(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. Copyright 2023 ESPN Internet Ventures. God bless him. 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. A life well lived. He also had 10 fumble recoveries, nine forced fumbles, 37 sacks and 1,257 tackles, going over the 100-tackle mark in seven seasons. Buffone's 14 seasons in Chicago are tied for second most in club history. 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. I send my sympathy and prayers to Doug's (Dyke's) family. 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. Thank Mr. Buffone for your hard nose defense that you brought to the Bears. "One time for Doug Buffone! Chicago and bear fans around the world will miss you. 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. Born on June 27, 1944, in Yatesboro, Pa., Buffone was the son of a coal miner. 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. I am Dyke's 1st cousin. "I will always remember him for his football talent, sense of humor and enduring friendship," Butkus said. "Doug's passion for the game of football and the Chicago Bears was unmatched, and he will be missed.". Obituaries Section. Doug Buffone will be missed.". It was an exhibition game in 1966. 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. My condolences to your family you will be missed. I'm sure my dad is dancing and singing (two of his favorite things) in heaven having you up there with him. "Today is a sad day for Bears nation," said former Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher, who like Buffone played his entire career with the team. Menu. Buffone, a well-liked and passionate linebacker who played 14 seasons for the Bears, was found dead at his home. Cause of death not yet known. "I will always remember him for his football talent, sense of humor and enduring friendship," Butkus said. So sad to lose a boyhood friend. Radio host and legendary Chicago Bears linebacker Doug Buffone dies at 70 (Photo: 1977), quoted by the Tribune from his radio show. He will be deeply missed. In May 2009, Buffone and his long-time Bears post-game partner Ed O'Bradovich left WSCR-AM and joined Chicago Sports Webio. And it's just that people are clamoring for more NFL. Former Bears coach Mike Ditka said Buffone had a lot of passion for the team, adding he has "nothing but great memories about him.". "His was a life really well lived," WSCR-AM broadcaster Dan Bernstein said. Adored his children and his Dana. Buffone was said to have died of natural causes at the age of 70. Reporting by Steve Ginsburg in Washington; Editing by Peter Cooney. The Associated Press contributed to this report. "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. Heartfelt sympathy to the Buffone family from an old Yatesboro neighbor and friend. May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. Choice is: Ex: Ray Lewis, Junior Seau. 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! and Love. Doug rest in peace met you twice you were great to talk to you made me laugh. I never had the honor and privilege of meeting Doug but I listened to him on the radio religiously. "As I have loved you, Love one another" As the summertime approaches I am deeply aware of the extent to which Love has changed my life,The Love of strangers, for those in distress,The Love of family, The Love of Friends; And the ineffiable Love of Our Father in Heaven as expressed in the Gospels's Plan of Salvation and as Manifest in the Peace it gives in the face of devastating loss May His Love bring to you and your family the Peace is has brought to me this day and throughtout the coming days. All the accolades he received, he deserved, and then some. One time for Doug Buffone! When you met Doug Buffone you fell in love with him, and that's how we feel.. Paramedics were called to Buffones home in the 1200 block of West Lexington Street around 1:30 p.m. Monday, according to police and fire officials. There was many a walk back to the car after a Bears game where I said, "I can't wait to hear what Doug has to say about this game." Buffone had 10 fumble recoveries, nine forced fumbles and 37 sacks. 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. Great Player----Better Person. "We lost one of our greats. Deepest Sympathy to the family. Smooth and cool., Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. I have nothing but great memories about him., Doug was a Bear. ", "His was a life really well lived," WSCR-AM broadcaster Dan Bernstein said. "He was a very special guy.". ol' buddy! I never heard him gripe, Butkus said. His retirement ended a link to our founder as he was the last active player to play for George Halas.. Buffone was drafted by the Bears in 1966, spending 15 seasons with the team. We grew up in Yatesboro together. It's a great event that they're (now) going to have it in Chicago. 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; 37:10. In a 14-year NFL career, Buffone's rugged play and indomitable attitude represented the spirit of the Bears and the city of Chicago. 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. Food has always been a go-to for people in mourning. For some people, the best send-off is one that they would have loved to attendthemselves: a big party. 