There was no one tougher on Sundays than Doug Buffone.. We are praying for you and family. His retirement ended a link to our founder as he was the last active player to play for George Halas.. Paramedics were called to Buffone's Chicago home Monday afternoon, where they found the popular linebacker-turned-broadcaster unresponsive, police said. Buffone's unbridled Bears enthusiasm made him a must-listen after games, especially following a difficult loss. RIP #55 You will always be in our hearts!! He will not soon be forgotten.I hope the promise at Isaiah 65:20 will bring comfort to the Buffone family. Buffone, a well-liked and passionate linebacker who played 14 seasons for the Bears, was found dead at his home. "Doug's passion for the game of football and the Chicago Bears was unmatched, and he will be missed.". Grief researchers say holding that missing funeral service, even a year or more later, can still help us heal. "We lost one of our greats. He was a great player and a great friend, former Bears tight end and coach Mike Ditka said. My condolences and sympathy go out to Doug's family and worldwide friends. Buffone, a fourth-round draft pick whose 24 interceptions remain the most in club history for a linebacker, Say hi to Vince Lombardi and all the other men that played with their Heart. It seemed to me he was lucky that he never had any serious injuries while he played with me, Dick Butkus said. Doug Buffone Birthday and Date of Death Doug Buffone was born on June 27, 1944 and died on April 20, 2015. Discover Doug Buffone's Biography, Age, Height, Physical Stats, Dating/Affairs, Family and career updates. 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. Ravens GM says he covets QBs, Montana SB jersey breaks Brady's auction record, Colts GM pins moving up to 'guy worthy of it', McCarthy: 'New voice' calling plays will help Dak, Out of dark, Rodgers vows decision coming soon, Survey: Vikes, Fins, Raiders top FA report cards, Chargers GM halts speculation: Allen staying put. 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. Don't take it out on us,' Bull said. Dear Dana, Kay Varga and I are thinking of you and sending you heartfelt prayers to give you strength to help you through this most difficult time. Butkus said he had been planning to call Buffone to check in last week but never did. "He was a very special guy.". Doug was a lifelong entrepreneur, owning enterprises as varied as an embroidery company and a high-tech online video platform. Doug gave much pleasure and smiles to all of Chicago once he came aboard his Rookie year. Hub. I met Buz at the Bears training camp in Rensselaer, Indiana in 1969, through his teammate and my best friend, Willie Holman. In a 14-year NFL career, Buffone's rugged play and indomitable attitude represented the spirit of the Bears and the city of Chicago. He was a great player and even better person after football. We grew up in Yatesboro together. "This is kind of a lull in the year. Beyond my incredible respect for him he was a guy I loved, just like everybody I know who ever met him. DOUG YOU REMIND ME OF MY BROTHER WHO DIED MANY YEARS AGO. Condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time. Buffone retired with 24 career interceptions to lead all Bear linebackers. He finished every time., Lifes a beach under the basket for Lemonts Miles Beachum. Such an amazing man. Doug and OB were my therapy after a tough loss and part of my celebration after a great win. When you met Doug Buffone you fell in love with him, and that's how we feel.. He will always be celebrated as one of the Bears greats for his contributions to his team and the fans who loved him. Tribune reporter Carlos Sadovi contributed. A native of Yatesboro, Pa., Buffone was a fourth-round draft pick by the Bears in 1966 out of Louisville. We partied and danced Disco there frequently after ball games. CHICAGO (WLS) -- Doug Buffone, Chicago radio host and legendary Chicago Bears linebacker, has died. He was 70. Police say Buffone was found dead in his University Village home in the 1200-block of West Lexington by paramedics Monday afternoon. Buffone was drafted by the Bears in 1966, spending 15 seasons with the team. Later, when he was a guest co-host or scheduled football analyst with me we got to know each other even better. Buffone had 10 fumble recoveries, nine forced fumbles and 37 sacks. RIP. Buffone in recent years hosted a Bears postgame radio show on WSCR-AM with former teammate Ed O'Bradovich. CHICAGO (WLS) -- Doug Buffone, Chicago radio host and legendary Chicago Bears linebacker, has died. I send my sympathy and prayers to Doug's (Dyke's) family. Doug played, was all about head trauma. What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative? He was a good person, a true man's man and utterly devoted to his family and friends. 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. 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. My thoughts and prayers are with the Buffone family! 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 . I know that no one person that played the game of football loved it more than Doug did. Burlington Centrals Nicholas Gouriotis figures out the difference. "We lost one of our greats. 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. One was an air ball., Go big or go home. 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. "I will always remember him for his football talent, sense of humor and enduring friendship," Butkus said. You never gave up on the field and you always wished the best for the Bears. Copyright 2023 ESPN Internet Ventures. You taught me that it's o.k. The (NFL) has just done a great job of marketing the game. His earlier misses? Why the Packers' transition to Jordan Love, whenever it happens, will require patience, A new home for Michael Thomas? In a statement, Hall of Famer Dick Butkus, who played alongside Buffone on the Bears for seven years, said a "great man" was lost. "We are terribly saddened to hear of Doug's passing," Bears chairman George McCaskey said in a statement. It's hard to say. Copyright 2023 WLS-TV. Doug Buffone died in his sleep on April 20, 2015. I hope that Doug and Norm Van Lear reunite and I can just hear the 2 of them. 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. Doug has already entered the gates of Heaven. 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; Doug Sr was a man of honor and humor, and will be missed by many. Doug Buffone will be missed." It's surprising how much a musical selection can affect mourning. 37:10. 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's 14 seasons in Chicago are tied for second most in club history. Syracuse Post Standard Homepage. I love and will miss you dearly! R.I.P. Dana and family, be assured of my prayers. May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time. He was also the last active Bears player who played for the team with George Halas as the head coach. Just a great guy. All of us from back home in our Pennsylvania coal mining town were blessed to have him in our lives. "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. Besides being a hell of a football player, he was a hell of a guy.. In addition to the 24 interceptions, Buffone had 10 fumble recoveries, nine forced fumbles and 37 sacks. you were a good friend and I am proud that I knew you and your family. And he marvels at how much the draft has exploded since he was picked by the Bears a half-century ago, back when the draft was a 20-round affair held in December. "I was going to call him over the weekend just to check in with him and see what was going on. In lieu of flowers, charitable donations to Maryville Academy and Mercy Hospital Heart and Vascular Center would be much appreciated. I have so much inspiration from his work ethic, his authenticity, approach to life, and he has helped me find strength in difficult times with his outlook, wisdom, laughs, and smiles. Mr Buffone has always been a true ambassador for Chicago, the Bears, and the NFL. The best poems for funerals, memorial services., and cards. I enjoyed immensly the discussions we had together. Player News. 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. All rights reserved. Beginning in the 1990s, Buffone became a fixture on Chicago sports talk radio and local television. Doug Buffone will be missed.". Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles. Tony Catanese Mechanicsville,MD. 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. 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