Buffone started a record 186 games as a Bear, during which time he recorded more than 1,200 tackles and 24 interceptions. [1] Buffone and O'Bradovich re-signed with the Score in late August 2009. Rest in peace, my friend. All quotes delayed a minimum of 15 minutes. My sincerest condolences to one of my best friends. Projecting the futures of Kirk Cousins, Dalvin Cook and other Vikings veterans. Buffone began broadcasting Chicago Rush Arena Football League games for Comcast SportsNet and WGN in 2010. There was no one tougher on Sundays than Doug Buffone.. 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. Bears chairman George McCaskey noted that Buffone's relationship with the team's fans continued beyond his playing days. (670 The Score) Monday marked the five-year anniversary of beloved former Bears linebacker and Score personality Doug Buffone's death at age 70. Of course, it's the No. Rest in peace #55! Submit an Obituary. To me, I loved the game and it was all about playing football and to get drafted and lo and behold play for your home city and have a guy like (defensive end Ed) O'Bradovich that I used to watch at Illiinois and Gale. (Reuters) - Doug Buffone, a linebacker who played 14 seasons for the National Football Leagues Chicago Bears before retiring in 1980 as the franchises all-time leader in games played, died on Monday at the age of 70, the team said. Enjoy that great football field in the sky. Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you. Buffone was pronounced dead on the scene Monday He will always be celebrated as one of the Bears greats for his contributions to his team and the fans who loved him. Former Bear Doug Buffone dies at 70. He made a lasting impression as a "man's -man and a genuine nice guy.". Tony Catanese Mechanicsville,MD. Beginning in the 1990s, Buffone became a fixture on Chicago sports talk radio and local television. Doug gave much pleasure and smiles to all of Chicago once he came aboard his Rookie year. 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. 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. Ways to honor Doug Buffone's life and legacy. You never gave up on the field and you always wished the best for the Bears. 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. 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 Postgames will never be the same without him. 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. He also had the honor of serving as defensive captain for eight seasons, beginning in 1972. 37:10. 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. Say hi to Vince Lombardi and all the other men that played with their Heart. Buffone had 10 fumble recoveries, nine forced fumbles and 37 sacks. "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. We kept saying, 'This is practice. A visitation service for Buffone will be held at Old St. Pat's Church on Friday from 2-6 p.m. A funeral service will follow. "This is kind of a lull in the year. We partied and danced Disco there frequently after ball games. Doug will be fondly remembered through many recaptures of the lives he touched. Buffone in recent years hosted a Bears postgame radio show on WSCR-AM with former teammate Ed O'Bradovich. Copyright 2023 WLS-TV. 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 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. He was a first cousin to my mother Marjorie Harland(Yanni). Doug will be missed but not forgotten. All of us from back home in our Pennsylvania coal mining town were blessed to have him in our lives. And I think this is going to help the whole situation. "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. "Today is a sad day for Bears nation," former Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher posted on Twitter. He had 1,257 tackles, going over the 100 tackle mark in seven seasons. Former Bears coach Mike Ditka said Buffone had a lot of passion for the team, adding he has "nothing but great memories about him.". The Associated Press. Thanks Doug for all you did as a player and broadcaster. He was 70 years old and, in certain ways, died fulfilled. Butkus will have a role in next week's production downtown, announcing one of the Bears' selections on the draft's second day. "He was a very special guy. 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. "He will always be celebrated as one of the Bears' greats for his contributions to his team and the fans who loved him. Dougie, you were a great teammate." You taught me that it's o.k. May memories of him and the love of your family and friends give you strength in the days ahead. Even though we met only twice, you treated me like we were life-long friends. Copyright 2023 ESPN Internet Ventures. Played 186 games as a Bear, the third most among Bears. FYI the boy could dance.". We are praying for you and family. (Chicago Tribune historical photo). Rest in peace big Doug. Our condolences to the family - Doug will be greatly missed. Doug was an excellent linebacker and had great career. As a devoted Bear Fan for the last 50 years or more, I remember how truly great a linebacker he was. I want to extend my warm wishes to Doug's family for comfort and hope his love will keep you all forever. It seemed to me he was lucky that he never had any serious injuries while he played with me, Dick Butkus said. Why the Packers' transition to Jordan Love, whenever it happens, will require patience, A new home for Michael Thomas? A savage warrior with a heart of gold. Police News Affairs said he was pronounced dead on the scene. Born on June 27, 1944, in Yatesboro, Pa., Buffone was the son of a coal miner. 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. His rebound downs Marian Catholic. And I didn't call. The first two interceptions of his career came off future Hall of Famers Bart Starr and Johnny Unitas. It was my privilege to know Doug for 32 years, going back to when he owned Doug Buffone's Bear Report. R.I.P. "He was a very special guy.". (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. He had 1,257 tackles, going over the 100 tackle mark in seven seasons. In the 21st century, it's not just urns and gravestones anymore. He will not soon be forgotten.I hope the promise at Isaiah 65:20 will bring comfort to the Buffone family. Menu. He was kind, he was real, he was sincere, he will be truly missed by all. PEACE. Many believe Buffones accomplishments on the field were overshadowed because he played next to a Hall of Fame teammate in Butkus. "He was a very special guy.". Sympathy to your family. Buffone died due to natural causes, said police spokesman Thomas Sweeney. He channeled his passion for the team and sport into a successful career as a Chicago sports radio personality. My condolences to your family you will be missed. CHICAGO -- Former Bears linebacker Doug Buffone, whose reputation for being a passionate football player carried over into his career as a sports broadcaster, "He was a very special guy.". Over the years I got to know not only the football player, but the Man. RIP Doug.I will miss your post game show and all the fun stuff you did on the other shows.BIG DOUG! Number 55 is officially retired.Rest in peace,Doug. CHICAGO (WLS) -- Doug Buffone, Chicago radio host and legendary Chicago Bears linebacker, has died. He was 70. He finished every time., Lifes a beach under the basket for Lemonts Miles Beachum. Doug Buffone loved to tell stories, especially the one about his first game against the rival Packers. My condolences to Dana & children, Mr.Buffone you were a solid contributor to society and the Bears.A real class act God Bless you and your entire family.You will be missed. Such an amazing man. 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. "That bitterness never, ever was there with Doug, ever," he said. My thoughts and prayers are with Dana and the entire family! He spoke at the Fenwick Fathers' Club several times about how much he enjoyed his own high school football days. Thread starter richsox24; Start date Apr 20, 2015; richsox24 Apr 20, 2015 #1 Just reported. There's been a tremendous response to it. Sincerely, Marilyn Davis. Paramedics were called to Buffone's Chicago home Monday afternoon, where they found the popular linebacker-turned-broadcaster unresponsive, police said. #dougbuffone. Other shows Buffone was involved in producing included The Neal Anderson Show for WBBM-AM, and The Mike Ditka Show for WSCR-AM. "It's the In addition to the 24 interceptions, Buffone had 10 fumble recoveries, nine forced fumbles and 37 sacks. Gonna miss him. Doug was a lifelong entrepreneur, owning enterprises as varied as an embroidery company and a high-tech online video platform. 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. "We lost one of our greats. Great player, sportscaster and Chicagoan. Buffone and his family resided in Chicago, and he was heavily involved in Chicago sports and broadcasting. They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel. Smooth and cool., Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. Doug brought us all so much joy.."I am a 70 year woman who listens to The Score often, and I always loved Doug's passion and honesty.he made me smile. 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