Great person. CHICAGO -- Former Bears linebacker Doug Buffone, whose reputation for being a passionate football player carried over into his career as a sports broadcaster, 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. One was an air ball., Go big or go home. Mitch Rosen, WSCR operations director, called Buffone a Chicago original., Not only a great football player, a great person on the radio but more than anything, just a great individual, Rosen said. "Today is a sad day for Bears nation," former Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher posted on Twitter. ESPN'sJeff Dickerson andThe Associated Press contributed to this report. 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. "I will always remember him for his football talent, sense of humor and enduring friendship," Butkus said. And it's just that people are clamoring for more NFL. For some people, the best send-off is one that they would have loved to attendthemselves: a big party. CHICAGO (AP) Former Chicago Bears linebacker Doug Buffone, whose reputation for being a passionate football player carried over into his career as a I want to extend my warm wishes to Doug's family for comfort and hope his love will keep you all forever. 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. Hub. A man who had no problem talking about covering himself in deer urine or how he conversed with extraterrestrials. Loving brother of Sam, Dennis, Joseph, Debbie, Donna Jeanne and Tina. All rights reserved. Buffone later laughed recalling how the real source of the odor was a dead rat they found in his locker buried beneath his stuff. Say hi to Vince Lombardi and all the other men that played with their Heart. When you met Doug Buffone you fell in love with him, and that's how we feel.. (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 "Today is a sad day for Bears nation," said former Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher, who like Buffone played his entire career with the team. Tom Shaer. CHICAGO (WLS) -- Doug Buffone, Chicago radio host and legendary Chicago Bears linebacker, has died. My thoughts and prayers are with the Buffone family! "I don't know," he said. His retirement ended a link to our founder as he was the last active player to play for George Halas. Smooth and cool., Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. Buffone played in 186 games for the Bears, making 1,257 tackles and going over the 100-tackle mark in seven seasons. He was a great player and a great friend, former Bears tight end and coach Mike Ditka said. "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. I am truly sorry for the loss of Doug Buffone. Buffone's unbridled Bears enthusiasm made him a must-listen after games, especially following a difficult loss. Rest in peace with all the angels and saints. He was so proud of you and loved you like a son. Even the year we were 1-13, I always had the feeling we were going to win and we just didn't. We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time. Remember taking Doug and several players to a local Catholic Church the day that JFK died. My deepest sympathy to the entire Buffone family. In retirement, Buffone owned restaurants and was a studio host and football analyst for a Chicago radio station. 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. Buffone's 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. There was no one tougher on Sundays than Doug Buffone.". And I think this is going to help the whole situation. Bernstein said he has encountered former football players who were bitter about what they had to sacrifice. It's funny how we strangers can call him Doug, but that's who he was to us. 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. Later, when he was a guest co-host or scheduled football analyst with me we got to know each other even better. 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. One time for Doug Buffone! I enjoyed immensly the discussions we had together. Buffone was the star of a popular segment of the Mully and Hanley show on WCSR on Fridays during the football season. ~Ps. And every year we went to training camp I thought we were going to win. RIP #55 You will always be in our hearts!! "He will always be celebrated as one of the Bears' greats for his contributions to his team and the fans who loved him. Expand the Memories and Condolences form. And now it just seems that (the excitement) is not just starting in August at training camps. Police News Affairs said he was pronounced dead on the scene. Buffone was said to have died of natural causes at the age of 70. 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? Buffone retired with 24 career interceptions to lead all Bear linebackers. the former Bears linebacker who died April 20th at age 70 of natural causes. Projecting the futures of Kirk Cousins, Dalvin Cook and other Vikings veterans. He was also the last active Bears player who played for the team with George Halas as the head coach. There was no one tougher on Sundays than Doug Buffone.. 