Remember taking Doug and several players to a local Catholic Church the day that JFK died. Doug was my football hero. My sincerest condolences to one of my best friends. He also had the honor of serving as defensive captain for eight seasons, beginning in 1972. (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 Syracuse Post Standard Homepage. I'm going to miss BIG DOUG! Rest in peace with all the angels and saints. It was an exhibition game in 1966. Cause of death not yet known. "Today is a sad day for Bears nation," said former Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher, who like Buffone played his entire career with the team. Love listening to him and O'bradovich after Bears games. And that's what made him such a great guy, a great character, a great person." Tom Shaer. Buffones team record for games played was ultimately eclipsed by former long snapper Patrick Mannelly, who now holds the mark with 245. Butkus said he had been planning to call Buffone to check in last week but never did. In his professional career, Buffone gathered more than 1,200 tackles, going over the 100-tackle mark in seven seasons. And I don't know if we really improved after that (with) our draft choices or whatever. Doug will be fondly remembered through many recaptures of the lives he touched. "I will always remember him for his football talent, sense of humor and enduring friendship," Butkus said. and Love. He will be missed by all he touched. In a statement, Hall of Famer Dick Butkus, who played alongside Buffone on the Bears for seven years, said a "great man" was lost. 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 have nothing but great memories about him., Doug was a Bear. "He wasn't worried about his awards or anything else," Butkus 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 spokesman Thomas Sweeney. Doug was one of the most dependable players in franchise history and perhaps its most beloved. Statement from Bears Chairman George McCaskey: "We are terribly saddened to hear of Dougs passing. All Rights Reserved. Doug Buffone will be missed.". 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. Expand the Memories and Condolences form. Buffone's 14 seasons in Chicago are tied for second most in club history. to laugh at yourself. Buffone retired with 24 career interceptions to lead all Bear linebackers. WebAge, Biography and Wiki. After his playing days were over , had a great career doing radio with OB. And they've made it a very big deal now. CHICAGO (WLS) -- Doug Buffone, Chicago radio host and legendary Chicago Bears linebacker, has died. 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. A native of Yatesboro, Pennsylvania, Buffone was a fourth-round draft pick by the Bears. The Associated Press contributed to this report. In a statement, Hall of Famer Dick Butkus, who played alongside Buffone on the Bears for seven years, said a "great man" was lost. I enjoyed immensly the discussions we had together. You have funeral questions, we have answers. He was 70. He remains the Cardinals' No. PEACE. Today is a sad day for Bears nation, former Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher posted on Twitter. He was also the last active Bears player who played for the team with George Halas as the head coach. Burlington Centrals Nicholas Gouriotis figures out the difference. 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. Many believe Buffones accomplishments on the field were overshadowed because he played next to a Hall of Fame teammate in Butkus. I met Buz at the Bears training camp in Rensselaer, Indiana in 1969, through his teammate and my best friend, Willie Holman. In the 21st century, it's not just urns and gravestones anymore. They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel. Buffone played in 186 games for the Bears, making 1,257 tackles and going over the 100-tackle mark in seven seasons. 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. Buffone was said to have died of natural causes at the age of 70. As many who knew him have said, he was a great man and loved his family and his Bears. Buffone's unbridled Bears enthusiasm made him a must-listen after games, especially following a difficult loss. CHICAGO -- Former Bears linebacker Doug Buffone, whose reputation for being a passionate football player carried over into his career as a sports broadcaster, died Monday at the age of 70. At the time of his retirement, Buffone was the Bears' all-time leader in games played with 186. When I was a little football manager at SVHS, Doug made me feel important to the team. Sympathy to your family. Doug Buffone (Douglas John Buffone) was born on 27 June, 1944 in Yatesboro, Pennsylvania, USA, is an Actor. Jupiter and Venus appear to 'kiss' in the sky, Belvidere Jeep assembly plant shut down indefinitely, Chicago Weather: Cloudy and much cooler Thursday. My condolences to Dana and the children. His retirement ended a link to our founder as he was the last active player to play for George Halas. Very sorry for your loss Doug will be missed by friends,family and the sports world my heart goes out to his family. I feel blessed to have known him. Burlington Centrals Nicholas Gouriotis figures out the difference. He played the part of "Big Doug", a bookie and collector, noted for his humour in character as "Big Doug". Rest in peace, my friend. Thanks Doug for all you did as a player and broadcaster. 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. 