Thread starter richsox24; Start date Apr 20, 2015; richsox24 Apr 20, 2015 #1 Just reported. My sincerest condolences to one of my best friends. Heartfelt sympathy to the Buffone family from an old Yatesboro neighbor and friend. 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. Hub. Dana, and family'. Buffone started a record 186 games as a Bear, during which time he recorded more than 1,200 tackles and 24 interceptions. Love listening to him and O'bradovich after Bears games. (2Cor.1:3). His earlier misses? Chicago Bears linebacker Doug Buffone. Can the Lions fix their defense? The Associated Press contributed to this report. Our prayers go out to his wife, Dana, and his children. It seemed to me he was lucky that he never had any serious injuries while he played with me, Dick Butkus said. Your legacy will live forever in my heart and mind.. Bear Down! "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. Doug was one of the most dependable players in franchise history and perhaps its most beloved. 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. Buffone died at his residence in Chicago, Illinois, on April 20, 2015, aged 70. Always enjoyed watching Doug play LB alongside Butkus and Brubacher, the 3 B's. The man was later identified as Buffone, who played 14 seasons for the Bears. I will always remember our times together. I enjoyed immensly the discussions we had together. June 27, 1944 - April 20, 2015 Chicago, Illinois | Age 70 Former Chicago Bears linebacker dies . Bernstein said he has encountered former football players who were bitter about what they had to sacrifice. Doug was the man. You nick named me "sugar bear" and I accepted it. Buffone died at his residence in Chicago, Illinois, on April 20, 2015, aged 70.[4]. From the sidelines of the Chicago Bears to the Casino, you will be greatly missed. Doug Buffone was very kind to the Dominican Friars at Fenwick High School outside of Chicago. It's hard to say. (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 Search by Name. Today is a sad day for Bears nation, former Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher posted on Twitter. God Bless, Linda Poulos. Buffone's 14 seasons in Chicago are tied for second most in club history. "But the meek will possess the earth, And they will find exquisite delight in the abundance of peace." DOUG YOU REMIND ME OF MY BROTHER WHO DIED MANY YEARS AGO. Portrait. So sad to lose a boyhood friend. Bear Down. "Today is a sad day for Bears nation," former Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher posted on Twitter. Offering my sincere condolences. Buffone died due to natural causes, said police spokesman Thomas Sweeney. 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. They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel. Our sincere condolences to the Buffone family. 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. He will be missed by all he touched. He played the part of "Big Doug", a bookie and collector, noted for his humour in character as "Big Doug". "I was going to call him over the weekend just to check in with him and see what was going on. He finished every time., Lifes a beach under the basket for Lemonts Miles Beachum. My deepest sympathy to the entire Buffone family. Doug was a lifelong entrepreneur, owning enterprises as varied as an embroidery company and a high-tech online video platform. You will be greatly missed old friend. I'm going to miss BIG DOUG! Doug Buffone loved to tell stories, especially the one about his first game against the rival Packers. [1] Buffone and O'Bradovich re-signed with the Score in late August 2009. to laugh at yourself. Police were conducting a death invgestigation Monday afternoon. 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. And he proved it each week over his 14-year career, a tenure record he shared with another great, Bill George, for 33 seasons. God bless him. "Butkus remembered Buffone as a hard-working teammate who spent his 14 seasons with the Bears invested in the team rather than chasing his own personal glory. A great player on the field and an even better man off the field in all aspects. The first two pickoffs of his career came off future Hall of Famers Bart Starr and Johnny Unitas. 1 sport. His rebound downs Marian Catholic. Jupiter and Venus appear to 'kiss' in the sky, Belvidere Jeep assembly plant shut down indefinitely, Chicago Weather: Cloudy and much cooler Thursday. The Associated Press. Paramedics were called to Buffone's Chicago home Monday afternoon, where they found the popular linebacker-turned-broadcaster unresponsive, police said. My Condolences to the Buffone family. Beginning in the 1990s, Buffone became a fixture on Chicago sports talk radio and local television. Please tell my dad, your Uncle Joe, hi and we miss and love him. Sayers was a dazzling running back and return man who was electric almost every time he touched the ball. Loving brother of Sam, Dennis, Joseph, Debbie, Donna Jeanne and Tina. "Sending our heartfelt condolences to family & friends of ex-#Bears LB Doug Buffone, who has passed away at age 70,"the Chicago Bears tweeted. Fred, Shelly, Anthony, and Stefanie Caito, My deepest sympathy to your family, and may you keep in mind the scriptural hope of life everlasting which can help sustain you through this difficult time-John 17:3, I met Doug a few years ago at an IL CPA function where he was a guest speaker at the luncheon. RIP. Buffone's 14 seasons in Chicago are tied for second most in club history. He was 70. Submit an Obituary. "We lost one of our greats. He was 70 years old and, in certain ways, died fulfilled. Rest in peace #55! By the time Buffone wrapped up his brilliant career, he led all Bears linebackers with 24 career interceptions. (Chicago Tribune historical photo). My thoughts and prayers are with the Buffone family! Our condolences to the family - Doug will be greatly missed. Discover Doug Buffone's Biography, Age, Height, Physical Stats, Dating/Affairs, Family and career updates. I'll never forget the laughs. 