[1] Buffone and O'Bradovich re-signed with the Score in late August 2009. We grew up in Yatesboro together. Syracuse Post Standard Homepage. "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. R.I.P. Rest in peace with all the angels and saints. Buffone's 14 seasons in Chicago are tied for second most in club history. "There was no one tougher on Sundays than Doug Buffone." To plant trees in memory, please visit the. The first two pickoffs of his career came off future Hall of Famers Bart Starr and Johnny Unitas. I Had the pleasure of working for him at BBC. He was a fourth-round draft pick. His rebound downs Marian Catholic. Doug was the man. Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you. His earlier misses? "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. But Butkus never gives it extended thought. Say hi to Vince Lombardi and all the other men that played with their Heart. A life well lived. Doug played, was all about head trauma. 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. It was my privilege to know Doug for 32 years, going back to when he owned Doug Buffone's Bear Report. Godspeed to all concerned. Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles. Butkus said he had been planning to call Buffone to check in last week but never did. He also held the team's record for most games played with 186. "That bitterness never, ever was there with Doug, ever," he said. Buffone co-hosted "Chicago NFL Live" on "The Score" WSCR 670 AM, as well as Bears postgame with Ed O'Bradovich, and recently completed 14 seasons of The Doug Buffone Show on Fox Sports Net Chicago. "I will always remember him for his football talent, sense of humor and enduring friendship," Butkus said. Gone but never forgotten. Besides being a hell of a football player, he was a hell of a guy.. Police say Buffone was found dead in his University Village home in the 1200-block of West Lexington by paramedics Monday afternoon. According to Bears media guides, Buffone also had 10 fumble recoveries, nine forced fumbles and 37 sacks. The Associated Press contributed to this report. I will always remember our times together. More in Sports Obituary Read. Today is a sad day for Bears nation. Not bad for the son of a coal miner who grew up in tiny Yatesboro, Pennsylvania (pop. I'm going to miss BIG DOUG! I never had the honor and privilege of meeting Doug but I listened to him on the radio religiously. Great player, sportscaster and Chicagoan. I was fortunate enough to have Doug as a mentor, teammate, & friend at the University of Louisville. RIP friend. 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 WebAge, Biography and Wiki. "He was a very special guy.". 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 ", "His was a life really well lived," WSCR-AM broadcaster Dan Bernstein said. Former Bears middle linebacker Brian Urlacher tweeted about Buffone's death Monday. My condolences to Dana and the children. Doug Sr was a man of honor and humor, and will be missed by many. Buffone in recent years hosted a Bears postgame radio show on WSCR-AM with former teammate Ed O'Bradovich. Reporting by Steve Ginsburg in Washington; Editing by Peter Cooney. Tom Shaer. Doug has already entered the gates of Heaven. Just to say hello and find out what they were doing because I was going to be in town also (for the NFL draft next week) where maybe we could hook up somewhere. Paramedics were called to Buffone's Chicago home Monday afternoon, where they found the popular linebacker-turned-broadcaster unresponsive, police said. 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. My thoughts and prayers are with the Buffone family! (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. Food has always been a go-to for people in mourning. Doug Buffone Birthday and Date of Death Doug Buffone was born on June 27, 1944 and died on April 20, 2015. 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. ", "His special relationship with Bears fans continued beyond his playing days, first through founding the Bear Report and later as one of the pioneers and long-time contributors to Chicagos first sports radio station, WSCR. "One time for Doug Buffone! ol' buddy! Today is a sad day for Bears nation, former Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher posted on Twitter. We lost one of our greats. "He understood how important it was to go out of your way to appreciate your family and the good things that you have.". I'll never forget the laughs. Buffone retired after the 1979 season with 24 career interceptions, the most for any Bears linebacker. Somebody that everybody loved. I am Dyke's 1st cousin. Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love. "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. We pray for him and for the family . One was an air ball., Go big or go home. 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. He also had the honor of serving as defensive captain for eight seasons, beginning in 1972. Unless you are experienced as an estate executor, you probably should hire an attorney. When I was a little football manager at SVHS, Doug made me feel important to the team. There was no one tougher on Sundays than Doug Buffone. 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. 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. Buffone went on to play 15 seasons at linebacker for the Bears, retiring in 1980 as the all-time leader in games played for the legendary organization. In a statement, O'Bradovich said: Being with Doug the last 49 years, I know that no one person could love a family more than Doug. Dougs passion for the game of football and the Chicago Bears was unmatched and he will be missed. 