RIP #55 You will always be in our hearts!! - 20 April 2015) (his death) (2 children) Trivia (1) Jupiter and Venus appear to 'kiss' in the sky, Belvidere Jeep assembly plant shut down indefinitely, Chicago Weather: Cloudy and much cooler Thursday. There was no one tougher on Sundays than Doug Buffone.". "I don't know," he said. Why the Packers' transition to Jordan Love, whenever it happens, will require patience, A new home for Michael Thomas? He also had 10 fumble recoveries, nine forced fumbles, 37 sacks and 1,257 tackles, going over the 100-tackle mark in seven seasons. and Love. 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. 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. (670 The Score) Monday marked the five-year anniversary of beloved former Bears linebacker and Score personality Doug Buffone's death at age 70. Unless you are experienced as an estate executor, you probably should hire an attorney. My thoughts and prayers are with the Buffone family! 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. Search by Name. Great athlete! Deepest Sympathy to the family. It was an exhibition game in 1966. "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. It's surprising how much a musical selection can affect mourning. "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. And that's what made him such a great guy, a great character, a great person." Buffone in recent years hosted a Bears postgame radio show on WSCR-AM with former teammate Ed O'Bradovich. Buffone died at his residence in Chicago, Illinois, on April 20, 2015, aged 70.[4]. Police were called to Buffones Chicago home on Monday afternoon, where he was found unresponsive in bed. The best poems for funerals, memorial services., and cards. 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. He was also the last active Bears player who played for the team with George Halas as the head coach. God Bless his soul and now eternal life through Jesus Christ. Chicago Bears linebacker Doug Buffone. 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. Food has always been a go-to for people in mourning. Number 55 is officially retired.Rest in peace,Doug. The pride Doug brought to the community in which he grew up could never be measured. Douglas John Buffone (June 27, 1944 April 20, 2015) was an American football linebacker in the National Football League. A true friend. WebDoug Buffone was born on June 27, 1944 in Yatesboro, Pennsylvania, USA. Everybody on the team wanted To wear Butkus's number; I proudly wore 55 ! 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. "This is kind of a lull in the year. "Doug had a lot of passion for the Bears,' former teammate Mike Ditka said. Send simple, comforting meals with Home Chef. His rebound downs Marian Catholic. Buffone's 14 seasons in Chicago are tied for second most in club history. The shockwaves from Doug's passing have been felt by so many of us. Doug Buffone was a terrific person, he taught me tons about football and about life. And I didn't call. Our prayers go out to his wife, Dana, and his children. "He understood how important it was to go out of your way to appreciate your family and the good things that you have.". 1 sport. 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. 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. Cause of death not yet known. He had 1,257 tackles, going over the 100 tackle mark in seven seasons. Buffone was drafted by the Bears in 1966, spending 15 seasons with the team. Somebody that everybody loved. Grief researchers say holding that missing funeral service, even a year or more later, can still help us heal. My condolences to Dana and the children. "We are terribly saddened to hear of Doug's passing," Bears chairman George McCaskey said in a statement. Bears chairman George McCaskey noted that Buffone's relationship with the team's fans continued beyond his playing days. Doug was my football hero. Buffone's 14 seasons in Chicago are tied for second most in club history. It seemed to me he was lucky that he never had any serious injuries while he played with me, Dick Butkus said. 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. It's hard to say. You have funeral questions, we have answers. "He was a very special guy.". "But the meek will possess the earth, And they will find exquisite delight in the abundance of peace." 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. And he proved it each week over his 14-year career, a tenure record he shared with another great, Bill George, for 33 seasons. Buffone retired with 24 career interceptions to lead all Bear linebackers. Over the years I got to know not only the football player, but the Man. 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. Listening to him and Ed was great. May the God of all comfort be with you all. The first two pickoffs of his career came off future Hall of Famers Bart Starr and Johnny Unitas. "Today is a sad day for Bears nation," said former Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher, who like Buffone played his entire career with the team. Radio host and legendary Chicago Bears linebacker Doug Buffone dies at 70 (Photo: 1977), quoted by the Tribune from his radio show. He was the last active player to play for team founder George Halas. I never had the honor and privilege of meeting Doug but I listened to him on the radio religiously. Loving brother of Sam, Dennis, Joseph, Debbie, Donna Jeanne and Tina. Doug has already entered the gates of Heaven. We grew up in Yatesboro together. We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time. "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. 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. Mr Buffone has always been a true ambassador for Chicago, the Bears, and the NFL. FYI the boy could dance.". Doug will be missed but not forgotten. Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love. It's funny how we strangers can call him Doug, but that's who he was to us. He made a difference in a good-way in a lot of people lives. PEACE. Shamrock John. 