I cannot tell you how much I will miss him.. Paramedics were called to Buffone's Chicago home Monday afternoon, where they found the popular linebacker-turned-broadcaster unresponsive, police said. "Doug's passion for the game of football and the Chicago Bears was unmatched, and he will be missed.". The bottom line is he was true and loyal to his family, to football and to his friends. 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. More in Sports Obituary Read. Reporting by Steve Ginsburg in Washington; Editing by Peter Cooney. In a statement, Hall of Famer Dick Butkus, who played alongside Buffone on the Bears for seven years, said a "great man" was lost. In addition to the 24 interceptions, Buffone had 10 fumble recoveries, nine forced fumbles and 37 sacks. No cause of death was released. And it's just that people are clamoring for more NFL. (Chicago Tribune historical photo). I have fond memories of our boyhood days in Yatesboro. So admired, and deservedly so. He finished every time., Lifes a beach under the basket for Lemonts Miles Beachum. 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 "We lost one of our greats. 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. My thoughts and prayers are with the Buffone family! 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. Dougie, you were a great teammate." 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. Today is a sad day for Bears nation. Love listening to him and O'bradovich after Bears games. Buffone's unbridled Bears enthusiasm made him a must-listen after games, especially following a difficult loss. - 20 April 2015) (his death) (2 children) Trivia (1) CHICAGO (WLS) -- Doug Buffone, Chicago radio host and legendary Chicago Bears linebacker, has died. Enjoy that great football field in the sky. He played the part of "Big Doug", a bookie and collector, noted for his humour in character as "Big Doug". After his playing days were over , had a great career doing radio with OB. "We lost one of our greats. Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you. For some people, the best send-off is one that they would have loved to attendthemselves: a big party. In the 21st century, it's not just urns and gravestones anymore. We partied and danced Disco there frequently after ball games. And that's what made him such a great guy, a great character, a great person." I appreciated his honesty and knowledge and just want to say thank you Big Doug. I feel blessed to have known him. What a guy! Buffone's team record for games played was ultimately eclipsed by former long snapper Patrick Mannelly, who now holds the mark with 245. RIP Doug.I will miss your post game show and all the fun stuff you did on the other shows.BIG DOUG! Buffone, who is third on the Bears all-time list in games played, was a member of the Bears for his entire 14-year career, and he holds several records, including sacks in a season and most career interceptions by a linebacker. Doug spent his entire career with the Bears (1966-79) serving as defensive captain for eight years. One was an air ball., Go big or go home. My thoughts and prayers are with Dana and the entire family! Oswego Easts Jehvion Starwood steps up with winning 3-pointer in OT. 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. Buffone was drafted by the Bears in 1966, spending 15 seasons with the team. Bear Down. "One time for Doug Buffone! Shamrock John. 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. 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? 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. We grew up in Yatesboro together. Rest in peace big Doug. Very sorry for your loss Doug will be missed by friends,family and the sports world my heart goes out to his family. He finished every time., Lifes a beach under the basket for Lemonts Miles Beachum. Buffone played in 186 games for the Bears, making 1,257 tackles and going over the 100-tackle mark in seven seasons. Many believe Buffones accomplishments on the field were overshadowed because he played next to a Hall of Fame teammate in Butkus. My sincerest condolences to one of my best friends. Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love. And I think this is going to help the whole situation. I was just happy to be there, to tell you the truth. ", "For 15 seasons, Doug Buffone's play on the football field brought fear to his opponents but joy to his legions of fans here in Chicago," Mayor Rahm Emanuel said in a statement. Deepest Sympathy to the family. Cause of death not yet known. All the accolades he received, he deserved, and then some. Family (1) Spouse Dana (? Other shows Buffone was involved in producing included The Neal Anderson Show for WBBM-AM, and The Mike Ditka Show for WSCR-AM. The first two pickoffs of his career came off future Hall of Famers Bart Starr and Johnny Unitas. Buffone was the star of a popular segment of the Mully and Hanley show on WCSR on Fridays during the football season. We lost one of our greats. "As I have loved you, Love one another" As the summertime approaches I am deeply aware of the extent to which Love has changed my