A life well lived. Death of Doug Buffone. 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. Portrait. 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. 3 all-time tackler with 479, just nine stops behind the program's all-time leader Mark Sander (198790). "He was a very special guy.". Copyright 2023 WLS-TV. 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 "He was a very special guy. Rest in peace big Doug. Projecting the futures of Kirk Cousins, Dalvin Cook and other Vikings veterans. 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? Always enjoyed watching Doug play LB alongside Butkus and Brubacher, the 3 B's. "We lost one of our greats. RIP friend. In his professional career, Buffone gathered more than 1,200 tackles, going over the 100-tackle mark in seven seasons. Loving brother of Sam, Dennis, Joseph, Debbie, Donna Jeanne and Tina. Police were conducting a death invgestigation Monday afternoon. "That bitterness never, ever was there with Doug, ever," he said. Buffone played in 186 games for the Bears, making 1,257 tackles and going over the 100-tackle mark in seven seasons. 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. The bottom line is he was true and loyal to his family, to football and to his friends. Besides being a hell of a football player, he was a hell of a guy.. "Doug had a lot of passion for the Bears,' former teammate Mike Ditka said. and Love. 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 want to extend my warm wishes to Doug's family for comfort and hope his love will keep you all forever. I have nothing but great memories about him., Doug was a Bear. Buffone retired after the 1979 season with 24 career interceptions to lead all Bears linebackers. Former Bears linebacker Buffone dies at 70, Top draft prospect Carter charged in fatal crash, Trade Lamar? Doug gave much pleasure and smiles to all of Chicago once he came aboard his Rookie year. RIP Doug.I will miss your post game show and all the fun stuff you did on the other shows.BIG DOUG! He finished every time., Lifes a beach under the basket for Lemonts Miles Beachum. There was no one tougher on Sundays than Doug Buffone. Chicago and bear fans around the world will miss you. Melanie Davidson Banks. Javascript is required for the selection of a player. Offering my sincere condolences. In a statement, Hall of Famer Dick Butkus, who played alongside Buffone on the Bears for seven years, said a "great man" was lost. Buffone and his family resided in Chicago, and he was heavily involved in Chicago sports and broadcasting. Great person. He led Louisville in tackles three straight years and remains third on the all-time career list for tackles made with 479. 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. Born on June 27, 1944, in Yatesboro, Pa., Buffone was the son of a coal miner. Played 186 games as a Bear, the third most among Bears. Sympathy to your family. Later, when he was a guest co-host or scheduled football analyst with me we got to know each other even better. It's hard to say. Jupiter and Venus appear to 'kiss' in the sky, Belvidere Jeep assembly plant shut down indefinitely, Chicago Weather: Cloudy and much cooler Thursday. Buffone died at his residence in Chicago, Illinois, on April 20, 2015, aged 70. All Rights Reserved. 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 enjoyed immensly the discussions we had together. He is known for The NFL on CBS (1956), NFL Monday Night Football (1970) and The NFL on NBC (1965). He will be missed. Can the Lions fix their defense? He will not soon be forgotten.I hope the promise at Isaiah 65:20 will bring comfort to the Buffone family. Butkus will have a role in next week's production downtown, announcing one of the Bears' selections on the draft's second day. Not only a BEARS Icon, but a good man and I am sure a wonderful Husband, Father, Grandfather and son! I Had the pleasure of working for him at BBC. However, in June 2009, the founder of Chicago Sports Webio was charged with operating a Ponzi scheme, and the site was shut down. Many prayers to our cousins for the loss of Doug. Obituaries Section. 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. WebAge, Biography and Wiki. Send simple, comforting meals with Home Chef. Published by Chicago Sun-Times on Apr. Burlington Centrals Nicholas Gouriotis figures out the difference. Even though we met only twice, you treated me like we were life-long friends. He was a kind and very well respected person throughout his earthly life. There's been a tremendous response to it. Buffone's 14 seasons in Chicago are tied for second most in club history. It's funny how we strangers can call him Doug, but that's who he was to us. DOUG YOU REMIND ME OF MY BROTHER WHO DIED MANY YEARS AGO. Please tell my dad, your Uncle Joe, hi and we miss and love him. (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. I will always remember our times together. See How All 50 Wards Voted in the 2023 Chicago Mayoral Election. I am Dyke's 1st cousin. I am truly sorry for the loss of Doug Buffone. Player News. At Louisville, Buffone played center and linebacker for coach Frank Camp. He also held the team's record for most games played with 186. I never had the honor and privilege of meeting Doug but I listened to him on the radio religiously. Dana, and family'. Beginning in the 1990s, Buffone became a fixture on Chicago sports talk radio and local television. I was fortunate to meet him a few times at autographing sessions and was in awe of how he handled everyone with a smile, joke and even a story. ", Oswego Easts Jehvion Starwood steps up with winning 3-pointer in OT. Doug Buffone will be missed. May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. 