Radio host and legendary Chicago Bears linebacker Doug Buffone dies at 70 (Photo: 1977), quoted by the Tribune from his radio show. CHICAGO (AP) Former Chicago Bears linebacker Doug Buffone, whose reputation for being a passionate football player carried over into his career as a Very sorry for your loss Doug will be missed by friends,family and the sports world my heart goes out to his family. Doug and OB were my therapy after a tough loss and part of my celebration after a great win. Smooth and cool., Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. And yet, somehow, someway, neither player ever saw the postseason with some of the Bears' potential momentum slowed by a pair of knee injuries suffered by Sayers. Hope to see you in Heaven some day. Which first-round prospects should Raiders focus on at combine? and Love. We are praying for you and family. He was 70 years old and, in certain ways, died fulfilled. A friend for 44 years. 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. "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 obituary Buffone, Doug Every man's death diminishes us, but that holds double for legends like Doug Buffone. Bear Down. Unless you are experienced as an estate executor, you probably should hire an attorney. "That bitterness never, ever was there with Doug ever," he said. We partied and danced Disco there frequently after ball games. He was a kind and very well respected person throughout his earthly life. Buffone was said to have died of natural causes at the age of 70.Butkus said he had been planning to call Buffone to check in last week but never did. It was an honor to share the #55 with the first legend to wear it," tweeted Lance Briggs, another former Bears linebacker. God Bless, Linda Poulos. "Doug's passion for the game of football and the Chicago Bears was unmatched, and he will be missed.". All Rights Reserved. Offering my sincere condolences. 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! 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. our prays are with you. Doug has already entered the gates of Heaven. His retirement ended a link to our founder as he was the last active player to play for George Halas. 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. CHICAGO (WLS) -- Doug Buffone, Chicago radio host and legendary Chicago Bears linebacker, has died. "I will always remember him for his football talent, sense of humor and enduring friendship," Butkus said. Doug Sr was a man of honor and humor, and will be missed by many. What a guy! Besides being a hell of a football player, he was a hell of a guy.. The Buffone Family is in my prayers. May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. A great player on the field and an even better man off the field in all aspects. Buffone's unbridled Bears enthusiasm made him a must-listen after games, especially following a difficult loss. "People talk about all that. Web70 Recently Passed Away Celebrities and Famous People. Doug Buffone Birthday and Date of Death Doug Buffone was born on June 27, 1944 and died on April 20, 2015. 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 As many who knew him have said, he was a great man and loved his family and his Bears. CHICAGO (WLS) -- Doug Buffone, Chicago radio host and legendary Chicago Bears linebacker, has died. My sister Flora Davidson and I send our sympathy to the whole Buffone family. Later, when he was a guest co-host or scheduled football analyst with me we got to know each other even better. We have fond memories of watching him play at Shannock.God's Peace be with you. (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. Loving brother of Sam, Dennis, Joseph, Debbie, Donna Jeanne and Tina. It's surprising how much a musical selection can affect mourning. 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. (Chicago Tribune historical photo). 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. Doug was The man and always will be the Man. "He was a very special guy.". My condolence to the Buffone Family> I had the pleasure of watching him play and then listening to him on the radio. Former Bears middle linebacker Brian Urlacher tweeted about Buffone's death Monday. And I don't know if we really improved after that (with) our draft choices or whatever. He is known for The NFL on CBS (1956), NFL Monday Night Football (1970) and The NFL on NBC (1965). "Doug had a lot of passion for the Bears,' former teammate Mike Ditka said. So admired, and deservedly so. As a devoted Bear Fan for the last 50 years or more, I remember how truly great a linebacker he was. WebAge, Biography and Wiki. 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. 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. (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. As I read all the kind words about him, I how true they are. The first two interceptions of his career came off future Hall of Famers Bart Starr and Johnny Unitas. 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. "This is kind of a lull in the year. ", Copyright 2023 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. My condolences and sympathy go out to Doug's family and worldwide friends. RIP #55 You will always be in our hearts!! Everybody on the team wanted To wear Butkus's number; I proudly wore 55 ! Even the year we were 1-13, I always had the feeling we were going to win and we just didn't. My condolences to the family and he will be truly missed! May god bless the buffone family. To plant trees in memory, please visit the. "He was a very special guy. I appreciated his honesty and knowledge and just want to say thank you Big Doug. He will be missed by all he touched. 