thank you Doug for making the Bears watchable , your news radio great God Bless rest in peace >>>AMEN. You played the game with unmatchable passion! Ways to honor Doug Buffone's life and legacy. "I will always remember him for his football talent, sense of humor and enduring friendship," Butkus said. "He understood how important it was to go out of your way to appreciate your family and the good things that you have.". ol' buddy! Godspeed to all concerned. Former Bears coach Mike Ditka said Buffone had a lot of passion for the team, adding he has "nothing but great memories about him.". My condolences to the Buffone family. He also had 10 fumble recoveries, nine forced fumbles, 37 sacks and 1,257 tackles, going over the 100-tackle mark in seven seasons. In May 2009, Buffone and his long-time Bears post-game partner Ed O'Bradovich left WSCR-AM and joined Chicago Sports Webio. 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. See here for a complete list of exchanges and delays. Doug was a lifelong entrepreneur, owning enterprises as varied as an embroidery company and a high-tech online video platform. My sincerest condolences to one of my best friends. Published by Chicago Sun-Times on Apr. He will not soon be forgotten.I hope the promise at Isaiah 65:20 will bring comfort to the Buffone family. I will always remember our times together. Shamrock John. 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. "We are terribly saddened to hear of Doug's passing," Bears chairman George McCaskey said in a statement. 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! Doug Buffone will be missed.. ", Oswego Easts Jehvion Starwood steps up with winning 3-pointer in OT. Don't take it out on us,' Bull said. Chicago and bear fans around the world will miss you. #dougbuffone. "He will always be celebrated as one of the Bears' greats for his contributions to his team and the fans who loved him. It's a great event that they're (now) going to have it in Chicago. I feel blessed to have known him. 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 (Chicago Tribune historical photo). He was married to Dana. ", "His was a life really well lived," WSCR-AM broadcaster Dan Bernstein said. You made us all so proud to be from Shannock Valley High School. In a 14-year NFL career, Buffone's rugged play and indomitable attitude represented the spirit of the Bears and the city of Chicago. Police say Buffone was found dead in his University Village home in the 1200-block of West Lexington by paramedics Monday afternoon. 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 Doug Buffone was a terrific person, he taught me tons about football and about life. Of course, it's the No. While we seldom saw each other after he left RV, anytime we crossed paths, he always conducted himself as if we were old friends. 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. 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. 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, was found dead in his Chicago home Monday, according to police. The (NFL) has just done a great job of marketing the game. He is known for The NFL on CBS (1956), NFL Monday Night Football (1970) and The NFL on NBC (1965). You will always be an inspiration. And he proved it each week over his 14-year career, a tenure record he shared with another great, Bill George, for 33 seasons. you were a good friend and I am proud that I knew you and your family. In a statement, Hall of Famer Dick Butkus, who played alongside Buffone on the Bears for seven years, said a "great man" was lost. Doug will be missed but not forgotten. I know that no one person that played the game of football loved it more than Doug did. He was a kind and very well respected person throughout his earthly life. doug buffone obituary Buffone, Doug Every man's death diminishes us, but that holds double for legends like Doug Buffone. Besides being a hell of a football player, he was a hell of a guy.. Born in Yatesboro, Pennsylvania, Buffone played linebacker and center from 1962 to 1965 at the University of Louisville. In retirement, Buffone owned restaurants and was a studio host and football analyst for a Chicago radio station. 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. 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. 23, 2015. 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. Doug Buffone Birthday and Date of Death Doug Buffone was born on June 27, 1944 and died on April 20, 2015. "He was a very special guy.". "I don't think anybody that has played for the Bears ever had more.' "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. He teamed with fellow ex-Bears great Ed O'Bradovich on the radio in recent years. Dougs passion for the game of football and the Chicago Bears was unmatched and he will be missed. Buffone was said to have died of natural causes at the age of 70. And it's just that people are clamoring for more NFL. My condolences to your family you will be missed. He played the game with passion and conviction. His retirement ended a link to our founder as he was the last active player to play for George Halas. Number 55 is officially retired.Rest in peace,Doug. The bottom line is he was true and loyal to his family, to football and to his friends. He led Louisville in tackles three straight years and remains third on the all-time career list for tackles made with 479. The pride Doug brought to the community in which he grew up could never be measured. 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." Very sorry for your loss Doug will be missed by friends,family and the sports world my heart goes out to his family. Search by Name. A great Bear, but a better person. "This is kind of a lull in the year. "We lost one of our greats. Thank Mr. Buffone for your hard nose defense that you brought to the Bears. What a guy! Rest in peace, my friend. However, in June 2009, the founder of Chicago Sports Webio was charged with operating a Ponzi scheme, and the site was shut down. God bless him. We partied and danced Disco there frequently after ball games. Thank you for your friendship. All Rights Reserved. In a statement, Hall of Famer Dick Butkus, who played alongside Buffone on the Bears for seven years, said a "great man" was lost. Death of Doug Buffone. He attended Shannock Valley High School. There was no one tougher on Sundays than Doug Buffone.". Condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time. Buffone began broadcasting Chicago Rush Arena Football League games for Comcast SportsNet and WGN in 2010. Later, when he was a guest co-host or scheduled football analyst with me we got to know each other even better. 