Buffone was said to have died of natural causes at the age of 70. Family (1) Spouse Dana (? "One time for Doug Buffone! Copyright 2023 ESPN Internet Ventures. Food has always been a go-to for people in mourning. (670 The Score) Monday marked the five-year anniversary of beloved former Bears linebacker and Score personality Doug Buffone's death at age 70. Former Bear Doug Buffone dies at 70. He made a difference in a good-way in a lot of people lives. Doug has already entered the gates of Heaven. In retirement, Buffone owned restaurants and was a studio host and football analyst for a Chicago radio station. Rest in peace big Doug. I know that no one person that played the game of football loved it more than Doug did. "Doug's passion for the game of football and the Chicago Bears was unmatched, and he will be missed.". 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's unbridled Bears enthusiasm made him a must-listen after games, especially following a difficult loss. "We are terribly saddened to hear of Doug's passing," Bears chairman George McCaskey said in a statement. Buffone retired with 24 career interceptions to lead all Bear linebackers. Born on June 27, 1944, in Yatesboro, Pa., Buffone was the son of a coal miner. RIP blueline EOG Master Apr 20, 2015 #2 Re: Former Bear Doug Buffone dies at 70 only show at WSCR I made it a point to listen to RIP John Kelly Born Gambler Staff member Apr 20, 2015 #3 Re: Former Bear Doug Buffone dies at 70 Thank you for your friendship. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. Syracuse Post Standard. 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. There was no one tougher on Sundays than Doug Buffone. Doug spent his entire career with the Bears (1966-79) serving as defensive captain for eight years. We pray for him and for the family . "His was a life really well lived," WSCR-AM broadcaster Dan Bernstein said. Buffone is survived by his wife, Dana, and six children: Doug Jr., Stephanie, Talleri, Ryan, Hailey and Heather. Reporting by Steve Ginsburg in Washington; Editing by Peter Cooney. Can the Lions fix their defense? Even the year we were 1-13, I always had the feeling we were going to win and we just didn't. I'll never forget the laughs. Both players eventually found their way into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. 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. 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! A native of Yatesboro, Pa., Buffone was a fourth-round draft pick by the Bears in 1966 out of Louisville. There's been a tremendous response to it. Tony Catanese Mechanicsville,MD. "But the meek will possess the earth, And they will find exquisite delight in the abundance of peace." Rest in peace #55! And now it just seems that (the excitement) is not just starting in August at training camps. Doug Buffone will be missed.". The Associated Press. (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 He also held the team's record for most games played with 186. I met Buz at the Bears training camp in Rensselaer, Indiana in 1969, through his teammate and my best friend, Willie Holman. I Had the pleasure of working for him at BBC. 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. You have funeral questions, we have answers. Postgames will never be the same without him. My condolences to the family and he will be truly missed! "Today is a sad day for Bears nation," former Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher posted on Twitter. Doug will be missed but not forgotten. Bernstein said he has encountered former football players who were bitter about what they had to sacrifice. 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. 1 sport. Such an amazing man. I will be 60 years old this year and have been a Bears season ticket holder since 1980. At Louisville, Buffone played center and linebacker for coach Frank Camp. Thanks for the memories, and God bless the Buffone family. Buffone's 14 seasons in Chicago are tied for second most in club history. Buffone, a fourth-round draft pick whose 24 interceptions remain the most in club history for a linebacker, And I didn't call. I send my sympathy and prayers to Doug's (Dyke's) family. #dougbuffone. Buffone began broadcasting Chicago Rush Arena Football League games for Comcast SportsNet and WGN in 2010. You played the game with unmatchable passion! He had 1,257 tackles, going over the 100 tackle mark in seven seasons. Dana, and family'. He was 70. Sadly, the personification of class and humility,is no longer with us. Buffone's 14 seasons in Chicago are tied for second most in club history. He was 70 years old and, in certain ways, died fulfilled. ~Ps. It was an exhibition game in 1966. A friend for 44 years. Doug rest in peace met you twice you were great to talk to you made me laugh. He was also the last active Bears player who played for the team with George Halas as the head coach. "He was a very special guy.". Buffone had 10 fumble recoveries, nine forced fumbles and 37 sacks. The thoughts and prayers of the people of Chicago are with Doug's family, friends, and many fans during this difficult time.". RIP. thank you Doug for making