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 . Buffone's unbridled Bears enthusiasm made him a must-listen after games, especially following a difficult loss. In a statement, Hall of Famer Dick Butkus, who played alongside Buffone on the Bears for seven years, said a "great man" was lost. 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. Visitation on Friday at Old St. Patrick's Church, 700 W. Adams, Friday at 2 pm. He was a great player and a great friend, former Bears tight end and coach Mike Ditka said. I love and will miss you dearly! So sad to lose a boyhood friend. Published by Chicago Sun-Times on Apr. David Kessler's top 4 tips for dealing with holiday grief. "I don't think anybody that has played for the Bears ever had more.' R.I.P. "One time for Doug Buffone! Great Player----Better Person. 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. the former Bears linebacker who died April 20th at age 70 of natural causes. Buffone was drafted by the Bears in 1966, spending 15 seasons with the team. He also had 10 fumble recoveries, nine forced fumbles, 37 sacks and 1,257 tackles, going over the 100-tackle mark in seven seasons. Say hi to Vince Lombardi and all the other men that played with their Heart. My condolence to the Buffone Family> I had the pleasure of watching him play and then listening to him on the radio. to laugh at yourself. The shockwaves from Doug's passing have been felt by so many of us. Chicago Bears legend Doug Buffone, who played in 186 games for the organization and is considered to be one of the greatest players to ever wear the teams uniform, died Monday at the age of 70. Butkus admits he's often asked about what might have been had Sayers stayed healthy and extended his career. You'll be missed Doug!!! "He was a very special guy.". Great player, broadcaster, and humanitarian. Born in Yatesboro, Pennsylvania, Buffone played linebacker and center from 1962 to 1965 at the University of Louisville. A true friend. I am truly sorry for the loss of Doug Buffone. He made a lasting impression as a "man's -man and a genuine nice guy.". (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. It was an honor to share the #55 with the first legend to wear it, tweeted Lance Briggs, another former Bears linebacker. "He just did the job. Buffone's unbridled Bears enthusiasm made him a must-listen after games, especially following a difficult loss. I'm sure my dad is dancing and singing (two of his favorite things) in heaven having you up there with him. 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. Deepest Sympathy to the family. 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. Both players eventually found their way into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. RIP #55 You will always be in our hearts!! Doug Buffone will be missed.. He was a good person, a true man's man and utterly devoted to his family and friends. Buffone, Doug Every man's death diminishes us, but that holds double for legends like Doug Buffone. Police say Buffone was found dead in his University Village home in the 1200-block of West Lexington by paramedics Monday afternoon. 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. RIP # 55. As a devoted Bear Fan for the last 50 years or more, I remember how truly great a linebacker he was. CHICAGO (WLS) -- Doug Buffone, Chicago radio host and legendary Chicago Bears linebacker, has died. One time for Doug Buffone! Buffone's team record for games played was ultimately eclipsed by former long snapper Patrick Mannelly, who now holds the mark with 245. We grew up in Yatesboro together. Doug was an excellent linebacker and had great career. I never met the man, but through the radio I felt like I got to know Doug like an uncle. The others are Mark Sander, Tom Jackson (197072) and Tyrus McCloud (1994-96). 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. ol' buddy! 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. It's surprising how much a musical selection can affect mourning. We partied and danced Disco there frequently after ball games. 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. Rest in peace #55! May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. So admired, and deservedly so. His retirement ended a link to our founder as he was the last active player to play for George Halas. 1 sport. I should have made the call. 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. Unless you are experienced as an estate executor, you probably should hire an attorney. 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 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. RIP Our prayers to your family! GOD Bless you all. He was selected in the fourth round of the 1966 NFL draft out of Louisville. Great athlete! Player News. He will be missed by all he touched. Paramedics were called to Buffone's Chicago home Monday afternoon, where they found the popular linebacker-turned-broadcaster unresponsive, police said. 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. Buffone in recent years hosted a Bears postgame radio show on WSCR-AM with former teammate Ed O'Bradovich. We lost one of our greats. You nick named me "sugar bear" and I accepted it. "Today is a sad day for Bears nation," said former Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher, who like Buffone played his entire career with the team. Besides being a hell of a football player, he was a hell of a guy.. My God Bless Doug and his Family. Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles. And yet, somehow, someway, neither player ever saw the postseason with some of the Bears' potential momentum slowed by a pair of knee injuries suffered by Sayers. Later, when he was a guest co-host or scheduled football analyst with me we got to know each other even better. 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 70. There was no one tougher on Sundays than Doug Buffone.". "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. "People talk about all that. Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. We have fond memories of watching him play at Shannock.God's Peace be with you. 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. ~Ps. He was just a good guy and we had a lot of fun.. #bearslegend #55. 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. Douglas John Buffone (June 27, 1944 April 20, 2015) was an American football linebacker in the National Football League. Buffone died at his residence in Chicago, Illinois, on April 20, 2015, aged 70. RIP Doug.I will miss your post game show and all the fun stuff you did on the other shows.BIG DOUG! I never had the honor and privilege of meeting Doug but I listened to him on the radio religiously. Javascript is required for the selection of a player. Bear Down. "Sending our heartfelt condolences to family & friends of ex-#Bears LB Doug Buffone, who has passed away at age 70,"the Chicago Bears tweeted. 2023 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Satellite Information Network, LLC. My condolences to your family you will be missed. Rest in peace big Doug. It seemed to me he was lucky that he never had any serious injuries while he played with me, Dick Butkus said. Buffone's 14 seasons in Chicago are tied for second most in club history. Career Powered by . 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. "I will always remember him for his football talent, sense of humor and enduring friendship," Butkus said. "His talent for tackling on the field earned him a special place in Bears history and his contributions in business and broadcasting made him a treasured member of our community off the field. See here for a complete list of exchanges and delays. 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. Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love. By the time Buffone wrapped up his brilliant career, he led all Bears linebackers with 24 career interceptions. you were a good friend and I am proud that I knew you and your family. In retirement, Buffone owned restaurants and was a studio host and football analyst for a Chicago radio station. , 700 W. Adams, Friday at 2 pm was drafted by the time Buffone wrapped his!, Friday at Old St. Patrick 's Church, 700 W. Adams, Friday at St.. To play for George Halas they found the popular linebacker-turned-broadcaster unresponsive, police said we have fond memories watching. 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