NFL on CBS (1956), NFL Monday Night Football (1970) and The NFL on NBC (1965). Postgames will never be the same without him. He was just a good guy and we had a lot of fun.. You will always be an inspiration. 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. May you find comfort in knowing that suffering and death will end here on earth. It's a great event that they're (now) going to have it in Chicago. 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. He was very cordial and friendly to the people attending the luncheon and was truly interested in our thoughts about the Bears and life in general. As many who knew him have said, he was a great man and loved his family and his Bears. I am Dyke's 1st cousin. Doug Buffone loved to tell stories, especially the one about his first game against the rival Packers. "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. RIP. 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. In the 21st century, it's not just urns and gravestones anymore. Hub. 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. Hope to see you in Heaven some day. Could never know a better person and all that did were blessed! Butkus said he had been planning to call Buffone to check in last week but never did. our prays are with you. Send simple, comforting meals with Home Chef. He also had 10 fumble recoveries, nine forced fumbles, 37 sacks and 1,257 tackles, going over the 100-tackle mark in seven seasons. Thread starter richsox24; Start date Apr 20, 2015; richsox24 Apr 20, 2015 #1 Just reported. By the time Buffone wrapped up his brilliant career, he led all Bears linebackers with 24 career interceptions. And I think this is going to help the whole situation. Buffone's unbridled Bears enthusiasm made him a must-listen after games, especially following a difficult loss. Jr.(Harry) Paul, Bill, John and Doug were always together. CHICAGO -- Former Bears linebacker Doug Buffone, whose reputation for being a passionate football player carried over into his career as a sports broadcaster, The first two pickoffs of his career came off future Hall of Famers Bart Starr and Johnny Unitas. 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. you were a good friend and I am proud that I knew you and your family. Doug will be fondly remembered through many recaptures of the lives he touched. "He understood how important it was to go out of your way to appreciate your family and the good things that you have.". Buffone is survived by his wife, Dana, and six children: Doug Jr., Stephanie, Talleri, Ryan, Hailey and Heather. Buffone played in 186 games for the Bears, making 1,257 tackles and going over the 100-tackle mark in seven seasons. His retirement ended a link to our founder as he was the last active player to play for George Halas. (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 "I will always remember him for his football talent, sense of humor and enduring friendship," Butkus said. There was no one tougher on Sundays than Doug Buffone.". May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. 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. "But that kind of floored me when my son called me and said what had happened. "Doug's passion for the game of football and the Chicago Bears was unmatched, and he will be missed.". Dougs passion for the game of football and the Chicago Bears was unmatched and he will be missed. The bottom line is he was true and loyal to his family, to football and to his friends. His earlier misses? ol' buddy! 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. 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. Gonna miss him. Career Powered by . CHICAGO -- Former Bears linebacker Doug Buffone, whose reputation for being a passionate football player carried over into his career as a sports broadcaster, "He was a very special guy.". "Today is a sad day for Bears nation,"Brian Urlacher tweeted. In retirement, Buffone owned restaurants and was a studio host and football analyst for a Chicago radio station. - 20 April 2015) (his death) (2 children) Trivia (1) Doug was my football hero. After his playing days were over , had a great career doing radio with OB. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Your legacy will live forever in my heart and mind.. Bear Down! Jupiter and Venus appear to 'kiss' in the sky, Belvidere Jeep assembly plant shut down indefinitely, Chicago Weather: Cloudy and much cooler Thursday. 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 (NFL) has just done a great job of marketing the game. 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. "It's the old syndrome," Butkus said Tuesday. 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. 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 Love listening to him and O'bradovich after Bears games. Loving brother of Sam, Dennis, Joseph, Debbie, Donna Jeanne and Tina. One was an air ball., Go big or go home. He made a lasting impression as a "man's -man and a genuine nice guy.". 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. 500) as one of seven children. Doug Buffone will be missed.. I'll never forget the laughs. "He was a very special guy.". Thanks doug. 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; Former Chicago Bears linebacker Doug Buffone's legacy stretches far beyond the football field. Dougie, you were a great teammate." 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. Chicago Bears linebacker Doug Buffone. 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. In retirement, Buffone owned restaurants and was a studio host and football analyst for a Chicago radio station. 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. The man was later identified as Buffone, who played 14 seasons for the Bears. Very sorry for your loss Doug will be missed by friends,family and the sports world my heart goes out to his family. Heartfelt sympathy to the Buffone family from an old Yatesboro neighbor and friend. Former Bears middle linebacker Brian Urlacher tweeted about Buffone's death Monday. I never had the honor and privilege of meeting Doug but I listened to him on the radio religiously. Today is a sad day for Bears nation, former Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher posted on Twitter. When I was a little football manager at SVHS, Doug made me feel important to the team. Police were called to Buffones Chicago home on Monday afternoon, where he was found unresponsive in bed. If youre in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist. Who played 14 seasons for the team with George Halas as the head coach many of. 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