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. Doug was one of the most dependable players in franchise history and perhaps its most beloved. "We lost one of our greats. CHICAGO -- Former Bears linebacker Doug Buffone, whose reputation for being a passionate football player carried over into his career as a sports broadcaster, died Monday at the age of 70. All of us from back home in our Pennsylvania coal mining town were blessed to have him in our lives. 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. He died on April 20, 2015 in Chicago, Illinois, USA. "I will always remember him for his football talent, sense of humor and enduring friendship," Butkus said. Our sincere condolences to the Buffone family. Love to listen to him and Ed O after the game because the called it the way it was. Doug, God has brought you home for the rest and comfort of a life well lived. Doug Buffone will be missed.". In the 21st century, it's not just urns and gravestones anymore. God Bless his soul and now eternal life through Jesus Christ. Menu. 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. 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. (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 began broadcasting Chicago Rush Arena Football League games for Comcast SportsNet and WGN in 2010. The Buffone Family is in my prayers. He had 1,257 tackles, going over the 100 tackle mark in seven seasons. It was an exhibition game in 1966. "He will always be celebrated as one of the Bears' greats for his contributions to his team and the fans who loved him. Tom Shaer. Doug's athletic prowess at Shannock Valley High School earned him a scholarship to the University of Louisville where he established a career total of 479 tackles, which remains third in program history to this day. "One time for Doug Buffone! Number 55 is officially retired.Rest in peace,Doug. He was a Bears rookie. "We are terribly saddened to hear of Doug's passing," Bears chairman George McCaskey said in a statement. I never met Mr. Dougbut I loved to listen to him and his buddy OB, after a Bears win/loss, AND learned alot about football. I cannot tell you how much I will miss him.. He also had 10 fumble recoveries, nine forced fumbles, 37 sacks and 1,257 tackles, going over the 100-tackle mark in seven seasons. May the God of all comfort be with you all. 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'. Both players eventually found their way into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Condolences to the family. His rebound downs Marian Catholic. Doug was one of the founders of the Arena Football League, starting the Chicago Bruisers franchise, which played in the ArenaBowl II, he appeared on some Bruisers Radio and TV broadcasts with Les Grobstein, and was involved in the United States Football League with the Chicago Blitz. Copyright 2023 ESPN Internet Ventures. 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 man was later identified as Buffone, who played 14 seasons for the Bears. Great player, broadcaster, and humanitarian. 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. Over the years I got to know not only the football player, but the Man. My father Ernie Poulos enjoyed your company so much. Beyond my incredible respect for him he was a guy I loved, just like everybody I know who ever met him. Buffone was said to have died of natural causes at the age of 70. He was kind, he was real, he was sincere, he will be truly missed by all. Doug Sr was a man of honor and humor, and will be missed by many. 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. You made us all so proud to be from Shannock Valley High School. The first two interceptions of his career came off future Hall of Famers Bart Starr and Johnny Unitas. He was 70 years old and, in certain ways, died fulfilled. He was married to Dana. Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you. We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time. Butkus said he had been planning to call Buffone to check in last week but never did. What a guy! You never gave up on the field and you always wished the best for the Bears. Oswego Easts Jehvion Starwood steps up with winning 3-pointer in OT. Thread starter richsox24; Start date Apr 20, 2015; richsox24 Apr 20, 2015 #1 Just reported. There was no one tougher on Sundays than Doug Buffone.". He made a lasting impression as a "man's -man and a genuine nice guy.". He was a Pro Bowler in my eyes on my team., In recent years, Buffone hosted a Bears postgame radio show on WSCR-AM 670 with Ed OBradovich. We pray for him and for the family . Such an amazing man. While we seldom saw each other after he left RV, anytime we crossed paths, he always conducted himself as if we were old friends. Bernstein said he has encountered former football players who were bitter about what they had to sacrifice. Mitch Rosen, WSCR operations director, called Buffone a Chicago original., Not only a great football player, a great person on the radio but more than anything, just a great individual, Rosen said. I never met the man, but through the radio I felt like I got to know Doug like an uncle. RIP blueline EOG Master Apr 20, 2015 #2 Re: Former Bear Doug Buffone dies at 70 only show at WSCR I made it a point to listen to RIP John Kelly Born Gambler Staff member Apr 20, 2015 #3 Re: Former Bear Doug Buffone dies at 70 70 years old and, in Yatesboro, Pa., Buffone became a fixture on Chicago sports talk radio local! 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