I cannot tell you how much I will miss him.. For some people, the best send-off is one that they would have loved to attendthemselves: a big party. Born on June 27, 1944, in Yatesboro, Pa., Buffone was the son of a coal miner. Doug was a lifelong entrepreneur, owning enterprises as varied as an embroidery company and a high-tech online video platform. Search by Name. CHICAGO -- Former Bears linebacker Doug Buffone, whose reputation for being a passionate football player carried over into his career as a sports broadcaster, Our condolences to the family - Doug will be greatly missed. A man who had no problem talking about covering himself in deer urine or how he conversed with extraterrestrials. Buffone's unbridled Bears enthusiasm made him a must-listen after games, especially following a difficult loss. Smooth and cool., Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. Listening to him and Ed was great. Family (1) Spouse Dana (? CHICAGO (AP) Former Chicago Bears linebacker Doug Buffone, whose reputation for being a passionate football player carried over into his career as a sports broadcaster, was found dead Monday in his . I feel blessed to have known him. Buffone began broadcasting Chicago Rush Arena Football League games for Comcast SportsNet and WGN in 2010. Buffone's 14 seasons in Chicago are tied for second most in club history. Doug will be missed but not forgotten. Great player, sportscaster and Chicagoan. Bernstein said he has encountered former football players who were bitter about what they had to sacrifice. Grief researchers say holding that missing funeral service, even a year or more later, can still help us heal. He was selected in the fourth round of the 1966 NFL draft out of Louisville. Former Bears middle linebacker Brian Urlacher tweeted about Buffone's death Monday. Condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time. 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. I have fond memories of our boyhood days in Yatesboro. 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. 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. The first two interceptions of his career came off future Hall of Famers Bart Starr and Johnny Unitas. Buffone in recent years hosted a Bears postgame radio show on WSCR-AM with former teammate Ed O'Bradovich. (CBS) Legendary Chicago Bear and 670 The Score Bears postgame co-host Doug Buffone has died at 70. and Love. Mr Buffone has always been a true ambassador for Chicago, the Bears, and the NFL. Unless you are experienced as an estate executor, you probably should hire an attorney. We are praying for you and family. CHICAGO (AP) Former Chicago Bears linebacker Doug Buffone, whose reputation for being a passionate football player carried over into his career as a sports broadcaster, was found dead Monday in his home, according to police. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. The first two pickoffs of his career came off future Hall of Famers Bart Starr and Johnny Unitas. Death of Doug Buffone. 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. Doug Sr was a man of honor and humor, and will be missed by many. Submit an Obituary. ", Oswego Easts Jehvion Starwood steps up with winning 3-pointer in OT. He will not soon be forgotten.I hope the promise at Isaiah 65:20 will bring comfort to the Buffone family. Portrait. He played the game with passion and conviction. When you met Doug Buffone you fell in love with him, and that's how we feel.. I will be 60 years old this year and have been a Bears season ticket holder since 1980. 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; 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. thank you Doug for making the Bears watchable , your news radio great God Bless rest in peace >>>AMEN. He had 1,257 tackles, going over the 100 tackle mark in seven seasons. Buffone's team record for games played was ultimately eclipsed by former long snapper Patrick Mannelly, who now holds the mark with 245. After his playing days were over , had a great career doing radio with OB. Copyright 2023 WLS-TV. He was kind, he was real, he was sincere, he will be truly missed by all. Copyright 2023 ESPN Internet Ventures. 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! "Today is a sad day for Bears nation,"Brian Urlacher tweeted. Sympathy to your family. 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. 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. They don't make them like that anymore. "Sending our heartfelt condolences to family & friends of ex-#Bears LB Doug Buffone, who has passed away at age 70,"the Chicago Bears tweeted. 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 The pride Doug brought to the community in which he grew up could never be measured. One was an air ball., Go big or go home. Police were conducting a death invgestigation Monday afternoon. "We are terribly saddened to hear of Doug's passing," Bears chairman George McCaskey said in a statement. Buffone retired with 24 career interceptions to lead all Bear linebackers. 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. It was an honor to share the #55 with the first legend to wear it," tweeted Lance Briggs, another former Bears linebacker. Postgames will never be the same without him. ", "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. ol' buddy! Butkus admits he's often asked about what might have been had Sayers stayed healthy and extended his career. We will all miss you. In lieu of flowers, charitable donations to Maryville Academy and Mercy Hospital Heart and Vascular Center would be much appreciated. 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. I am Dyke's 1st cousin. My father Ernie Poulos enjoyed your company so much. You never gave up on the field and you always wished the best for the Bears. Buffone is survived by his wife, Dana, and six children: Doug Jr., Stephanie, Talleri, Ryan, Hailey and Heather. My God Bless Doug and his Family. 500) as one of seven children. Thank You Doug , well done indeed ! "We lost one of our greats. Buffone's unbridled Bears enthusiasm made him a must-listen after games, especially following a difficult loss. He attended Shannock Valley High School. While we seldom saw each other after he left RV, anytime we crossed paths, he always conducted himself as if we were old friends. By the time Buffone wrapped up his brilliant career, he led all Bears linebackers with 24 career interceptions. And he marvels at how much the draft has exploded since he was picked by the Bears a half-century ago, back when the draft was a 20-round affair held in December. All Rights Reserved. Sincerely, Marilyn Davis. Love to listen to him and Ed O after the game because the called it the way it was. (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. #bearslegend #55. "He understood how important it was to go out of your way to appreciate your family and the good things that you have.". And that's what made him such a great guy, a great character, a great person." Ways to honor Doug Buffone's life and legacy. As many who knew him have said, he was a great man and loved his family and his Bears. Thanks Doug for all you did as a player and broadcaster. A great Bear, but a better person. Beyond my incredible respect for him he was a guy I loved, just like everybody I know who ever met him. Many believe Buffones accomplishments on the field were overshadowed because he played next to a Hall of Fame teammate in Butkus. Former Bears teammates remembered Buffone as an affable, fun-loving athlete with an engaging personality. 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. The Buffone Family is in my prayers. We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time. He provided broadcast color commentary for the first NFL game (featuring the Bears and the Dallas Cowboys) in Europe. He died of natural causes, they said. 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. Buffone later laughed recalling how the real source of the odor was a dead rat they found in his locker buried beneath his stuff. Doug was a great friend to all of us. Radio host and legendary Chicago Bears linebacker Doug Buffone dies at 70 (Photo: 1977), quoted by the Tribune from his radio show. 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'. It's funny how we strangers can call him Doug, but that's who he was to us. As a devoted Bear Fan for the last 50 years or more, I remember how truly great a linebacker he was. I was just happy to be there, to tell you the truth. Buffone played collegiate football for Louisville. 1 sport. Enjoy heaven with Sweetness, Gale, and Papa Bear. May you find comfort in knowing that suffering and death will end here on earth. "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. 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