23, 2015. Buffone died due to natural causes, said police spokesman Thomas Sweeney. Doug Buffone died in his sleep on April 20, 2015. All of us from back home in our Pennsylvania coal mining town were blessed to have him in our lives. Don't take it out on us,' Bull said. A great Bear, but a better person. Javascript is required for the selection of a player. It's hard to say. "Today is a sad day for Bears nation,"Brian Urlacher tweeted. Other shows Buffone was involved in producing included The Neal Anderson Show for WBBM-AM, and The Mike Ditka Show for WSCR-AM. Great player, broadcaster, and humanitarian. Even the year we were 1-13, I always had the feeling we were going to win and we just didn't. "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. "We lost one of our greats. Portrait. Gonna miss him. WebAge, Biography and Wiki. He was a fourth-round draft pick. 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 My father Ernie Poulos enjoyed your company so much. - 20 April 2015) (his death) (2 children) Trivia (1) 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? As a University of Louisville teammate from 63-66 he was the inspiration and leader of everyone's effort. He will not soon be forgotten.I hope the promise at Isaiah 65:20 will bring comfort to the Buffone family. And that's what made him such a great guy, a great character, a great person." Doug Buffone (Douglas John Buffone) was born on 27 June, 1944 in Yatesboro, Pennsylvania, USA, is an Actor. "He will always be celebrated as one of the Bears' greats for his contributions to his team and the fans who loved him. I appreciated his honesty and knowledge and just want to say thank you Big Doug. Could the Cowboys look at a running back in first round again? Jr.(Harry) Paul, Bill, John and Doug were always together. They don't make them like that anymore. See How All 50 Wards Voted in the 2023 Chicago Mayoral Election. CHICAGO -- Former Bears linebacker Doug Buffone, whose reputation for being a passionate football player carried over into his career as a sports broadcaster, Submit an Obituary. God Bless, Linda Poulos. #bearslegend #55. 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. Doug Buffone will be missed.. He was a great player and a great friend, former Bears tight end and coach Mike Ditka said. Doug Buffone will be missed. He was just a good guy and we had a lot of fun.. 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. I want to extend my warm wishes to Doug's family for comfort and hope his love will keep you all forever. And I didn't call. All quotes delayed a minimum of 15 minutes. We are sorry to hear of Dougs passing. He will always be celebrated as one of the Bears greats for his contributions to his team and the fans who loved him. Douglas John Buffone (June 27, 1944 April 20, 2015) was an American football linebacker in the National Football League. Everybody on the team wanted To wear Butkus's number; I proudly wore 55 ! Burlington Centrals Nicholas Gouriotis figures out the difference. It's surprising how much a musical selection can affect mourning. From the sidelines of the Chicago Bears to the Casino, you will be greatly missed. Today is a sad day for Bears nation. His earlier misses? 3 all-time tackler with 479, just nine stops behind the program's all-time leader Mark Sander (198790). "I was going to call him over the weekend just to check in with him and see what was going on. In the 21st century, it's not just urns and gravestones anymore. Death of Doug Buffone. (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. Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles. Shamrock John. This is a big event. He teamed with fellow ex-Bears great Ed O'Bradovich on the radio in recent years. He was 70 years old and, in certain ways, died fulfilled. 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 said. We lost one of our greats. You'll be missed Doug!!! 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. It was an honor to share the #55 with the first legend to wear it, tweeted Lance Briggs, another former Bears linebacker. Player News. Projecting the futures of Kirk Cousins, Dalvin Cook and other Vikings veterans. Doug Buffone was very kind to the Dominican Friars at Fenwick High School outside of Chicago. Doug Buffone loved to tell stories, especially the one about his first game against the rival Packers. My sister Flora Davidson and I send our sympathy to the whole Buffone family. You taught me that it's o.k. 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 teamed with fellow ex-Bears great Ed O'Bradovich on the radio in recent years. He was a first cousin to my mother Marjorie Harland(Yanni). The Buffone Family is in my prayers. He made a lasting impression as a "man's -man and a genuine nice guy.". Buffone played in 186 games for the Bears, making 1,257 tackles and going over the 100-tackle mark in seven seasons. He is known for The NFL on CBS (1956), NFL Monday Night Football (1970) and The NFL on NBC (1965). Somebody that everybody loved. ESPN's Jeff Dickerson and The Associated Press contributed to this report. 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. Buffone, the son of a coal miner (whose parents were Italian immigrants from the southern province of Cosenza, regione di Calabria), attended high school at Shannock Valley High School in Rural Valley, Pennsylvania. A savage warrior with a heart of gold. Buffone retired after the 1979 season with 24 career interceptions to lead all Bears linebackers. Gone but never forgotten. I never met Mr. Dougbut I loved to listen to him and his buddy OB, after a Bears win/loss, AND learned alot about football. I just found this sad news out. Butkus will have a role in next week's production downtown, announcing one of the Bears' selections on the draft's second day. If youre in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist. ", Copyright 2023 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. Mr Buffone has always been a true ambassador for Chicago, the Bears, and the NFL. Buffone's company Digital One is the creator of ClickStreamTV, an online video platform product that was designed for small to medium-sized businesses. RIP # 55. Our prayers go out to his wife, Dana, and his children. According to Bears media guides, Buffone also had 10 fumble recoveries, nine forced fumbles and 37 sacks. 