the Bears watchable , your news radio great God Bless rest in peace >>>AMEN. Thread starter richsox24; Start date Apr 20, 2015; richsox24 Apr 20, 2015 #1 Just reported. It was an honor to share the #55 with the first legend to wear it, tweeted Lance Briggs, another former Bears linebacker. He was just a good guy and we had a lot of fun.. Police say Buffone was found dead in his University Village home in the 1200-block of West Lexington by paramedics Monday afternoon. Doug Buffone was a terrific person, he taught me tons about football and about life. - 20 April 2015) (his death) (2 children) Trivia (1) GOD Bless you all. I want to extend my warm wishes to Doug's family for comfort and hope his love will keep you all forever. I love and will miss you dearly! He will not soon be forgotten.I hope the promise at Isaiah 65:20 will bring comfort to the Buffone family. Jupiter and Venus appear to 'kiss' in the sky, Belvidere Jeep assembly plant shut down indefinitely, Chicago Weather: Cloudy and much cooler Thursday. Gone but never forgotten. "We lost one of our greats. 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. 2023 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Satellite Information Network, LLC. Don't take it out on us,' Bull said. In lieu of flowers, charitable donations to Maryville Academy and Mercy Hospital Heart and Vascular Center would be much appreciated. Tom Shaer. He teamed with fellow ex-Bears great Ed O'Bradovich on the radio in recent years. His rebound downs Marian Catholic. Somebody that everybody loved. "Today is a sad day for Bears nation," said former Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher, who like Buffone played his entire career with the team. Rest in peace with all the angels and saints. The shockwaves from Doug's passing have been felt by so many of us. As a University of Louisville teammate from 63-66 he was the inspiration and leader of everyone's effort. 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. In retirement, Buffone owned restaurants and was a studio host and football analyst for a Chicago radio station. You nick named me "sugar bear" and I accepted it. "That bitterness never, ever was there with Doug ever," he said. For some people, the best send-off is one that they would have loved to attendthemselves: a big party. "You didn't get the exposure like you do today," Butkus said. Thank you Mr Buffone, your example shows us how to live and to love. 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. CHICAGO -- Former Bears linebacker Doug Buffone, whose reputation for being a passionate football player carried over into his career as a sports broadcaster, "He just did the job. RIP Doug Buffone. I never met the man, but through the radio I felt like I got to know Doug like an uncle. "I will always remember him for his football talent, sense of humor and enduring friendship," Butkus said. We are terribly saddened to hear of Dougs passing, Bears Chairman George McCaskey said in a statement. It seemed to me he was lucky that he never had any serious injuries while he played with me, Dick Butkus said. Enjoy that great football field in the sky. Doug was the man. 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 CHICAGO (AP) Former Chicago Bears linebacker Doug Buffone, whose reputation for being a passionate football player carried over into his career as a Loving brother of Sam, Dennis, Joseph, Debbie, Donna Jeanne and Tina. We lost one of our greats. 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. Mr Buffone has always been a true ambassador for Chicago, the Bears, and the NFL. My condolences to Dana & children, Mr.Buffone you were a solid contributor to society and the Bears.A real class act God Bless you and your entire family.You will be missed. Ways to honor Doug Buffone's life and legacy. A fearsome linebacker during a 14-year career, Doug transitioned into an instinctively honest analyst of the Bears, more or less, beginning with his retirement in 1979. Everybody on the team wanted To wear Butkus's number; I proudly wore 55 ! 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. Could the Cowboys look at a running back in first round again? 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. Thank Mr. Buffone for your hard nose defense that you brought to the Bears. His retirement ended a link to our founder as he was the last active player to play for George Halas. Copyright 2023 WLS-TV. Beginning in the 1990s, Buffone became a fixture on Chicago sports talk radio and local television. No cause of death was released. 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'. 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. He channeled his passion for the team and sport into a successful career as a Chicago sports radio personality. Oswego Easts Jehvion Starwood steps up with winning 3-pointer in OT. The others are Mark Sander, Tom Jackson (197072) and Tyrus McCloud (1994-96). You will be greatly missed old friend. Buffone and his family resided in Chicago, and he was heavily involved in Chicago sports and broadcasting. Love listening to him and O'bradovich after Bears games. 