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. The others are Mark Sander, Tom Jackson (197072) and Tyrus McCloud (1994-96). It seemed to me he was lucky that he never had any serious injuries while he played with me, Dick Butkus said. Your legacy will live forever in my heart and mind.. Bear Down! My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. All rights reserved. He finished every time., Lifes a beach under the basket for Lemonts Miles Beachum. Could never know a better person and all that did were blessed! I was 10 when I attended tha bobby Douglas football camp at moose heart in the suburbs I remember Doug I got his autograph and recall was very nice and happy to be there rip go bears, My condolences on the painful loss of Doug Buffone. Choice is: Ex: Ray Lewis, Junior Seau. May the God of all comfort be with you all. "He understood how important it was to go out of your way to appreciate your family and the good things that you have.". Born on June 27, 1944, in Yatesboro, Pa., Buffone was the son of a coal miner. rest in peace DOUG I was proud to be on the committee when they retired your high school jersey. There was no one tougher on Sundays than Doug Buffone.. There was no one tougher on Sundays than Doug Buffone. The Associated Press. Player News. "We lost one of our greats. My father Ernie Poulos enjoyed your company so much. ", Copyright 2023 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. Bear Down. Buffone died due to natural causes, said police spokesman Thomas Sweeney. Family (1) Spouse Dana (? and Love. Doug Buffone will be missed." WebCompare Doug Buffone to . Rest in peace big Doug. CHICAGO (WLS) -- Doug Buffone, Chicago radio host and legendary Chicago Bears linebacker, has died. As a University of Louisville teammate from 63-66 he was the inspiration and leader of everyone's effort. In a 14-year NFL career, Buffone's rugged play and indomitable attitude represented the spirit of the Bears and the city of Chicago. Career Powered by . - 20 April 2015) (his death) (2 children) Trivia (1) We will all miss you. A friend for 44 years. A native of Yatesboro, Pennsylvania, Buffone was a fourth-round draft pick by the Bears. "He was a very special guy.". 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. Copyright 2023 WLS-TV. Doug was a great friend to all of us. Sincerely, Marilyn Davis. "Doug had a lot of passion for the Bears,' former teammate Mike Ditka said. While we seldom saw each other after he left RV, anytime we crossed paths, he always conducted himself as if we were old friends. In his professional career, Buffone gathered more than 1,200 tackles, going over the 100-tackle mark in seven seasons. 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 will be missed.". Thanks Doug for all you did as a player and broadcaster. In May 2009, Buffone and his long-time Bears post-game partner Ed O'Bradovich left WSCR-AM and joined Chicago Sports Webio. Copyright 2023 ESPN Internet Ventures. Bears chairman George McCaskey noted that Buffone's relationship with the team's fans continued beyond his playing days. Doug was my football hero. A great Bear, but a better person. I was just happy to be there, to tell you the truth. Great athlete! Published by Chicago Sun-Times on Apr. I want to extend my warm wishes to Doug's family for comfort and hope his love will keep you all forever. May god bless the buffone family. "This is kind of a lull in the year. Thanks for the memories, and God bless the Buffone family. Thank You Doug , well done indeed ! 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! 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. No cause of death was released. Doug, a kind soul. 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. In the 21st century, it's not just urns and gravestones anymore. He channeled his passion for the team and sport into a successful career as a Chicago sports radio personality. 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. The Buffone Family is in my prayers. CHICAGO -- Former Bears linebacker Doug Buffone, whose reputation for being a passionate football player carried over into his career as a sports broadcaster, #dougbuffone. He played the game with passion and conviction. GOD Bless you all. And now it just seems that (the excitement) is not just starting in August at training camps. 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. My condolence to the Buffone Family> I had the pleasure of watching him play and then listening to him on the radio. Doug Buffone died in his sleep on April 20, 2015. Please tell my dad, your Uncle Joe, hi and we miss and love him. Obituaries Section. the former Bears linebacker who died April 20th at age 70 of natural causes. God Bless his soul and now eternal life through Jesus Christ. Sympathy to your family. Buffone retired with 24 career interceptions to lead all Bear linebackers. He had like bird legs but a developed upper body. I remember your night club BBC off Rush Street. The pride Doug brought to the community in which he grew up could never be measured. "Even when he was healthy, our rookie year we got close but we just didn't have enough to get into the playoffs. His retirement ended a link to our founder as he was the last active player to play for George Halas.. Buffone later laughed recalling how the real source of the odor was a dead rat they found in his locker buried beneath his stuff. He attended Shannock Valley High School. His rebound downs Marian Catholic. "I will always remember him for his football talent, sense of humor and enduring friendship," Butkus said. 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 Doug was a lifelong entrepreneur, owning enterprises as varied as an embroidery company and a high-tech online video platform. Doug was very passionate about the Bears and how they played! Everybody on the team wanted To wear Butkus's number; I proudly wore 55 ! You will be greatly missed old friend. See here for a complete list of exchanges and delays. He also had 10 fumble recoveries, nine forced fumbles, 37 sacks and 1,257 tackles, going over the 100-tackle mark in seven seasons. All of us from back home in our Pennsylvania coal mining town were blessed to have him in our lives. It's the old thing. Can the Lions fix their defense? You played the game with unmatchable passion! Our sincere condolences to the Buffone family. God bless him. Why the Packers' transition to Jordan Love, whenever it happens, will require patience, A new home for Michael Thomas? "We are terribly saddened to hear of Doug's passing," Bears chairman George McCaskey said in a statement. 