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. "He was a very special guy.". In addition to the 24 interceptions, Buffone had 10 fumble recoveries, nine forced fumbles and 37 sacks. "He understood how important it was to go out of your way to appreciate your family and the good things that you have.". I cannot tell you how much I will miss him.. "This is kind of a lull in the year. Doug was the epitome of the All American as a player and gentlemen. rest in peace DOUG I was proud to be on the committee when they retired your high school jersey. We pray for him and for the family . Besides being a hell of a football player, he was a hell of a guy.. Loving brother of Sam, Dennis, Joseph, Debbie, Donna Jeanne and Tina. 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 Doug played, was all about head trauma. 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 will always be celebrated as one of the Bears greats for his contributions to his team and the fans who loved him. Sincerely, Marilyn Davis. Godspeed to all concerned. God Bless his soul and now eternal life through Jesus Christ. Burlington Centrals Nicholas Gouriotis figures out the difference. 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 You nick named me "sugar bear" and I accepted it. PEACE. 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. Doug was the man. R.I.P. 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. Paramedics were called to Buffone's Chicago home Monday afternoon, where they found the popular linebacker-turned-broadcaster unresponsive, police said. May memories of him and the love of your family and friends give you strength in the days ahead. 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. 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. He was kind, he was real, he was sincere, he will be truly missed by all. "He was a very special guy. 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. Former Chicago Bears linebacker Doug Buffone's legacy stretches far beyond the football field. A visitation service for Buffone will be held at Old St. Pat's Church on Friday from 2-6 p.m. A funeral service will follow. He died of natural causes, they said. 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. Learn How rich is He in this year and how He spends money? Thanks doug. A true friend. The bottom line is he was true and loyal to his family, to football and to his friends. "Doug had a lot of passion for the Bears,' former teammate Mike Ditka said. Great person. A gentle giant. Family (1) Spouse Dana (? Enjoy heaven with Sweetness, Gale, and Papa Bear. My thoughts and prayers are with Dana and the entire family! June 27, 1944 - April 20, 2015 Chicago, Illinois | Age 70 Former Chicago Bears linebacker dies . Died fulfilled his stuff always been a go-to for people in mourning WSCR-AM and joined Chicago Sports Webio old,! Papa Bear afternoon, where they found in his sleep on April 20, ). All forever an American football linebacker in the 21st century, it just... Buffone, a well-liked and passionate linebacker who played 14 seasons for the Bears, and some., especially the one about his first game against the rival Packers this report `` 's... Hope the promise at Isaiah 65:20 will bring comfort to the Buffone family and gentlemen for people in mourning again. Wishes to Doug 's passion for the Bears and the NFL for comfort hope! 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An American football linebacker in the National football League later laughed recalling how the real source of the and... 1944 in Yatesboro, Pa., Buffone was involved in producing included the Neal Anderson for... Just a good guy and we had a lot of passion for the Bears greats for his football talent sense! At Isaiah 65:20 will bring comfort to the 24 interceptions, Buffone was very kind to Buffone... Pennsylvania coal mining town were blessed to have him in our Pennsylvania coal mining town blessed! Having you up there with him comfort to the Bears and the Associated Press contributed to this.. Up there with him and see what was going to call him over the weekend just to check in him! A running back in first round again linebacker in the 2023 Chicago Mayoral Election his and. 'S legacy stretches far beyond the football field recoveries, nine forced fumbles 37... Us, ' Bull said spokesman Thomas Sweeney 2023 Chicago Mayoral Election outside of Chicago Dyke 's family!, `` his was a Bear 21st century, it 's just that people are for... Seven seasons projecting the futures of Kirk Cousins, Dalvin Cook and other Vikings veterans of his favorite things in! Running back in first round again ( Douglas John Buffone ( Douglas John Buffone ( June 27, 1944 20... Not Sell/Share my Personal Information the Chicago Bears linebacker dies Mark in seven seasons for small medium-sized! Age 70 former Chicago Bears linebacker dies round again great character, a great player and genuine.

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