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. CHICAGO (WLS) -- Doug Buffone, Chicago radio host and legendary Chicago Bears linebacker, has died. Learn How rich is He in this year and how He spends money? Godspeed to all concerned. "We lost one of our greats. Sadly, the personification of class and humility,is no longer with us. There was no one tougher on Sundays than Doug Buffone.". "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 are sorry to hear of Dougs passing. You made us all so proud to be from Shannock Valley High School. And that's what made him such a great guy, a great character, a great person." Great Player----Better Person. He will be missed. I met Buz at the Bears training camp in Rensselaer, Indiana in 1969, through his teammate and my best friend, Willie Holman. He was a good person, a true man's man and utterly devoted to his family and friends. The shockwaves from Doug's passing have been felt by so many of us. 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 led Louisville in tackles three straight years and remains third on the all-time career list for tackles made with 479. We pray for him and for the family . No cause of death was released. After his playing days were over , had a great career doing radio with OB. One was an air ball., Go big or go home. The thoughts and prayers of the people of Chicago are with Doug's family, friends, and many fans during this difficult time.". Butkus admits he's often asked about what might have been had Sayers stayed healthy and extended his career. You'll be missed Doug!!! His rebound downs Marian Catholic. May the God of all comfort be with you all. "Today is a sad day for Bears nation," said former Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher, who like Buffone played his entire career with the team. Thanks Doug for all you did as a player and broadcaster. "Doug's passion for the game of football and the Chicago Bears was unmatched, and he will be missed.". He made a lasting impression as a "man's -man and a genuine nice guy.". Even though we met only twice, you treated me like we were life-long friends. He attended Shannock Valley High School. 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. "We lost one of our greats. 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. Very sorry for your loss Doug will be missed by friends,family and the sports world my heart goes out to his family. Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love. "I will always remember him for his football talent, sense of humor and enduring friendship," Butkus said. 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'. doug buffone obituary Buffone, Doug Every man's death diminishes us, but that holds double for legends like Doug Buffone. Doug Buffone will be missed." Copyright 2023 WLS-TV. Doug was The man and always will be the Man. Doug Buffone will be missed.". God Bless his soul and now eternal life through Jesus Christ. My condolences and sympathy go out to Doug's family and worldwide friends. A native of Yatesboro, Pa., Buffone was a fourth-round draft pick by the Bears in 1966 out of Louisville. I feel blessed to have known him. His rebound downs Marian Catholic. "He was a very special guy.". My condolences to the Buffone family. My prayers and condolences for his family and dear friends. We grew up in Yatesboro together. Not only a BEARS Icon, but a good man and I am sure a wonderful Husband, Father, Grandfather and son! Visitation on Friday at Old St. Patrick's Church, 700 W. Adams, Friday at 2 pm. I have fond memories of our boyhood days in Yatesboro. RIP # 55. Published by Chicago Sun-Times on Apr. They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel. He died of natural causes, they said. Hope to see you in Heaven some day. It's the old thing. Buffone played in 186 games for the Bears, making 1,257 tackles and going over the 100-tackle mark in seven seasons. 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. The man was later identified as Buffone, who played 14 seasons for the Bears. 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. Dougs passion for the game of football and the Chicago Bears was unmatched and he will be missed. 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. Reporting by Steve Ginsburg in Washington; Editing by Peter Cooney. 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. Food has always been a go-to for people in mourning. Buffone retired after the 1979 season with 24 career interceptions to lead all Bears linebackers. Doug rest in peace met you twice you were great to talk to you made me laugh. You taught me that it's o.k. He will always be celebrated as one of the Bears greats for his contributions to his team and the fans who loved him. "His was a life really well lived," WSCR-AM broadcaster Dan Bernstein said. Condolences to the family. Doug Buffone will be missed." Of course, it's the No. Born in Yatesboro, Pennsylvania, Buffone played linebacker and center from 1962 to 1965 at the University of Louisville. There's been a tremendous response to it. "Doug's passion for the game of football and the Chicago Bears was unmatched, and he will be missed.". "He wasn't worried about his awards or anything else," Butkus said. Doug Buffone will be missed. "He just did the job. He was 70. I send my sympathy and prayers to Doug's (Dyke's) family. Buffone was drafted by the Bears in 1966, spending 15 seasons with the team. As many who knew him have said, he was a great man and loved his family and his Bears. The others are Mark Sander, Tom Jackson (197072) and Tyrus McCloud (1994-96). 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