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 I should have made the call. He also held the team's record for most games played with 186. "He was a very special guy.". "Today is a sad day for Bears nation,"Brian Urlacher tweeted. My prayers and condolences for his family and dear friends. Doug was a great friend to all of us. He teamed with fellow ex-Bears great Ed O'Bradovich on the radio in recent years. Cause of death not yet known. In a 14-year NFL career, Buffone's rugged play and indomitable attitude represented the spirit of the Bears and the city of Chicago. In retirement, Buffone owned restaurants and was a studio host and football analyst for a Chicago radio station. Why the Packers' transition to Jordan Love, whenever it happens, will require patience, A new home for Michael Thomas? CHICAGO -- Former Bears linebacker Doug Buffone, whose reputation for being a passionate football player carried over into his career as a sports broadcaster, You'll be missed 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. Please tell my dad, your Uncle Joe, hi and we miss and love him. Copyright 2023 WLS-TV. The thoughts and prayers of the people of Chicago are with Doug's family, friends, and many fans during this difficult time.". Bear Down. "I will always remember him for his football talent, sense of humor and enduring friendship," Butkus said. #dougbuffone. He had 1,257 tackles, going over the 100 tackle mark in seven seasons. RIP. Buffone retired after the 1979 season with 24 career interceptions, the most for any Bears linebacker. Doug and OB were my therapy after a tough loss and part of my celebration after a great win. And every year we went to training camp I thought we were going to win. For some people, the best send-off is one that they would have loved to attendthemselves: a big party. Condolences to the family on your loss.. Tucker McKinney. Former Bears linebacker Buffone dies at 70, Top draft prospect Carter charged in fatal crash, Trade Lamar? More in Sports Obituary Read. Learn How rich is He in this year and how He spends money? I was just happy to be there, to tell you the truth. Listening to him and Ed was great. Discover Doug Buffone's Biography, Age, Height, Physical Stats, Dating/Affairs, Family and career updates. "He will always be celebrated as one of the Bears' greats for his contributions to his team and the fans who loved him. 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. We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time. you were a good friend and I am proud that I knew you and your family. 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. Buffone died at his residence in Chicago, Illinois, on April 20, 2015, aged 70. As I read all the kind words about him, I how true they are. My condolences and sympathy go out to Doug's family and worldwide friends. And it's just that people are clamoring for more NFL. There was no one tougher on Sundays than Doug Buffone. A life well lived. Offering my sincere condolences. Gone but never forgotten. 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. ESPN'sJeff Dickerson andThe Associated Press contributed to this report. We lost one of our greats. 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. 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. "He just did the job. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. David Kessler's top 4 tips for dealing with holiday grief. I have fond memories of our boyhood days in Yatesboro. We pray for him and for the family . I'm sure my dad is dancing and singing (two of his favorite things) in heaven having you up there with him. One time for Doug Buffone! doug buffone obituary Buffone, Doug Every man's death diminishes us, but that holds double for legends like Doug Buffone. 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. Our condolences to the family - Doug will be greatly missed. CHICAGO -- Former Bears linebacker Doug Buffone, whose reputation for being a passionate football player carried over into his career as a sports broadcaster, My Condolences to the Buffone family. 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. 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; Send simple, comforting meals with Home Chef. See here for a complete list of exchanges and delays. Always enjoyed watching Doug play LB alongside Butkus and Brubacher, the 3 B's. Tony Catanese Mechanicsville,MD. Beginning in the 1990s, Buffone became a fixture on Chicago sports talk radio and local television. GOD Bless you all. I will be 60 years old this year and have been a Bears season ticket holder since 1980. (2Cor.1:3). He was selected in the fourth round of the 1966 NFL draft out of Louisville. The pride Doug brought to the community in which he grew up could never be measured. Jr.(Harry) Paul, Bill, John and Doug were always together. You made us all so proud to be from Shannock Valley High School. "It's the 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. Our sincere condolences to the Buffone family. RIP friend. "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. He led Louisville in tackles three straight years and remains third on the all-time career list for tackles made with 479. Beyond my incredible respect for him he was a guy I loved, just like everybody I know who ever met him. My sister Flora Davidson and I send our sympathy to the whole Buffone family. And now it just seems that (the excitement) is not just starting in August at training camps. 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. 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