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. After his playing days were over , had a great career doing radio with OB. Police were conducting a death invgestigation Monday afternoon. 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 said. Javascript is required for the selection of a player. Beginning in the 1990s, Buffone became a fixture on Chicago sports talk radio and local television. (2Cor.1:3). Yet Buffones death was also untimely, unexpected and filled with another kind of sadness. Expand the Memories and Condolences form. Great player, broadcaster, and humanitarian. From the sidelines of the Chicago Bears to the Casino, you will be greatly missed. ESPN's Jeff Dickerson and The Associated Press contributed to this report. #dougbuffone. A gentle giant. Dougs passion for the game of football and the Chicago Bears was unmatched and he will be missed. RIP Our prayers to your family! Choice is: Ex: Ray Lewis, Junior Seau. Great person. Born in Yatesboro, Pennsylvania, Buffone played linebacker and center from 1962 to 1965 at the University of Louisville. ol' buddy! (Chicago Tribune historical photo). RIP friend. I will always remember our times together. There was no one tougher on Sundays than Doug Buffone. "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. It's a great event that they're (now) going to have it in Chicago. Buffone is survived by his wife, Dana, and six children: Doug Jr., Stephanie, Talleri, Ryan, Hailey and Heather. Food has always been a go-to for people in mourning. "Doug's passion for the game of football and the Chicago Bears was unmatched, and he will be missed.". Buffone, Doug Every man's death diminishes us, but that holds double for legends like Doug Buffone. (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. Doug Buffone will be missed.". Jupiter and Venus appear to 'kiss' in the sky, Belvidere Jeep assembly plant shut down indefinitely, Chicago Weather: Cloudy and much cooler Thursday. Visitation on Friday at Old St. Patrick's Church, 700 W. Adams, Friday at 2 pm. Not only a BEARS Icon, but a good man and I am sure a wonderful Husband, Father, Grandfather and son! "That bitterness never, ever was there with Doug, ever," he said. Tom Shaer. The Associated Press. 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. Rest in peace, my friend. Thread starter richsox24; Start date Apr 20, 2015; richsox24 Apr 20, 2015 #1 Just reported. There was no one tougher on Sundays than Doug Buffone. Reporting by Steve Ginsburg in Washington; Editing by Peter Cooney. Doug Buffone loved to tell stories, especially the one about his first game against the rival Packers. Buffone retired with 24 career interceptions to lead all Bear linebackers. Buffone's unbridled Bears enthusiasm made him a must-listen after games, especially following a difficult loss. A Chicago great. My God Bless Doug and his Family. 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. I remember your night club BBC off Rush Street. Adored his children and his Dana. Doug Buffone will be missed.". "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. 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 Don't take it out on us,' Bull said. He "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. In a statement, Hall of Famer Dick Butkus, who played alongside Buffone on the Bears for seven years, said a "great man" was lost. Rest in peace with all the angels and saints. Menu. The thoughts and prayers of the people of Chicago are with Doug's family, friends, and many fans during this difficult time.". The pride Doug brought to the community in which he grew up could never be measured. 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. And I think this is going to help the whole situation. Could never know a better person and all that did were blessed! I should have made the call. I love and will miss you dearly! The first two pickoffs of his career came off future Hall of Famers Bart Starr and Johnny Unitas. [2] Also, Buffone had a blog on his website where he posted his opinions on sports.[3]. And he proved it each week over his 14-year career, a tenure record he shared with another great, Bill George, for 33 seasons. In addition to the 24 interceptions, Buffone had 10 fumble recoveries, nine forced fumbles and 37 sacks. Former Bears running back Ronnie Bull recalled the challenge of having to practice against the likes of Buffone, O'Bradovich and Butkus. As I read all the kind words about him, I how true they.... And 37 sacks huge affection doug buffone cause of death his powerfully candid post-game show on WSCR-AM 670 with friend. Bears was unmatched, and he will be missed by many choice is Ex... Our sympathy to the community in which he grew up could never know a better person and all that were! Our hearts! Sr was a hell of a guy Not only a Icon... Hell of a player last active player to play for George Halas 's Jeff and. Event that they 're ( now ) going to have it in.! That bitterness never, ever doug buffone cause of death there with Doug ever, '' said... Adams, Friday at old St. Patrick 's Church, 700 W. Adams, Friday at 2.! On Friday at old St. Patrick 's Church, 700 W. 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