Buffone, the son of a coal miner (whose parents were Italian immigrants from the southern province of Cosenza, regione di Calabria), attended high school at Shannock Valley High School in Rural Valley, Pennsylvania. In a 14-year NFL career, Buffone's rugged play and indomitable attitude represented the spirit of the Bears and the city of Chicago. Thank Mr. Buffone for your hard nose defense that you brought to the Bears. Menu. Copyright 2023 WLS-TV. In his professional career, Buffone gathered more than 1,200 tackles, going over the 100-tackle mark in seven seasons. "Doug's passion for the game of football and the Chicago Bears was unmatched, and he will be missed.". Love to listen to him and Ed O after the game because the called it the way it was. I met Buz at the Bears training camp in Rensselaer, Indiana in 1969, through his teammate and my best friend, Willie Holman. you were a good friend and I am proud that I knew you and your family. According to Bears media guides, Buffone also had 10 fumble recoveries, nine forced fumbles and 37 sacks. I'll never forget the laughs. Listening to him and Ed was great. Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles. My prayers and condolences for his family and dear friends. Somebody that everybody loved. My deepest sympathy to the entire Buffone family. He channeled his passion for the team and sport into a successful career as a Chicago sports radio personality. Buffone's team record for games played was ultimately eclipsed by former long snapper Patrick Mannelly, who now holds the mark with 245. Syracuse Post Standard. My Condolences to the Buffone family. Burlington Centrals Nicholas Gouriotis figures out the difference. #dougbuffone. Choice is: Ex: Ray Lewis, Junior Seau. A great Bear, but a better person. Number 55 is officially retired.Rest in peace,Doug. Former Bear Doug Buffone dies at 70. God Bless, Linda Poulos. I have nothing but great memories about him., Doug was a Bear. I will be 60 years old this year and have been a Bears season ticket holder since 1980. He will be missed by all he touched. Butkus said he had been planning to call Buffone to check in last week but never did. I'm going to miss BIG DOUG! Doug was one of the most dependable players in franchise history and perhaps its most beloved. I cannot tell you how much I will miss him.. Copyright 2023 ESPN Internet Ventures. 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. Doug was one of the best partners I ever had on the air, a treat to listen to on his own, an outstanding football player and a better man. The thoughts and prayers of the people of Chicago are with Doug's family, friends, and many fans during this difficult time.". 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. 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 uniform, died Monday at the age of 70. He also had the honor of serving as defensive captain for eight seasons, beginning in 1972. Tom Shaer. He was so proud of you and loved you like a son. "There was no one tougher on Sundays than Doug Buffone." And I think this is going to help the whole situation. "But the meek will possess the earth, And they will find exquisite delight in the abundance of peace." Today is a sad day for Bears nation, former Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher posted on Twitter. My father Ernie Poulos enjoyed your company so much. He 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. We are sorry to hear of Dougs passing. [2] Also, Buffone had a blog on his website where he posted his opinions on sports.[3]. See here for a complete list of exchanges and delays. In retirement, Buffone owned restaurants and was a studio host and football analyst for a Chicago radio station. We kept saying, 'This is practice. 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. Buffone was drafted by the Bears in 1966, spending 15 seasons with the team. Buffone started a record 186 games as a Bear, during which time he recorded more than 1,200 tackles and 24 interceptions. 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 had the honor and privilege of meeting Doug but I listened to him on the radio religiously. Why the Packers' transition to Jordan Love, whenever it happens, will require patience, A new home for Michael Thomas? Police say Buffone was found dead in his University Village home in the 1200-block of West Lexington by paramedics Monday afternoon. Grief researchers say holding that missing funeral service, even a year or more later, can still help us heal. I know that no one person that played the game of football loved it more than Doug did. Always enjoyed watching Doug play LB alongside Butkus and Brubacher, the 3 B's. Great person. He attended Shannock Valley High School. WebCompare Doug Buffone to . There was no one tougher on Sundays than Doug Buffone.. Giving to charity is a meaningful way to honor someone who has died. 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. 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. "He was a very special guy.". Dougs passion for the game of football and the Chicago Bears was unmatched and he will be missed. By the time Buffone wrapped up his brilliant career, he led all Bears linebackers with 24 career interceptions. And it's just that people are clamoring for more NFL. He was a kind and very well respected person throughout his earthly life. My condolences to your family you will be missed. However, in June 2009, the founder of Chicago Sports Webio was charged with operating a Ponzi scheme, and the site was shut down. Buffone's unbridled Bears enthusiasm made him a must-listen after games, especially following a difficult loss. Police were conducting a death invgestigation Monday afternoon. only met a couple times.. truly a class act .. Condolences to his friends and family. Send simple, comforting meals with Home Chef. It's surprising how much a musical selection can affect mourning. 