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. I hope that Doug and Norm Van Lear reunite and I can just hear the 2 of them. Postgames will never be the same without him. 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. Doug and OB were my therapy after a tough loss and part of my celebration after a great win. Always enjoyed watching Doug play LB alongside Butkus and Brubacher, the 3 B's. When I was a little football manager at SVHS, Doug made me feel important to the team. As I read all the kind words about him, I how true they are. Bernstein said he has encountered former football players who were bitter about what they had to sacrifice. 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 a very special guy.". He was a kind and very well respected person throughout his earthly life. Doug Buffone will be missed. And he proved it each week over his 14-year career, a tenure record he shared with another great, Bill George, for 33 seasons. Love to listen to him and Ed O after the game because the called it the way it was. The man was later identified as Buffone, who played 14 seasons for the Bears. A great Bear, but a better person. He teamed with fellow ex-Bears great Ed O'Bradovich on the radio in recent years. You'll be missed Doug!!! Projecting the futures of Kirk Cousins, Dalvin Cook and other Vikings veterans. Over the years I got to know not only the football player, but the Man. I never heard him gripe, Butkus said. Obituaries Section. All quotes delayed a minimum of 15 minutes. By the time Buffone wrapped up his brilliant career, he led all Bears linebackers with 24 career interceptions. Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles. The first two pickoffs of his career came off future Hall of Famers Bart Starr and Johnny Unitas. Could the Cowboys look at a running back in first round again? 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'. Today is a sad day for Bears nation. It was an honor to share the #55 with the first legend to wear it, tweeted Lance Briggs, another former Bears linebacker. (CBS) Legendary Chicago Bear and 670 The Score Bears postgame co-host Doug Buffone has died at 70. It was an honor to share the #55 with the first legend to wear it," tweeted Lance Briggs, another former Bears linebacker. Buffone, a well-liked and passionate linebacker who played 14 seasons for the Bears, was found dead at his home. Condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time. 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. 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. As a University of Louisville teammate from 63-66 he was the inspiration and leader of everyone's effort. There was no one tougher on Sundays than Doug Buffone. He remains the Cardinals' No. In addition to the 24 interceptions, Buffone had 10 fumble recoveries, nine forced fumbles and 37 sacks. In a statement, Hall of Famer Dick Butkus, who played alongside Buffone on the Bears for seven years, said a "great man" was lost. Discover Doug Buffone's Biography, Age, Height, Physical Stats, Dating/Affairs, Family and career updates. His retirement ended a link to our founder as he was the last active player to play for George Halas. He died of natural causes, they said. (2Cor.1:3). Doug rest in peace met you twice you were great to talk to you made me laugh. The pride Doug brought to the community in which he grew up could never be measured. Dougs passion for the game of football and the Chicago Bears was unmatched and he will be missed. Thread starter richsox24; Start date Apr 20, 2015; richsox24 Apr 20, 2015 #1 Just reported. (670 The Score) Monday marked the five-year anniversary of beloved former Bears linebacker and Score personality Doug Buffone's death at age 70. He channeled his passion for the team and sport into a successful career as a Chicago sports radio personality. And they've made it a very big deal now. "You didn't get the exposure like you do today," Butkus said. Buffone in recent years hosted a Bears postgame radio show on WSCR-AM with former teammate Ed O'Bradovich. To plant trees in memory, please visit the. All the accolades he received, he deserved, and then some. 23, 2015. All rights reserved, Storm System Could Bring Rain, Snow, and Gusty Winds to Chicago Area Friday, Chicago Police Officer Shot and Killed on Southwest Side, Chicago Police Release Details of What Led to Officer's Fatal Shooting in Gage Park, Who Did Your Ward Vote For? A native of Yatesboro, Pa., Buffone was a fourth-round draft pick by the Bears in 1966 out of Louisville. My God Bless Doug and his Family. Buffone retired after the 1979 season with 24 career interceptions, the most for any Bears linebacker. Buffone was an outspoken critic of the team in slow times, quoted by the Tribune from his radio show saying, "I could have gone to Rush Street last night and found 24 players who could do better than the Bears did today. The best poems for funerals, memorial services., and cards. "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. 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 was the epitome of the All American as a player and gentlemen. Please tell my dad, your Uncle Joe, hi and we miss and love him. Buffone is one of only four players to lead UofL in tackles for three consecutive seasons. Buffone died at his residence in Chicago, Illinois, on April 20, 2015, aged 70. Beginning in the 1990s, Buffone became a fixture on Chicago sports talk radio and local television. 