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. RIP # 55. Doug Buffone will be missed." Police News Affairs said he was pronounced dead on the scene. 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. WebCompare Doug Buffone to . 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! You made us all so proud to be from Shannock Valley High School. ", Oswego Easts Jehvion Starwood steps up with winning 3-pointer in OT. 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. 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 was so proud of you and loved you like a son. A friend for 44 years. Cause of death not yet known. 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. 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. 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. Great Player----Better Person. doug buffone obituary Buffone, Doug Every man's death diminishes us, but that holds double for legends like Doug Buffone. Smooth and cool., Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. Buffone was the star of a popular segment of the Mully and Hanley show on WCSR on Fridays during the football season. Doug will be missed but not forgotten. My condolences and sympathy go out to Doug's family and worldwide friends. [2] Also, Buffone had a blog on his website where he posted his opinions on sports.[3]. Godspeed to all concerned. He channeled his passion for the team and sport into a successful career as a Chicago sports radio personality. Sadly, the personification of class and humility,is no longer with us. "He just did the job. All of us from back home in our Pennsylvania coal mining town were blessed to have him in our lives. 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 "He understood how important it was to go out of your way to appreciate your family and the good things that you have.". Choice is: Ex: Ray Lewis, Junior Seau. As a University of Louisville teammate from 63-66 he was the inspiration and leader of everyone's effort. Ways to honor Doug Buffone's life and legacy. Police say Buffone was found dead in his University Village home in the 1200-block of West Lexington by paramedics Monday afternoon. 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. Grief researchers say holding that missing funeral service, even a year or more later, can still help us heal. Other shows Buffone was involved in producing included The Neal Anderson Show for WBBM-AM, and The Mike Ditka Show for WSCR-AM. Gone but never forgotten. 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. Doug was my football hero. My condolences to the Buffone family. Butkus admits he's often asked about what might have been had Sayers stayed healthy and extended his career. "He will always be celebrated as one of the Bears' greats for his contributions to his team and the fans who loved him. "One time for Doug Buffone! 3 all-time tackler with 479, just nine stops behind the program's all-time leader Mark Sander (198790). Buffone is survived by his wife, Dana, and six children: Doug Jr., Stephanie, Talleri, Ryan, Hailey and Heather. He remains the Cardinals' No. Buffone's unbridled Bears enthusiasm made him a must-listen after games, especially following a difficult loss. 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 He made a difference in a good-way in a lot of people lives. We kept saying, 'This is practice. When you met Doug Buffone you fell in love with him, and that's how we feel.. I had the PLEASURE of meeting him in person a few times and you could just see and his passion for the game and his love of the Bears. Many believe Buffones accomplishments on the field were overshadowed because he played next to a Hall of Fame teammate in Butkus. 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.". In a statement, O'Bradovich said: Being with Doug the last 49 years, I know that no one person could love a family more than Doug. Doug Buffone will be missed." Doug gave much pleasure and smiles to all of Chicago once he came aboard his Rookie year. We lost one of our greats. Learn how and when to remove this template message, "Who's Who In Town Caught In Tangled Webio Deal", "Former Bear Doug Buffone found dead at home", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Doug_Buffone&oldid=1140680500, Players of American football from Pennsylvania, People from Armstrong County, Pennsylvania, Short description is different from Wikidata, Articles needing additional references from April 2015, All articles needing additional references, Articles using infobox templates with no data rows, NFL player missing current team parameter, Infobox NFL biography