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. Former Bears coach Mike Ditka said Buffone had a lot of passion for the team, adding he has "nothing but great memories about him.". He will be missed. RIP Our prayers to your family! Buffone's team record for games played was ultimately eclipsed by former long snapper Patrick Mannelly, who now holds the mark with 245. Following his collegiate career, Buffone was selected by the Chicago Bears in the fourth round of the 1966 NFL Draft and the eighth round of the American Football League Draft by the San Diego Chargers. He was the last active player to play for team founder George Halas. Expand the Memories and Condolences form. I have so much inspiration from his work ethic, his authenticity, approach to life, and he has helped me find strength in difficult times with his outlook, wisdom, laughs, and smiles. Today is a sad day for Bears nation. 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. My prayers and condolences for his family and dear friends. Number 55 is officially retired.Rest in peace,Doug. Send simple, comforting meals with Home Chef. 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. I hope that Doug and Norm Van Lear reunite and I can just hear the 2 of them. He also had 10 fumble recoveries, nine forced fumbles, 37 sacks and 1,257 tackles, going over the 100-tackle mark in seven seasons. "Sending our heartfelt condolences to family & friends of ex-#Bears LB Doug Buffone, who has passed away at age 70,"the Chicago Bears tweeted. We partied and danced Disco there frequently after ball games. 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. Beyond my incredible respect for him he was a guy I loved, just like everybody I know who ever met him. He is known for The NFL on CBS (1956), NFL Monday Night Football (1970) and The NFL on NBC (1965). rest in peace DOUG I was proud to be on the committee when they retired your high school jersey. Remember Doug "Dike" from my days at U of L. He was a star (I was nobody---Just a regular student) but he always took the time to talk. "I don't know," he said. All quotes delayed a minimum of 15 minutes. 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. His earlier misses? Doug was a great friend to all of us. Just a great guy. And I think this is going to help the whole situation. However, in June 2009, the founder of Chicago Sports Webio was charged with operating a Ponzi scheme, and the site was shut down. Former Bears coach Mike Ditka said Buffone had a lot of passion for the team, adding he has "nothing but great memories about him.". [2] Also, Buffone had a blog on his website where he posted his opinions on sports.[3]. As a devoted Bear Fan for the last 50 years or more, I remember how truly great a linebacker he was. May you find comfort in knowing that suffering and death will end here on earth. CHICAGO (WLS) -- Doug Buffone, Chicago radio host and legendary Chicago Bears linebacker, has died. He was 70. Police say Buffone was found dead in his University Village home in the 1200-block of West Lexington by paramedics Monday afternoon. Buffone was drafted by the Bears in 1966, spending 15 seasons with the team. Which first-round prospects should Raiders focus on at combine? Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles. "Today is a sad day for Bears nation," said former Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher, who like Buffone played his entire career with the team. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Buffones team record for games played was ultimately eclipsed by former long snapper Patrick Mannelly, who now holds the mark with 245. 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. May the God of all comfort be with you all. I am truly sorry for the loss of Doug Buffone. RIP # 55. Doug, a kind soul. While we seldom saw each other after he left RV, anytime we crossed paths, he always conducted himself as if we were old friends. It's hard to say. Smooth and cool., Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. 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. 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. He provided broadcast color commentary for the first NFL game (featuring the Bears and the Dallas Cowboys) in Europe. Beloved husband to Dana, devoted father to Doug, Jr., Stephanie, Talleri, Ryan, Hailey and Heather, and grandfather to Nicholas and Avery Buffone, George and Madelyn Loureiro and Evelyn and Henry McKenna. My father Ernie Poulos enjoyed your company so much. And he proved it each week over his 14-year career, a tenure record he shared with another great, Bill George, for 33 seasons. Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love. He was 70. He was a good person, a true man's man and utterly devoted to his family and friends. So admired, and deservedly so. It's the old thing. Doug Buffone was very kind to the Dominican Friars at Fenwick High School outside of Chicago. RIP. Doug Buffone Birthday and Date of Death Doug Buffone was born on June 27, 1944 and died on April 20, 2015. Butkus said he had been planning to call Buffone to check in last week but never did. 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