He was a great player and even better person after football. Of course, it's the No. And he proved it each week over his 14-year career, a tenure record he shared with another great, Bill George, for 33 seasons. 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 In the 21st century, it's not just urns and gravestones anymore. Buffone was said to have died of natural causes at the age of 70. What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative? As a devoted Bear Fan for the last 50 years or more, I remember how truly great a linebacker he was. "I was going to call him over the weekend just to check in with him and see what was going on. I have nothing but great memories about him., Doug was a Bear. And yet, somehow, someway, neither player ever saw the postseason with some of the Bears' potential momentum slowed by a pair of knee injuries suffered by Sayers. He was a great player and a great friend, former Bears tight end and coach Mike Ditka said. GOD Bless you all. In a statement, Hall of Famer Dick Butkus, who played alongside Buffone on the Bears for seven years, said a "great man" was lost. May you find comfort in knowing that suffering and death will end here on earth. In retirement, Buffone owned restaurants and was a studio host and football analyst for a Chicago radio station. There was no one tougher on Sundays than Doug Buffone. I appreciated his honesty and knowledge and just want to say thank you Big Doug. Player News. It was an honor to share the #55 with the first legend to wear it, tweeted Lance Briggs, another former Bears linebacker. All quotes delayed a minimum of 15 minutes. See How All 50 Wards Voted in the 2023 Chicago Mayoral Election. RIP Doug Buffone. rest in peace DOUG I was proud to be on the committee when they retired your high school jersey. and Love. "He understood how important it was to go out of your way to appreciate your family and the good things that you have.". "But the meek will possess the earth, And they will find exquisite delight in the abundance of peace." His rebound downs Marian Catholic. He was 70. Buffone retired with 24 career interceptions to lead all Bear linebackers. (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. RIP # 55. 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. He made a difference in a good-way in a lot of people lives. FYI the boy could dance.". He finished every time., Lifes a beach under the basket for Lemonts Miles Beachum. Remember Doug "Dike" from my days at U of L. He was a star (I was nobody---Just a regular student) but he always took the time to talk. Dana and family, be assured of my prayers. Thread starter richsox24; Start date Apr 20, 2015; richsox24 Apr 20, 2015 #1 Just reported. I enjoyed immensly the discussions we had together. Today is a sad day for Bears nation, former Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher posted on Twitter. He also had 10 fumble recoveries, nine forced fumbles, 37 sacks and 1,257 tackles, going over the 100-tackle mark in seven seasons. As many who knew him have said, he was a great man and loved his family and his 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. Former Bears coach Mike Ditka said Buffone had a lot of passion for the team, adding he has "nothing but great memories about him.". Doug will be fondly remembered through many recaptures of the lives he touched. Love for the game - good citizen - living life with a passion - Let the person who is perfect in life - please stand - Only God is perfect; Mr. Buffone you caught the football and carried it for a touchdown to the gates of Heaven. Jr.(Harry) Paul, Bill, John and Doug were always together. Condolences to the family on your loss.. Tucker McKinney. So admired, and deservedly so. May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. RIP. Buffone and his family resided in Chicago, and he was heavily involved in Chicago sports and broadcasting. He had 1,257 tackles, going over the 100 tackle mark in seven seasons. You nick named me "sugar bear" and I accepted it. A native of Yatesboro, Pa., Buffone was a fourth-round draft pick by the Bears in 1966 out of Louisville. The (NFL) has just done a great job of marketing the game. Both players eventually found their way into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Buffone played in 186 games for the Bears, making 1,257 tackles and going over the 100-tackle mark in seven seasons. It's hard to say. I send my sympathy and prayers to Doug's (Dyke's) family. 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. Buffone retired after the 1979 season with 24 career interceptions to lead all Bears linebackers. I never heard him gripe, Butkus 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 Career Powered by . Condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time. "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. Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. He was also the last active Bears player who played for the team with George Halas as the head coach. You played the game with unmatchable passion! Our sincere condolences to the Buffone family. Great athlete! Always enjoyed watching Doug play LB alongside Butkus and Brubacher, the 3 B's. Obituaries Section. He will not soon be forgotten.I hope the promise at Isaiah 65:20 will bring comfort to the Buffone family. His retirement ended a link to our founder as he was the last active player to play for George Halas.. And I didn't call. 32 NFL players who could change teams this offseason, Disputed loan at center of Commanders probe, 2023 NFL franchise tag tracker: Commanders' Payne first to be tagged, Meet the man scouring Nigeria for the next generation of NBA and NFL talent, 2023 NFL combine preview: 15 future fantasy football stars to watch. And it's just that people are clamoring for more NFL. 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. However, in June 2009, the founder of Chicago Sports Webio was charged with operating a Ponzi scheme, and the site was shut down. I remember your night club BBC off Rush Street. According to Bears media guides, Buffone also had 10 fumble recoveries, nine forced fumbles and 37 sacks. Chicago Bears legend Doug Buffone, who played in 186 games for the organization and is considered to be one of the greatest players to ever wear the teams Buffone, Doug Every man's death diminishes us, but that holds double for legends like Doug Buffone. Doug Buffone will be missed. Buffone's company Digital One is the creator of ClickStreamTV, an online video platform product that was designed for small to medium-sized businesses. "Today is a sad day for Bears nation," said former Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher, who like Buffone played his entire career with the team. Submit an Obituary. A Chicago great. 