Doug was one of the founders of the Arena Football League, starting the Chicago Bruisers franchise, which played in the ArenaBowl II, he appeared on some Bruisers Radio and TV broadcasts with Les Grobstein, and was involved in the United States Football League with the Chicago Blitz. Copyright 2023 ESPN Internet Ventures. "I was going to call him over the weekend just to check in with him and see what was going on. He played the game with passion and conviction. Doug, a kind soul. He remains the Cardinals' No. Career Powered by . Jupiter and Venus appear to 'kiss' in the sky, Belvidere Jeep assembly plant shut down indefinitely, Chicago Weather: Cloudy and much cooler Thursday. 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. Butkus admits he's often asked about what might have been had Sayers stayed healthy and extended his career. RIP Doug.I will miss your post game show and all the fun stuff you did on the other shows.BIG DOUG! He finished every time., Lifes a beach under the basket for Lemonts Miles Beachum. In retirement, Buffone owned restaurants and was a studio host and football analyst for a Chicago radio station. Doug Buffone was very kind to the Dominican Friars at Fenwick High School outside of Chicago. 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. Thanks doug. 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. "I will always remember him for his football talent, sense of humor and enduring friendship," Butkus said. Buffone retired after the 1979 season with 24 career interceptions to lead all Bears linebackers. "Doug's passion for the game of football and the Chicago Bears was unmatched, and he will be missed.". 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. We are praying for you and family. (670 The Score) Monday marked the five-year anniversary of beloved former Bears linebacker and Score personality Doug Buffone's death at age 70. 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? And I think this is going to help the whole situation. only met a couple times.. truly a class act .. Condolences to his friends and 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. CHICAGO -- Former Bears linebacker Doug Buffone, whose reputation for being a passionate football player carried over into his career as a sports broadcaster, died Monday at the age of 70. Doug was the epitome of the All American as a player and gentlemen. I never heard him gripe, Butkus said. "He just did the job. Chicago Bears linebacker Doug Buffone. His rebound downs Marian Catholic. I love and will miss you dearly! Thank you Mr Buffone, your example shows us how to live and to love. If youre in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist. Gonna miss him. Former Bear Doug Buffone dies at 70. I will always remember our times together. with funeral mass to follow at 6 pm. They don't make them like that anymore. I Had the pleasure of working for him at BBC. Unless you are experienced as an estate executor, you probably should hire an attorney. I never had the honor and privilege of meeting Doug but I listened to him on the radio religiously. Chicago Bears linebacker Doug Buffone. 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. Thanks Doug for all you did as a player and broadcaster. The best poems for funerals, memorial services., and cards. Paramedics were called to Buffone's Chicago home Monday afternoon, where they found the popular linebacker-turned-broadcaster unresponsive, police said. (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. "We lost one of our greats. Buffone played in 186 games for the Bears, making 1,257 tackles and going over the 100-tackle mark in seven seasons. I never met the man, but through the radio I felt like I got to know Doug like an uncle. He was a fourth-round draft pick. Doug Buffone will be missed.". 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. "We lost one of our greats. As I read all the kind words about him, I how true they are. God Bless his soul and now eternal life through Jesus Christ. 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. So sad to lose a boyhood friend. GOD Bless you all. By the time Buffone wrapped up his brilliant career, he led all Bears linebackers with 24 career interceptions. "He was a very special guy. See here for a complete list of exchanges and delays. At the time of his retirement, Buffone was the Bears' all-time leader in games played with 186. #bearslegend #55. Choice is: Ex: Ray Lewis, Junior Seau. I enjoyed immensly the discussions we had together. He was married to Dana. 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. It's funny how we strangers can call him Doug, but that's who he was to us. 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. Mr Buffone has always been a true ambassador for Chicago, the Bears, and the NFL. I remember your night club BBC off Rush Street. ", Copyright 2023 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. Police News Affairs said he was pronounced dead on the scene. To plant trees in memory, please visit the. 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 All rights reserved. And they've made it a very big deal now. Buffones team record for games played was ultimately eclipsed by former long snapper Patrick Mannelly, who now holds the mark with 245. - 20 April 2015) (his death) (2 children) Trivia (1) I had the PLEASURE of meeting him in person a few times and you could just see and his passion for the game and his love of the Bears. He was kind, he was real, he was sincere, he will be truly missed by all. "He will always be celebrated as one of the Bears' greats for his contributions to his team and the fans who loved him. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Why the Packers' transition to Jordan Love, whenever it happens, will require patience, A new home for Michael Thomas? you were a good friend and I am proud that I knew you and your family. My condolences to the Buffone family. More in Sports Obituary Read. "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. He was so proud of you and loved you like a son. After his playing days were over , had a great career doing radio with OB. Godspeed to all concerned. 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. CHICAGO (WLS) -- Doug Buffone, Chicago radio host and legendary Chicago Bears linebacker, has died. You made us all so proud to be from Shannock Valley High School. And that's what made him such a great guy, a great character, a great person." I hope that Doug and Norm Van Lear reunite and I can just hear the 2 of them. And every year we went to training camp I thought we were going to win. Send simple, comforting meals with Home Chef. Other shows Buffone was involved in producing included The Neal Anderson Show for WBBM-AM, and The Mike Ditka Show for WSCR-AM. Veteran head coach Frank Camp, who tutored NFL greats like Johnny Unitas, Lenny Lyles, Ernie Green and Ken Kortas, said Buffone was "the most complete ball player I've ever coached.". Learn How rich is He in this year and how He spends money? Besides being a hell of a football player, he was a hell of a guy.. Doug was one of the most dependable players in franchise history and perhaps its most beloved. Sincerely, Marilyn Davis. Everybody on the team wanted To wear Butkus's number; I proudly wore 55 ! Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you. 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. We kept saying, 'This is practice. 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. Butkus said he had been planning to call Buffone to check in last week but never did. Over the years I got to know not only the football player, but the Man. Yet Buffones death was also untimely, unexpected and filled with another kind of sadness. Melanie Davidson Banks. The shockwaves from Doug's passing have been felt by so many of us. Menu. Later, when he was a guest co-host or scheduled football analyst with me we got to know each other even better. 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 Thank You Doug , well done indeed ! There was many a walk back to the car after a Bears game where I said, "I can't wait to hear what Doug has to say about this game." 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. You have funeral questions, we have answers. Grief researchers say holding that missing funeral service, even a year or more later, can still help us heal. It was my privilege to know Doug for 32 years, going back to when he owned Doug Buffone's Bear Report. 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