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. And now it just seems that (the excitement) is not just starting in August at training camps. One was an air ball., Go big or go home. Thanks doug. He will be missed. Paramedics and police were summoned to Buffone's home on Chicago's West Side and found a 70-year-old man dead from natural causes, said police He played the part of "Big Doug", a bookie and collector, noted for his humour in character as "Big Doug". My condolences and sympathy go out to Doug's family and worldwide friends. RIP. Doug gave much pleasure and smiles to all of Chicago once he came aboard his Rookie year. A Chicago great. Statement from Bears Chairman George McCaskey: "We are terribly saddened to hear of Dougs passing. Buffone's unbridled Bears enthusiasm made him a must-listen after games, especially following a difficult loss. More in Sports Obituary Read. Following his collegiate career, Buffone was selected by the Chicago Bears in the fourth round of the 1966 NFL Draft and the eighth round of the American Football League Draft by the San Diego Chargers. At the time of his retirement, Buffone was the Bears' all-time leader in games played with 186. Police were called to Buffones Chicago home on Monday afternoon, where he was found unresponsive in bed. 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. Great athlete! GOD Bless you all. He was also the last active Bears player who played for the team with George Halas as the head coach. There was no one tougher on Sundays than Doug Buffone.". 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. ", Copyright 2023 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. Buffone played in 186 games for the Bears, making 1,257 tackles and going over the 100-tackle mark in seven seasons. Buffone, a fourth-round draft pick whose 24 interceptions remain the most in club history for a linebacker, He will be missed. "Today is a sad day for Bears nation," former Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher posted on Twitter. "Doug's passion for the game of football and the Chicago Bears was unmatched, and he will be missed.". I want to extend my warm wishes to Doug's family for comfort and hope his love will keep you all forever. Even the year we were 1-13, I always had the feeling we were going to win and we just didn't. Web70 Recently Passed Away Celebrities and Famous People. Cause of death not yet known. The first two interceptions of his career came off future Hall of Famers Bart Starr and Johnny Unitas. Syracuse Post Standard Homepage. I never had the honor and privilege of meeting Doug but I listened to him on the radio religiously. Butkus said he had been planning to call Buffone to check in last week but never did. He also held the team's record for most games played with 186. 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 had 1,257 tackles, going over the 100 tackle mark in seven seasons. You made us all so proud to be from Shannock Valley High School. Buffone's unbridled Bears enthusiasm made him a must-listen after games, especially following a difficult loss. ", "His was a life really well lived," WSCR-AM broadcaster Dan Bernstein said. RIP #55 You will always be in our hearts!! "We lost one of our greats. However, in June 2009, the founder of Chicago Sports Webio was charged with operating a Ponzi scheme, and the site was shut down. 37:10. doug buffone obituary Buffone, Doug Every man's death diminishes us, but that holds double for legends like Doug Buffone. CHICAGO (WLS) -- Doug Buffone, Chicago radio host and legendary Chicago Bears linebacker, has died. The thoughts and prayers of the people of Chicago are with Doug's family, friends, and many fans during this difficult time.". ", Oswego Easts Jehvion Starwood steps up with winning 3-pointer in OT. I remember spending a day with you and your twins at Kim Baker's pool and recall the love you have for your familywhich will remain strong in your heart. One time for Doug Buffone! 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. Cause of death not yet known. RIP friend. Shamrock John. We are praying for you and family. Besides being a hell of a football player, he was a hell of a guy.. I have fond memories of our boyhood days in Yatesboro. "Doug had a lot of passion for the Bears,' former teammate Mike Ditka said. Choice is: Ex: Ray Lewis, Junior Seau. "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 Buffone died in his sleep on April 20, 2015. I'm sure my dad is dancing and singing (two of his favorite things) in heaven having you up there with him. There was no one tougher on Sundays than Doug Buffone.". 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. Doug earned huge affection for his powerfully candid post-game show on WSCR-AM 670 with long-time friend and former teammate Ed O'Bradovich. Buffone retired with 24 career interceptions to lead all Bear linebackers. Thank You Doug , well done indeed ! He was 70. Bear Down. Buffone played in 186 games for the Bears, making 1,257 tackles and going over the 100-tackle mark in seven seasons. Tribune reporter Carlos Sadovi contributed. Buffone is survived by his wife, Dana, and six children: Doug Jr., Stephanie, Talleri, Ryan, Hailey and Heather. 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 Which first-round prospects should Raiders focus on at combine? Bears chairman George McCaskey noted that Buffone's relationship with the team's fans continued beyond his playing days. 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