Beyond my incredible respect for him he was a guy I loved, just like everybody I know who ever met him. 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. Sadly, the personification of class and humility,is no longer with us. My deepest sympathy to the entire Buffone family. R.I.P. Doug Buffone Birthday and Date of Death Doug Buffone was born on June 27, 1944 and died on April 20, 2015. 23, 2015. Doug was the man. He was so proud of you and loved you like a son. He played the game with passion and conviction. "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. He Chicago Bears linebacker Doug Buffone. I will always remember our times together. Buffone's unbridled Bears enthusiasm made him a must-listen after games, especially following a difficult loss. One was an air ball., Go big or go home. Buffone retired with 24 career interceptions to lead all Bear linebackers. Doug Buffone will be missed. CHICAGO (AP) Former Chicago Bears linebacker Doug Buffone, whose reputation for being a passionate football player carried over into his career as a Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you. And I don't know if we really improved after that (with) our draft choices or whatever. Number 55 is officially retired.Rest in peace,Doug. 37:10. I have fond memories of our boyhood days in Yatesboro. 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. In May 2009, Buffone and his long-time Bears post-game partner Ed O'Bradovich left WSCR-AM and joined Chicago Sports Webio. 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 There was no one tougher on Sundays than Doug Buffone.". CHICAGO -- Former Bears linebacker Doug Buffone, whose reputation for being a passionate football player carried over into his career as a sports broadcaster, Jupiter and Venus appear to 'kiss' in the sky, Belvidere Jeep assembly plant shut down indefinitely, Chicago Weather: Cloudy and much cooler Thursday. Copyright 2023 ESPN Internet Ventures. The thoughts and prayers of the people of Chicago are with Doug's family, friends, and many fans during this difficult time.". Say hi to Vince Lombardi and all the other men that played with their Heart. You taught me that it's o.k. Even the year we were 1-13, I always had the feeling we were going to win and we just didn't. "We lost one of our greats. Please tell my dad, your Uncle Joe, hi and we miss and love him. ol' buddy! 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. CHICAGO (WLS) -- Doug Buffone, Chicago radio host and legendary Chicago Bears linebacker, has died. Buffones team record for games played was ultimately eclipsed by former long snapper Patrick Mannelly, who now holds the mark with 245. 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. Radio host and legendary Chicago Bears linebacker Doug Buffone dies at 70 (Photo: 1977), quoted by the Tribune from his radio show. "He understood how important it was to go out of your way to appreciate your family and the good things that you have.". Chicago and bear fans around the world will miss you. "We lost one of our greats. I will be 60 years old this year and have been a Bears season ticket holder since 1980. 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. Statement from Bears Chairman George McCaskey: "We are terribly saddened to hear of Dougs passing. "There was no one tougher on Sundays than Doug Buffone." RIP #55 You will always be in our hearts!! - 20 April 2015) (his death) (2 children) Trivia (1) My God Bless Doug and his Family. "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. Other shows Buffone was involved in producing included The Neal Anderson Show for WBBM-AM, and The Mike Ditka Show for WSCR-AM. He channeled his passion for the team and sport into a successful career as a Chicago sports radio personality. "His was a life really well lived," WSCR-AM broadcaster Dan Bernstein said. As many who knew him have said, he was a great man and loved his family and his Bears. "We are terribly saddened to hear of Doug's passing," Bears chairman George McCaskey said in a statement. But Butkus never gives it extended thought. In May 2009, Buffone and his long-time Bears post-game partner Ed O'Bradovich left WSCR-AM and joined Chicago Sports Webio. However, in June 2009, the founder of Chicago Sports Webio was charged with operating a Ponzi scheme, and the site was shut down. [1] Buffone and O'Bradovich re-signed with the Score in late August 2009. Doug played, was all about head trauma. Why the Packers' transition to Jordan Love, whenever it happens, will require patience, A new home for Michael Thomas? "Today is a sad day for Bears nation,"Brian Urlacher tweeted. The pride Doug brought to the community in which he grew up could never be measured. We are praying for you and family. There's been a tremendous response to it. Former Bears teammates remembered Buffone as an affable, fun-loving athlete with an engaging personality. Cause of death not yet known. CHICAGO -- Former Bears linebacker Doug Buffone, whose reputation for being a passionate football player carried over into his career as a sports broadcaster, DOUG YOU REMIND ME OF MY BROTHER WHO DIED MANY YEARS AGO. Thank You Doug , well done indeed ! Food has always been a go-to for people in mourning. The shockwaves from Doug's passing have been felt by so many of us. PEACE. The (NFL) has just done a great job of marketing the game. Butkus will have a role in next week's production downtown, announcing one of the Bears' selections on the draft's second day. All rights reserved. My condolences and sympathy go out to Doug's family and worldwide friends. 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. RIP friend. "He was a very special guy.". The best poems for funerals, memorial services., and cards. Our condolences to the family - Doug will be greatly missed. The others are Mark Sander, Tom Jackson (197072) and Tyrus McCloud (1994-96). The first two pickoffs of his career came off future Hall of Famers Bart Starr and Johnny Unitas. Oswego Easts Jehvion Starwood steps up with winning 3-pointer in OT. ", "For 15 seasons, Doug Buffone's play on the football field brought fear to his opponents but joy to his legions of fans here in Chicago," Mayor Rahm Emanuel said in a statement. Doug has already entered the gates of Heaven. Player News. 