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 spoke at the Fenwick Fathers' Club several times about how much he enjoyed his own high school football days. In his professional career, Buffone gathered more than 1,200 tackles, going over the 100-tackle mark in seven seasons. His retirement ended a link to our founder as he was the last active player to play for George Halas. Hub. A man who had no problem talking about covering himself in deer urine or how he conversed with extraterrestrials. He teamed with fellow ex-Bears great Ed O'Bradovich on the radio in recent years. Police say Buffone was found dead in his University Village home in the 1200-block of West Lexington by paramedics Monday afternoon. Enjoy heaven with Sweetness, Gale, and Papa Bear. Doug will be fondly remembered through many recaptures of the lives he touched. 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. Today is a sad day for Bears nation, former Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher posted on Twitter. 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. So sad to lose a boyhood friend. Buffone retired after the 1979 season with 24 career interceptions, the most for any Bears linebacker. God bless him. "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 cared," McCaskey said. Buffone and his family resided in Chicago, and he was heavily involved in Chicago sports and broadcasting. 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. 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. Buffone had 10 fumble recoveries, nine forced fumbles and 37 sacks. Published by Chicago Sun-Times on Apr. Copyright 2023 WLS-TV. 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. Bernstein said he has encountered former football players who were bitter about what they had to sacrifice. I appreciated his honesty and knowledge and just want to say thank you Big Doug. "Even when he was healthy, our rookie year we got close but we just didn't have enough to get into the playoffs. "Doug's passion for the game of football and the Chicago Bears was unmatched, and he will be missed.". Buffone, a fourth-round draft pick whose 24 interceptions remain the most in club history for a linebacker, Doug rest in peace met you twice you were great to talk to you made me laugh. And I think this is going to help the whole situation. 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 Police News Affairs said he was pronounced dead on the scene. Buffone's team record for games played was ultimately eclipsed by former long snapper Patrick Mannelly, who now holds the mark with 245. His earlier misses? From the sidelines of the Chicago Bears to the Casino, you will be greatly missed. (CBS) Legendary Chicago Bear and 670 The Score Bears postgame co-host Doug Buffone has died at 70. ", "His was a life really well lived," WSCR-AM broadcaster Dan Bernstein said. 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. What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative? 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 just found this sad news out. Buffone and his family resided in Chicago, and he was heavily involved in Chicago sports and broadcasting. All Rights Reserved. I am Dyke's 1st cousin. He was 70. And he proved it each week over his 14-year career, a tenure record he shared with another great, Bill George, for 33 seasons. (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. A friend for 44 years. He will always be celebrated as one of the Bears greats for his contributions to his team and the fans who loved him. "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 cared," McCaskey said. Buffone was pronounced dead on the scene Monday Sincerely, Marilyn Davis. Former Bears running back Ronnie Bull recalled the challenge of having to practice against the likes of Buffone, O'Bradovich and Butkus. Player News. We kept saying, 'This is practice. Paramedics were called to Buffones home in the 1200 block of West Lexington Street around 1:30 p.m. Monday, according to police and fire officials. our prays are with you. thank you Doug for making the Bears watchable , your news radio great God Bless rest in peace >>>AMEN. CHICAGO -- Former Bears linebacker Doug Buffone, whose reputation for being a passionate football player carried over into his career as a sports broadcaster, 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. When I was a little football manager at SVHS, Doug made me feel important to the team. #dougbuffone. "We lost one of our greats. I was just happy to be there, to tell you the truth. Even though we met only twice, you treated me like we were life-long friends. Buffone played collegiate football for Louisville. "Sending our heartfelt condolences to family & friends of ex-#Bears LB Doug Buffone, who has passed away at age 70,"the Chicago Bears tweeted. You will be greatly missed old friend. "It's the My deepest sympathy to the entire Buffone family. 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. "He understood how important it was to go out of your way to appreciate your family and the good things that you have.". We will all miss you. Doug Buffone (Douglas John Buffone) was born on 27 June, 1944 in Yatesboro, Pennsylvania, USA, is an Actor. By the time Buffone wrapped up his brilliant career, he led all Bears linebackers with 24 career interceptions. Buffone played in 186 games for the Bears, making 1,257 tackles and going over the 100-tackle mark in seven seasons. Of course, it's the No. He died on April 20, 2015 in Chicago, Illinois, USA. Buffone later laughed recalling how the real source of the odor was a dead rat they found in his locker buried beneath his stuff. "He will always be celebrated as one of the Bears' greats for his contributions to his team and the fans who loved him. David Kessler's top 4 tips for dealing with holiday grief. Former Bears coach Mike Ditka said Buffone had a lot of passion for the team, adding he has "nothing but great memories about him.". We strangers can call him Doug, but that 's who he was heavily involved Chicago... Memorial services., and when should you send an alternative wrapped up his brilliant career, Buffone more... Taught me tons about football and the Chicago Bears was unmatched, and the NFL 2015! Peace. God Bless rest in peace, Doug honor and privilege of meeting Doug but listened! Through Jesus Christ was lucky that he never had the honor and of., and he was to us privilege of meeting Doug but I to! 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