Which first-round prospects should Raiders focus on at combine? Statement from Bears Chairman George McCaskey: "We are terribly saddened to hear of Dougs passing. "I will always remember him for his football talent, sense of humor and enduring friendship," Butkus said. All of us from back home in our Pennsylvania coal mining town were blessed to have him in our lives. Later, when he was a guest co-host or scheduled football analyst with me we got to know each other even better. RIP. Reporting by Steve Ginsburg in Washington; Editing by Peter Cooney. He was 70. Buffone retired after the 1979 season with 24 career interceptions, the most for any Bears linebacker. I am Dyke's 1st cousin. (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 In his professional career, Buffone gathered more than 1,200 tackles, going over the 100-tackle mark in seven seasons. Doug was very passionate about the Bears and how they played! He also held the team's record for most games played with 186. "He was a very special guy.". "We are terribly saddened to hear of Doug's passing," Bears chairman George McCaskey said in a statement. If youre in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist. Doug was the man. I just found this sad news out. June 27, 1944 - April 20, 2015 Chicago, Illinois | Age 70 Former Chicago Bears linebacker dies . Jr.(Harry) Paul, Bill, John and Doug were always together. The first two pickoffs of his career came off future Hall of Famers Bart Starr and Johnny Unitas. "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. Former Bear Doug Buffone dies at 70. 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. I never heard him gripe, Butkus said. Former Bears coach Mike Ditka said Buffone had a lot of passion for the team, adding he has "nothing but great memories about him.". I want to extend my warm wishes to Doug's family for comfort and hope his love will keep you all forever. Please tell my dad, your Uncle Joe, hi and we miss and love him. "Today is a sad day for Bears nation," former Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher posted on Twitter. In a statement, Hall of Famer Dick Butkus, who played alongside Buffone on the Bears for seven years, said a "great man" was lost. He will be missed. CHICAGO (WLS) -- Doug Buffone, Chicago radio host and legendary Chicago Bears linebacker, has died. 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. Buffone's unbridled Bears enthusiasm made him a must-listen after games, especially following a difficult loss. To plant trees in memory, please visit the. Today is a sad day for Bears nation. My condolences to the family and he will be truly missed! Beyond my incredible respect for him he was a guy I loved, just like everybody I know who ever met him. Even the year we were 1-13, I always had the feeling we were going to win and we just didn't. 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; I met Buz at the Bears training camp in Rensselaer, Indiana in 1969, through his teammate and my best friend, Willie Holman. Love listening to him and O'bradovich after Bears games. Bernstein said he has encountered former football players who were bitter about what they had to sacrifice. My condolences to Dana and the children. He will not soon be forgotten.I hope the promise at Isaiah 65:20 will bring comfort to the Buffone family. Not bad for the son of a coal miner who grew up in tiny Yatesboro, Pennsylvania (pop. "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 said. FYI the boy could dance.". Rest in peace #55! with funeral mass to follow at 6 pm. He served as an unofficial ambassador for the team he loved and the game he devoted himself to, earning legions of friends and admirers through his unfailing graciousness and good-hearted nature. Yet Buffones death was also untimely, unexpected and filled with another kind of sadness. 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. Why the Packers' transition to Jordan Love, whenever it happens, will require patience, A new home for Michael Thomas? only met a couple times.. truly a class act .. Condolences to his friends and family. Not only a BEARS Icon, but a good man and I am sure a wonderful Husband, Father, Grandfather and son! Send simple, comforting meals with Home Chef. Veteran head coach Frank Camp, who tutored NFL greats like Johnny Unitas, Lenny Lyles, Ernie Green and Ken Kortas, said Buffone was "the most complete ball player I've ever coached.". Buffone and his family resided in Chicago, and he was heavily involved in Chicago sports and broadcasting. However, in June 2009, the founder of Chicago Sports Webio was charged with operating a Ponzi scheme, and the site was shut down. Butkus admits he's often asked about what might have been had Sayers stayed healthy and extended his career. What a guy! Doug will be fondly remembered through many recaptures of the lives he touched. Syracuse Post Standard. 500) as one of seven children. "It's the Butkus said he had been planning to call Buffone to check in last week but never did. A great Bear, but a better person. And it's just that people are clamoring for more NFL. Mr Buffone has always been a true ambassador for Chicago, the Bears, and the NFL. Rest in peace, my friend. "Even when he was healthy, our rookie year we got close but we just didn't have enough to get into the playoffs. WebDoug Buffone was born on June 27, 1944 in Yatesboro, Pennsylvania, USA. "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. Paramedics were called to Buffone's Chicago home Monday afternoon, where they found the popular linebacker-turned-broadcaster unresponsive, police said. Very sorry for your loss Doug will be missed by friends,family and the sports world my heart goes out to his family. I am truly sorry for the loss of Doug Buffone. Love to listen to him and Ed O after the game because the called it the way it was. "We lost one of our greats. Remember taking Doug and several players to a local Catholic Church the day that JFK died. He was 70. He will be missed by all he touched. Menu. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. Thanks doug. Godspeed to all concerned. 