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 was the star of a popular segment of the Mully and Hanley show on WCSR on Fridays during the football season. We have fond memories of watching him play at Shannock.God's Peace be with you. I'll never forget the laughs. 500) as one of seven children. He had 1,257 tackles, going over the 100 tackle mark in seven seasons. Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love. Such an amazing man. "I don't know," he said. Don't take it out on us,' Bull said. 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 "He wasn't worried about his awards or anything else," Butkus said. Besides being a hell of a football player, he was a hell of a guy.. 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. Dana, and family'. 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. "We lost one of our greats. Thanks Doug for all you did as a player and broadcaster. 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. He will be missed. 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. The bottom line is he was true and loyal to his family, to football and to his friends. All quotes delayed a minimum of 15 minutes. Bear Down. Tribune reporter Carlos Sadovi contributed. Listening to him and Ed was great. Doug Buffone (Douglas John Buffone) was born on 27 June, 1944 in Yatesboro, Pennsylvania, USA, is an Actor. Gone but never forgotten. He attended Shannock Valley High School. And he proved it each week over his 14-year career, a tenure record he shared with another great, Bill George, for 33 seasons. He played the part of "Big Doug", a bookie and collector, noted for his humour in character as "Big Doug". He was kind, he was real, he was sincere, he will be truly missed by all. May god bless the buffone family. Godspeed to all concerned. Doug rest in peace met you twice you were great to talk to you made me laugh. May memories of him and the love of your family and friends give you strength in the days ahead. Adored his children and his Dana. In a statement, Hall of Famer Dick Butkus, who played alongside Buffone on the Bears for seven years, said a "great man" was lost. I am sad that I won't be able to listen to him any more. See How All 50 Wards Voted in the 2023 Chicago Mayoral Election. We are terribly saddened to hear of Dougs passing, Bears Chairman George McCaskey said in a statement. Heartfelt sympathy to the Buffone family from an old Yatesboro neighbor and friend. The man was later identified as Buffone, who played 14 seasons for the Bears. I send my sympathy and prayers to Doug's (Dyke's) family. More in Sports Obituary Read. Dougie, you were a great teammate." I should have made the call. Rest in peace, my friend. [1] Buffone and O'Bradovich re-signed with the Score in late August 2009. It drove him nuts when we didnt play well and we always appreciated that he wore his heart on his sleeve because we knew how much he cared. the former Bears linebacker who died I remember your night club BBC off Rush Street. Former Bears middle linebacker Brian Urlacher tweeted about Buffone's death Monday. "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. (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. I love and will miss you dearly! Smooth and cool., Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. He also held the team's record for most games played with 186. Chicago Bears linebacker Doug Buffone. Buffone's 14 seasons in Chicago are tied for second most in club history. In lieu of flowers, charitable donations to Maryville Academy and Mercy Hospital Heart and Vascular Center would be much appreciated. Submit an Obituary. God Bless his soul and now eternal life through Jesus Christ. My condolences to the family and he will be truly missed! 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. We partied and danced Disco there frequently after ball games. His retirement ended a link to our founder as he was the last active player to play for George Halas.. Not bad for the son of a coal miner who grew up in tiny Yatesboro, Pennsylvania (pop. 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. Buffone began broadcasting Chicago Rush Arena Football League games for Comcast SportsNet and WGN in 2010. "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. "He understood how important it was to go out of your way to appreciate your family and the good things that you have.". May you find comfort in knowing that suffering and death will end here on earth. Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Born on June 27, 1944, in Yatesboro, Pa., Buffone was the son of a coal miner. Great player, broadcaster, and humanitarian. At Louisville, Buffone played center and linebacker for coach Frank Camp. Not only a BEARS Icon, but a good man and I am sure a wonderful Husband, Father, Grandfather and son! Buffone later laughed recalling how the real source of the odor was a dead rat they found in his locker buried beneath his stuff. 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. Projecting the futures of Kirk Cousins, Dalvin Cook and other Vikings veterans. He also had 10 fumble recoveries, nine forced fumbles, 37 sacks and 1,257 tackles, going over the 100-tackle mark in seven seasons. My father Ernie Poulos enjoyed your company so much. 63-yo Bodybuilder Doug Brignoles Cause of Death Revealed As Covid-19 Infection Not Vaccination While there was speculation about Brignole's death, L.A. He had like bird legs but a developed upper body. "One time for Doug Buffone! He was also the last active Bears player who played for the team with George Halas as the head coach. Buffone was drafted by the Bears in 1966, spending 15 seasons with the team. Today is a sad day for Bears nation, former Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher posted on Twitter. 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. Learn How rich is He in this year and how He spends money? ", Oswego Easts Jehvion Starwood steps up with winning 3-pointer in OT. I feel blessed to have known him. 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