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. RIP. Cause of death not yet known. "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. The bottom line is he was true and loyal to his family, to football and to his friends. All rights reserved, Storm System Could Bring Rain, Snow, and Gusty Winds to Chicago Area Friday, Chicago Police Officer Shot and Killed on Southwest Side, Chicago Police Release Details of What Led to Officer's Fatal Shooting in Gage Park, Who Did Your Ward Vote For? Search by Name. Chicago Bears linebacker Doug Buffone. My sister Flora Davidson and I send our sympathy to the whole Buffone family. May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. Fred, Shelly, Anthony, and Stefanie Caito, My deepest sympathy to your family, and may you keep in mind the scriptural hope of life everlasting which can help sustain you through this difficult time-John 17:3, I met Doug a few years ago at an IL CPA function where he was a guest speaker at the luncheon. 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. He was a great player and even better person after football. Ways to honor Doug Buffone's life and legacy. In his post-NFL life, he hosted various Bears talk shows and the post-game shows for the games, co-hosted by former player and teammate Ed O'Bradovich, on 670 The Score. Listening to him and Ed was great. Dana and family, be assured of my prayers. Even though we met only twice, you treated me like we were life-long friends. It's funny how we strangers can call him Doug, but that's who he was to us. you were a good friend and I am proud that I knew you and your family. It was an honor to share the #55 with the first legend to wear it, tweeted Lance Briggs, another former Bears linebacker. 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. St Patrick John Class of 1982 and Lake Forest College Class 1986 numbers 51&52 at Belmont & Austin will be at the visitation with a smile.No tears because I believe that number 55 is in heaven as I type this! Police were conducting a death invgestigation Monday afternoon. And they've made it a very big deal now. 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. "Today is a sad day for Bears nation," former Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher posted on Twitter. Dana, and family'. Menu. "But that kind of floored me when my son called me and said what had happened. This is a big event. "He will always be celebrated as one of the Bears' greats for his contributions to his team and the fans who loved him. Always enjoyed watching Doug play LB alongside Butkus and Brubacher, the 3 B's. My Condolences to the Buffone family. CHICAGO (WLS) -- Doug Buffone, Chicago radio host and legendary Chicago Bears linebacker, has died. "That bitterness never, ever was there with Doug ever," he said. 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. Loving brother of Sam, Dennis, Joseph, Debbie, Donna Jeanne and Tina. They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel. Doug was one of the most dependable players in franchise history and perhaps its most beloved. Love to listen to him and Ed O after the game because the called it the way it was. Doug spent his entire career with the Bears (1966-79) serving as defensive captain for eight years. Thank you Mr Buffone, your example shows us how to live and to love. Buffone and his family resided in Chicago, and he was heavily involved in Chicago sports and broadcasting. A man who had no problem talking about covering himself in deer urine or how he conversed with extraterrestrials. He was a good person, a true man's man and utterly devoted to his family and friends. He was selected in the fourth round of the 1966 NFL draft out of Louisville. June 27, 1944 - April 20, 2015 Chicago, Illinois | Age 70 Former Chicago Bears linebacker dies . In lieu of flowers, charitable donations to Maryville Academy and Mercy Hospital Heart and Vascular Center would be much appreciated. And I think this is going to help the whole situation. His earlier misses? 3 all-time tackler with 479, just nine stops behind the program's all-time leader Mark Sander (198790). I cannot tell you how much I will miss him.. In retirement, Buffone owned restaurants and was a studio host and football analyst for a Chicago radio station. Doug Buffone (Douglas John Buffone) was born on 27 June, 1944 in Yatesboro, Pennsylvania, USA, is an Actor. Smooth and cool., Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. Grief researchers say holding that missing funeral service, even a year or more later, can still help us heal. And I didn't call. 23, 2015. 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. Buffones team record for games played was ultimately eclipsed by former long snapper Patrick Mannelly, who now holds the mark with 245. And every year we went to training camp I thought we were going to win. 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, wa "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. Beyond my incredible respect for him he was a guy I loved, just like everybody I know who ever met him. Douglas John Buffone (June 27, 1944 April 20, 2015) was an American football linebacker in the National Football League. "You didn't get the exposure like you do today," Butkus said. Buffone's 14 seasons in Chicago are tied for second most in club history. "We lost one of our greats. Cause of death not yet known. Postgames will never be the same without him. 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'. Oswego Easts Jehvion Starwood steps up with winning 3-pointer in OT. 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; 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. "He wasn't worried about his awards or anything else," Butkus said. Send simple, comforting meals with Home Chef. There was no one tougher on Sundays than Doug Buffone.". However, in June 2009, the founder of Chicago Sports Webio was charged with operating a Ponzi scheme, and the site was shut down. He was also the last active Bears player who played for the team with George Halas as the head coach. 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. A true friend. What a guy! In retirement, Buffone owned restaurants and was a studio host and football analyst for a Chicago radio station. You never gave up on the field and you always wished the best for the Bears. Buffone's team record for games played was ultimately eclipsed by former long snapper Patrick Mannelly, who now holds the mark with 245. It was an honor to share the #55 with the first legend to wear it," tweeted Lance Briggs, another former Bears linebacker. 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. 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. 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. 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