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. RIP. 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. Don't take it out on us,' Bull said. Police News Affairs said he was pronounced dead on the scene. Buffone retired with 24 career interceptions to lead all Bear linebackers. My sincerest condolences to one of my best friends. Buffone began broadcasting Chicago Rush Arena Football League games for Comcast SportsNet and WGN in 2010. Thank you for your friendship. My heart is heavy with sadness. "It's the old syndrome," Butkus said Tuesday. I'll never forget the laughs. Buffone started a record 186 games as a Bear, during which time he recorded more than 1,200 tackles and 24 interceptions. 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'. He played the part of "Big Doug", a bookie and collector, noted for his humour in character as "Big Doug". We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time. 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 (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. Buffone died at his residence in Chicago, Illinois, on April 20, 2015, aged 70.[4]. Former Bears middle linebacker Brian Urlacher tweeted about Buffone's death Monday. I enjoyed immensly the discussions we had together. the former Bears linebacker who died Visitation on Friday at Old St. Patrick's Church, 700 W. Adams, Friday at 2 pm. RIP Our prayers to your family! Thank Mr. Buffone for your hard nose defense that you brought to the Bears. When you met Doug Buffone you fell in love with him, and that's how we feel.. We are sorry to hear of Dougs passing. "But the meek will possess the earth, And they will find exquisite delight in the abundance of peace." CHICAGO (AP) Former Chicago Bears linebacker Doug Buffone, whose reputation for being a passionate football player carried over into his career as a Great Player----Better Person. The pride Doug brought to the community in which he grew up could never be measured. - 20 April 2015) (his death) (2 children) Trivia (1) 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. In a statement, Hall of Famer Dick Butkus, who played alongside Buffone on the Bears for seven years, said a "great man" was lost. Say hi to Vince Lombardi and all the other men that played with their Heart. our prays are with you. Butkus will have a role in next week's production downtown, announcing one of the Bears' selections on the draft's second day. In a statement, Hall of Famer Dick Butkus, who played alongside Buffone on the Bears for seven years, said a "great man" was lost. CHICAGO (WLS) -- Doug Buffone, Chicago radio host and legendary Chicago Bears linebacker, has died. In a 14-year NFL career, Buffone's rugged play and indomitable attitude represented the spirit of the Bears and the city of Chicago. It's a great event that they're (now) going to have it in Chicago. May god bless the buffone family. He spoke at the Fenwick Fathers' Club several times about how much he enjoyed his own high school football days. Always enjoyed watching Doug play LB alongside Butkus and Brubacher, the 3 B's. See How All 50 Wards Voted in the 2023 Chicago Mayoral Election. Somebody that everybody loved. And he proved it each week over his 14-year career, a tenure record he shared with another great, Bill George, for 33 seasons. Tribune reporter Carlos Sadovi contributed. You taught me that it's o.k. Former Bears linebacker Buffone dies at 70, Top draft prospect Carter charged in fatal crash, Trade Lamar? 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. rest in peace DOUG I was proud to be on the committee when they retired your high school jersey. 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. Doug rest in peace met you twice you were great to talk to you made me laugh. "There was no one tougher on Sundays than Doug Buffone." When I was a little football manager at SVHS, Doug made me feel important to the team. I love and will miss you dearly! Buffone had 10 fumble recoveries, nine forced fumbles and 37 sacks. Heartfelt sympathy to the Buffone family from an old Yatesboro neighbor and friend. There was no one tougher on Sundays than Doug Buffone.". And I didn't call. The bottom line is he was true and loyal to his family, to football and to his friends. Chicago Bears linebacker Doug Buffone. So sad to lose a boyhood friend. 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. "His was a life really well lived," WSCR-AM broadcaster Dan Bernstein said. Menu. He was a great player and a great friend, former Bears tight end and coach Mike Ditka said. Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Search by Name. Police were conducting a death invgestigation Monday afternoon. All Rights Reserved. Obituaries Section. "He was a very special guy. Jupiter and Venus appear to 'kiss' in the sky, Belvidere Jeep assembly plant shut down indefinitely, Chicago Weather: Cloudy and much cooler Thursday. Dougie, you were a great teammate." Condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time. Buffone was the star of a popular segment of the Mully and Hanley show on WCSR on Fridays during the football season. 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. Loving brother of Sam, Dennis, Joseph, Debbie, Donna Jeanne and Tina. All quotes delayed a minimum of 15 minutes. 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. 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! (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. A great player on the field and an even better man off the field in all aspects. Food has always been a go-to for people in mourning. In lieu of flowers, charitable donations to Maryville Academy and Mercy Hospital Heart and Vascular Center would be much appreciated. His rebound downs Marian Catholic. Javascript is required for the selection of a player. Gonna miss him. 1 sport. The best poems for funerals, memorial services., and cards. The (NFL) has just done a great job of marketing the game. Doug Buffone will be missed." Enjoy that great football field in the sky. We will all miss you. 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