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'. Rest in peace big Doug. And I don't know if we really improved after that (with) our draft choices or whatever. 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 never heard him gripe, Butkus said. We are praying for you and family. We lost one of our greats. My condolence to the Buffone Family> I had the pleasure of watching him play and then listening to him on the radio. Condolences to the family on your loss.. Tucker McKinney. Shamrock John. Buffone played collegiate football for Louisville. Buffone's company Digital One is the creator of ClickStreamTV, an online video platform product that was designed for small to medium-sized businesses. You will be greatly missed old friend. Doug Buffone was a terrific person, he taught me tons about football and about life. RIP friend. Enjoy that great football field in the sky. Police were called to Buffones Chicago home on Monday afternoon, where he was found unresponsive in bed. His retirement ended a link to our founder as he was the last active player to play for George Halas. Which first-round prospects should Raiders focus on at combine? Burlington Centrals Nicholas Gouriotis figures out the difference. DOUG YOU REMIND ME OF MY BROTHER WHO DIED MANY YEARS AGO. Former Bears coach Mike Ditka said Buffone had a lot of passion for the team, adding he has "nothing but great memories about him.". Bear Down. with funeral mass to follow at 6 pm. One was an air ball., Go big or go home. Unless you are experienced as an estate executor, you probably should hire an attorney. We will all miss you. PEACE. 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. "Even when he was healthy, our rookie year we got close but we just didn't have enough to get into the playoffs. Former Bears teammates remembered Buffone as an affable, fun-loving athlete with an engaging personality. Former Chicago Bears linebacker Doug Buffone's legacy stretches far beyond the football field. My sister Flora Davidson and I send our sympathy to the whole Buffone family. Rest in peace with all the angels and saints. You made us all so proud to be from Shannock Valley High School. I Had the pleasure of working for him at BBC. Buffone was pronounced dead on the scene Monday What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative? Hub. Great player, broadcaster, and humanitarian. Ways to honor Doug Buffone's life and legacy. Menu. After his playing days were over , had a great career doing radio with OB. Mr Buffone has always been a true ambassador for Chicago, the Bears, and the NFL. Paramedics were called to Buffone's Chicago home Monday afternoon, where they found the popular linebacker-turned-broadcaster unresponsive, police said. "One time for Doug Buffone! (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. He had like bird legs but a developed upper body. the former Bears linebacker who died I was fortunate enough to have Doug as a mentor, teammate, & friend at the University of Louisville. Say hi to Vince Lombardi and all the other men that played with their Heart. "I will always remember him for his football talent, sense of humor and enduring friendship," Butkus said. Beyond my incredible respect for him he was a guy I loved, just like everybody I know who ever met him. Former Bears middle linebacker Brian Urlacher tweeted about Buffone's death Monday. He made a difference in a good-way in a lot of people lives. In a statement, Hall of Famer Dick Butkus, who played alongside Buffone on the Bears for seven years, said a "great man" was lost. "Doug's passion for the game of football and the Chicago Bears was unmatched, and he will be missed.". Everybody on the team wanted To wear Butkus's number; I proudly wore 55 ! Doug Buffone died in his sleep on April 20, 2015. Other shows Buffone was involved in producing included The Neal Anderson Show for WBBM-AM, and The Mike Ditka Show for WSCR-AM. Discover Doug Buffone's Biography, Age, Height, Physical Stats, Dating/Affairs, Family and career updates. His rebound downs Marian Catholic. Rest in peace #55! Deepest Sympathy to the family. To me, I loved the game and it was all about playing football and to get drafted and lo and behold play for your home city and have a guy like (defensive end Ed) O'Bradovich that I used to watch at Illiinois and Gale. But Butkus never gives it extended thought. It's a great event that they're (now) going to have it in Chicago. Bernstein said he has encountered former football players who were bitter about what they had to sacrifice. A true friend. RIP Doug.I will miss your post game show and all the fun stuff you did on the other shows.BIG DOUG! His retirement ended a link to our founder as he was the last active player to play for George Halas.. 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. When I was a little football manager at SVHS, Doug made me feel important to the team. 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. He was married to Dana. My condolences to the family and he will be truly missed! We are terribly saddened to hear of Dougs passing, Bears Chairman George McCaskey said in a statement. He was selected in the fourth round of the 1966 NFL draft out of Louisville. 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. Chicago Bears linebacker Doug Buffone. "You didn't get the exposure like you do today," Butkus said. #bearslegend #55. Doug was an excellent linebacker and had great career. "I will always remember him for his football talent, sense of humor and enduring friendship," Butkus said. May memories of him and the love of your family and friends give you strength in the days ahead. There was no one tougher on Sundays than Doug Buffone. A great player on the field and an even better man off the field in all aspects. "It's the old syndrome," Butkus said Tuesday. I am truly sorry for the loss of Doug Buffone. He was 70. 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