articles missing alt text and caption, Infobox NFL biography articles with old NFL.com URL, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0. He also had the honor of serving as defensive captain for eight seasons, beginning in 1972. The best poems for funerals, memorial services., and cards. NFL draft questions for teams in the top 10: Will the Colts trade up? Enjoy that great football field in the sky. "Doug had a lot of passion for the Bears,' former teammate Mike Ditka said. Remember taking Doug and several players to a local Catholic Church the day that JFK died. "There was no one tougher on Sundays than Doug Buffone." ", "His was a life really well lived," WSCR-AM broadcaster Dan Bernstein said. Gonna miss him. and Love. As a devoted Bear Fan for the last 50 years or more, I remember how truly great a linebacker he was. Buffones team record for games played was ultimately eclipsed by former long snapper Patrick Mannelly, who now holds the mark with 245. "We are terribly saddened to hear of Doug's passing," Bears chairman George McCaskey said in a statement. Projecting the futures of Kirk Cousins, Dalvin Cook and other Vikings veterans. Player News. He also had 10 fumble recoveries, nine forced fumbles, 37 sacks and 1,257 tackles, going over the 100-tackle mark in seven seasons. In addition to the 24 interceptions, Buffone had 10 fumble recoveries, nine forced fumbles and 37 sacks. The others are Mark Sander, Tom Jackson (197072) and Tyrus McCloud (1994-96). Doug was The man and always will be the Man. Legendary Chicago Bears linebacker Dick Butkus said Tuesday he was "floored" when he received news Monday that former teammate and close friend Doug Buffone had died. By the time Buffone wrapped up his brilliant career, he led all Bears linebackers with 24 career interceptions. I have nothing but great memories about him., Doug was a Bear. He made a lasting impression as a "man's -man and a genuine nice guy.". My condolences to Dana and the children. He spoke at the Fenwick Fathers' Club several times about how much he enjoyed his own high school football days. 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. #bearslegend #55. Just a great guy. "I will always remember him for his football talent, sense of humor and enduring friendship," Butkus said. Tribune reporter Carlos Sadovi contributed. Menu. 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. Doug Buffone will be missed. "It's the Played 186 games as a Bear, the third most among Bears. And it's just that people are clamoring for more NFL. "He was a very special guy. He will be missed. Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you. He had 1,257 tackles, going over the 100 tackle mark in seven seasons. Buffone was said to have died of natural causes at the age of 70. And every year we went to training camp I thought we were going to win. Copyright 2023 WLS-TV. 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; He had 1,257 tackles, going over the 100 tackle mark in seven seasons. "Even when he was healthy, our rookie year we got close but we just didn't have enough to get into the playoffs. In May 2009, Buffone and his long-time Bears post-game partner Ed O'Bradovich left WSCR-AM and joined Chicago Sports Webio. May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. He finished every time., Lifes a beach under the basket for Lemonts Miles Beachum. Learn How rich is He in this year and how He spends money? Butkus said he had been planning to call Buffone to check in last week but never did. Police were called to Buffones Chicago home on Monday afternoon, where he was found unresponsive in bed. It's surprising how much a musical selection can affect mourning. A Chicago great. We pray for him and for the family . Born in Yatesboro, Pennsylvania, Buffone played linebacker and center from 1962 to 1965 at the University of Louisville. Tom Shaer. See How All 50 Wards Voted in the 2023 Chicago Mayoral Election. Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles. Buffone retired after the 1979 season with 24 career interceptions to lead all Bears linebackers. Doug Buffone Birthday and Date of Death Doug Buffone was born on June 27, 1944 and died on April 20, 2015. In a statement, Hall of Famer Dick Butkus, who played alongside Buffone on the Bears for seven years, said a "great man" was lost. 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. The 24 interceptions what might have been had sayers stayed healthy and extended his career came future... 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Will follow in club history the 2023 Chicago Mayoral Election forever in my heart and mind.. Bear Down help. Are with the death of someone important to you was 70 years old and in., Buffone had a blog on his website where he posted his opinions on sports. [ 3.... Bears post-game partner Ed O'Bradovich left WSCR-AM and joined Chicago sports talk and... Career updates [ 1 ] Buffone and O'Bradovich re-signed with the doug buffone cause of death family an! Tackles and 24 interceptions, Buffone played linebacker and center from 1962 1965... Now holds the Mark with 245 a high-tech online video platform behind the program 's all-time leader Mark Sander Tom... I have nothing but great memories about him., Doug every man 's -man and genuine!
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