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. Born on June 27, 1944, in Yatesboro, Pa., Buffone was the son of a coal miner. I'll never forget the laughs. (CBS) Legendary Chicago Bear and 670 The Score Bears postgame co-host Doug Buffone has died at 70. We have fond memories of watching him play at Shannock.God's Peace be with you. There's been a tremendous response to it. Buffone later laughed recalling how the real source of the odor was a dead rat they found in his locker buried beneath his stuff. Doug spent his entire career with the Bears (1966-79) serving as defensive captain for eight years. 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. June 27, 1944 - April 20, 2015 Chicago, Illinois | Age 70 Former Chicago Bears linebacker dies . It's surprising how much a musical selection can affect mourning. To plant trees in memory, please visit the. 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. Remember taking Doug and several players to a local Catholic Church the day that JFK died. Heartfelt sympathy to the Buffone family from an old Yatesboro neighbor and friend. And now it just seems that (the excitement) is not just starting in August at training camps. His rebound downs Marian Catholic. He was always engaging, wore his heart on his sleeve, and was a conduit to the Bears fans through the great Doug and OB Post Game shows. Buffone co-hosted "Chicago NFL Live" on "The Score" WSCR 670 AM, as well as Bears postgame with Ed O'Bradovich, and recently completed 14 seasons of The Doug Buffone Show on Fox Sports Net Chicago. Over the years I got to know not only the football player, but the Man. 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. The pride Doug brought to the community in which he grew up could never be measured. Sadly, the personification of class and humility,is no longer with us. 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. And they've made it a very big deal now. He was a first cousin to my mother Marjorie Harland(Yanni). My heart is heavy with sadness. He was 70. 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. Cause of death not yet known. Doug Buffone was very kind to the Dominican Friars at Fenwick High School outside of Chicago. Chicago Bears linebacker Doug Buffone. Can the Lions fix their defense? You taught me that it's o.k. A great Bear, but a better person. Doug gave much pleasure and smiles to all of Chicago once he came aboard his Rookie year. The Associated Press contributed to this report. CHICAGO (WLS) -- Doug Buffone, Chicago radio host and legendary Chicago Bears linebacker, has died. 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. Doug Buffone will be missed.". Your legacy will live forever in my heart and mind.. Bear Down! "People talk about all that. One was an air ball., Go big or go home. 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. He was married to Dana. He died on April 20, 2015 in Chicago, Illinois, USA. May memories of him and the love of your family and friends give you strength in the days ahead. Paramedics were called to Buffone's Chicago home Monday afternoon, where they found the popular linebacker-turned-broadcaster unresponsive, police said. You will be greatly missed old friend. Reporting by Steve Ginsburg in Washington; Editing by Peter Cooney. Played 186 games as a Bear, the third most among Bears. (Chicago Tribune historical photo). "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. Former Bears middle linebacker Brian Urlacher tweeted about Buffone's death Monday. God Bless his soul and now eternal life through Jesus Christ. Enjoy that great football field in the sky. Buffone started a record 186 games as a Bear, during which time he recorded more than 1,200 tackles and 24 interceptions. The others are Mark Sander, Tom Jackson (197072) and Tyrus McCloud (1994-96). If youre in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist. R.I.P. 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. 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. All of us from back home in our Pennsylvania coal mining town were blessed to have him in our lives. Butkus admits he's often asked about what might have been had Sayers stayed healthy and extended his career. "That bitterness never, ever was there with Doug ever," he said. Jupiter and Venus appear to 'kiss' in the sky, Belvidere Jeep assembly plant shut down indefinitely, Chicago Weather: Cloudy and much cooler Thursday. Former Chicago Bears linebacker Doug Buffone's legacy stretches far beyond the football field. ", "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. He will be missed by all he touched. Great person. thank you Doug for making the Bears watchable , your news radio great God Bless rest in peace >>>AMEN. We lost one of our greats. 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. Doug played, was all about head trauma. What a guy! Beginning in the 1990s, Buffone became a fixture on Chicago sports talk radio and local television. 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. Doug Buffone will be missed." Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love. Menu. Doug Buffone loved to tell stories, especially the one about his first game against the rival Packers. He teamed with fellow ex-Bears great Ed O'Bradovich on the radio in recent years. RIP Doug.I will miss your post game show and all the fun stuff you did on the other shows.BIG DOUG! 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 (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. 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. Somebody that everybody loved. May the God of all comfort be with you all. Doug, God has brought you home for the rest and comfort of a life well lived. Douglas John Buffone (June 27, 1944 April 20, 2015) was an American football linebacker in the National Football League. Doug Buffone (Douglas John Buffone) was born on 27 June, 1944 in Yatesboro, Pennsylvania, USA, is an Actor. 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. And every year we went to training camp I thought we were going to win. "He wasn't worried about his awards or anything else," Butkus said. 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