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 a great player and a great friend, former Bears tight end and coach Mike Ditka said. Doug was an excellent linebacker and had great career. Buffone played collegiate football for Louisville. ESPN's Jeff Dickerson and The Associated Press contributed to this report. CHICAGO (AP) Former Chicago Bears linebacker Doug Buffone, whose reputation for being a passionate football player carried over into his career as a Paramedics and police were summoned to Buffone's home on Chicago's West Side and found a 70-year-old man dead from natural causes, said police 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. Enjoy that great football field in the sky. He left an indelible impression on the market's young, aspiring broadcasters, including former colleague and current co-host of ESPN Radio's Mike and Mike program, Mike Greenberg. [2] Also, Buffone had a blog on his website where he posted his opinions on sports.[3]. Douglas John Buffone (June 27, 1944 April 20, 2015) was an American football linebacker in the National Football League. You have funeral questions, we have answers. "He was a very special guy.". Buffone was the star of a popular segment of the Mully and Hanley show on WCSR on Fridays during the football season. Sayers was a dazzling running back and return man who was electric almost every time he touched the ball. He will be missed by all he touched. to laugh at yourself. Reporting by Steve Ginsburg in Washington; Editing by Peter Cooney. You never gave up on the field and you always wished the best for the Bears. 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. Buffone and his family resided in Chicago, and he was heavily involved in Chicago sports and broadcasting. 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. Oswego Easts Jehvion Starwood steps up with winning 3-pointer in OT. There's been a tremendous response to it. 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. He was very cordial and friendly to the people attending the luncheon and was truly interested in our thoughts about the Bears and life in general. My thoughts and prayers are with Dana and the entire family! He will always be celebrated as one of the Bears greats for his contributions to his team and the fans who loved him. Menu. There was no one tougher on Sundays than Doug Buffone. Smooth and cool., Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. The first time he came, as a Bear ,to play New Orleans, where I was an engineer at Chevron, he brought 4 of his teammates over to eat with me and my wife and for years that's all the neighbor's could talk about. "He wasn't worried about his awards or anything else," Butkus said. "We are terribly saddened to hear of Doug's passing," Bears chairman George McCaskey said in a statement. 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. Portrait. (670 The Score) Monday marked the five-year anniversary of beloved former Bears linebacker and Score personality Doug Buffone's death at age 70. He was just a good guy and we had a lot of fun.. We have fond memories of watching him play at Shannock.God's Peace be with you. RIP. There was no one tougher on Sundays than Doug Buffone. A native of Yatesboro, Pa., Buffone was a fourth-round draft pick by the Bears in 1966 out of Louisville. June 27, 1944 - April 20, 2015 Chicago, Illinois | Age 70 Former Chicago Bears linebacker dies . WebAge, Biography and Wiki. In the 21st century, it's not just urns and gravestones anymore. ESPN'sJeff Dickerson andThe Associated Press contributed to this report. Just a great 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 coroners office Discover Doug Buffone's Biography, Age, Height, Physical Stats, Dating/Affairs, Family and career updates. I am sad that I won't be able to listen to him any more. You'll be missed Doug!!! 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. "But the meek will possess the earth, And they will find exquisite delight in the abundance of peace." All rights reserved. Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. You will be greatly missed old friend. "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. Both players eventually found their way into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. David Kessler's top 4 tips for dealing with holiday grief. "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. Bears chairman George McCaskey noted that Buffone's relationship with the team's fans continued beyond his playing days. Many believe Buffones accomplishments on the field were overshadowed because he played next to a Hall of Fame teammate in Butkus. 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. I remember your night club BBC off Rush Street. At Louisville, Buffone played center and linebacker for coach Frank Camp. As I read all the kind words about him, I how true they are. As a devoted Bear Fan for the last 50 years or more, I remember how truly great a linebacker he was. I want to extend my warm wishes to Doug's family for comfort and hope his love will keep you all forever. I'll never forget the laughs. His rebound downs Marian Catholic. Your legacy will live forever in my heart and mind.. Bear Down! 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. And I didn't call. Doug and OB were my therapy after a tough loss and part of my celebration after a great win. And I think this is going to help the whole situation. In his professional career, Buffone gathered more than 1,200 tackles, going over the 100-tackle mark in seven seasons. 2023 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Satellite Information Network, LLC. He made a difference in a good-way in a lot of people lives. A true friend. My prayers and condolences for his family and dear friends. In addition to the 24 interceptions, Buffone had 10 fumble recoveries, nine forced fumbles and 37 sacks. "His was a life really well lived," WSCR-AM broadcaster Dan Bernstein said. He was a fourth-round draft pick. The Associated Press contributed to this report. No cause of death was released. He played the part of "Big Doug", a bookie and collector, noted for his humour in character as "Big Doug". Expand the Memories and Condolences form. We will all miss you. with funeral mass to follow at 6 pm. He All the accolades he received, he deserved, and then some. More in Sports Obituary Read. "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. Buffone died at his residence in Chicago, Illinois, on April 20, 2015, aged 70.[4]. 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