life,The Love of strangers, for those in distress,The Love of family, The Love of Friends; And the ineffiable Love of Our Father in Heaven as expressed in the Gospels's Plan of Salvation and as Manifest in the Peace it gives in the face of devastating loss May His Love bring to you and your family the Peace is has brought to me this day and throughtout the coming days. Beginning in the 1990s, Buffone became a fixture on Chicago sports talk radio and local television. Doug Sr was a man of honor and humor, and will be missed by many. I was 10 when I attended tha bobby Douglas football camp at moose heart in the suburbs I remember Doug I got his autograph and recall was very nice and happy to be there rip go bears, My condolences on the painful loss of Doug Buffone. In his post-NFL life, he hosted various Bears talk shows and the post-game shows for the games, co-hosted by former player and teammate Ed O'Bradovich, on 670 The Score. and Love. My Condolences to the Buffone family. Doug, God has brought you home for the rest and comfort of a life well lived. Beginning in the 1990s, Buffone became a fixture on Chicago sports talk radio and local television. 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. Sadly, the personification of class and humility,is no longer with us. ", Oswego Easts Jehvion Starwood steps up with winning 3-pointer in OT. (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. Thanks doug. Butkus said he had been planning to call Buffone to check in last week but never did. (Chicago Tribune historical photo). 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. He was a first cousin to my mother Marjorie Harland(Yanni). Loving brother of Sam, Dennis, Joseph, Debbie, Donna Jeanne and Tina. It was an honor to share the #55 with the first legend to wear it," tweeted Lance Briggs, another former Bears linebacker. The man was later identified as Buffone, who played 14 seasons for the Bears. "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. "He understood how important it was to go out of your way to appreciate your family and the good things that you have.". Copyright 2023 WLS-TV. Dana and family, be assured of my prayers. "He wasn't worried about his awards or anything else," Butkus said. In a statement, Hall of Famer Dick Butkus, who played alongside Buffone on the Bears for seven years, said a "great man" was lost. He was kind, he was real, he was sincere, he will be truly missed by all. Of course, it's the No. 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. Offering my sincere condolences. Dana, and family'. Doug was the man. Send simple, comforting meals with Home Chef. All Rights Reserved. "We are terribly saddened to hear of Doug's passing," Bears chairman George McCaskey said in a statement. He died on April 20, 2015 in Chicago, Illinois, USA. May god bless the buffone family. It's the old thing. He A native of Yatesboro, Pennsylvania, Buffone was a fourth-round draft pick by the Bears. The (NFL) has just done a great job of marketing the game. R.I.P. My deepest sympathy to the entire Buffone family. RIP Our prayers to your family! Former Bears coach Mike Ditka said Buffone had a lot of passion for the team, adding he has "nothing but great memories about him.". RIP # 55. A life well lived. NFL draft questions for teams in the top 10: Will the Colts trade up? Great person. Chicago Bears linebacker Doug Buffone. Expand the Memories and Condolences form. He was a fourth-round draft pick. Paramedics were called to Buffone's Chicago home Monday afternoon, where they found the popular linebacker-turned-broadcaster unresponsive, police said. Portrait. Thank You Doug , well done indeed ! We will all miss you. 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. The Bears selected him in the fourth round of the 1966 NFL draft and he chose the team over a better contract offer from San Diego in the old AFL. Former Chicago Bears linebacker Doug Buffone's legacy stretches far beyond the football field. He will always be celebrated as one of the Bears greats for his contributions to his team and the fans who loved him. Can the Lions fix their defense? Mr Buffone has always been a true ambassador for Chicago, the Bears, and the NFL. Enjoy heaven with Sweetness, Gale, and Papa Bear. Condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time. 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. Burlington Centrals Nicholas Gouriotis figures out the difference. As I read all the kind words about him, I how true they are. 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. Dougs passion for the game of football and the Chicago Bears was unmatched and he will be missed. I knew doug throughout the 70,s and there after our paths crossed on occasion,and each time he would greet you with a BIG buffone smile! He was 70 years old and, in certain ways, died fulfilled. He was 70. 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. Great player, sportscaster and Chicagoan. 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. Many prayers to our cousins for the loss of Doug. 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