doug buffone cause of death
I have nothing but great memories about him., Doug was a Bear. "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. Cause of death not yet known. You nick named me "sugar bear" and I accepted it. 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. You taught me that it's o.k. Former Bears middle linebacker Brian Urlacher tweeted about Buffone's death Monday. 23, 2015. Even though we met only twice, you treated me like we were life-long friends. Somebody that everybody loved. The first two pickoffs of his career came off future Hall of Famers Bart Starr and Johnny Unitas. And they've made it a very big deal now. I just found this sad news out. Smooth and cool., Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. Thank you Mr Buffone, your example shows us how to live and to love. They don't make them like that anymore. While we seldom saw each other after he left RV, anytime we crossed paths, he always conducted himself as if we were old friends. When I was a little football manager at SVHS, Doug made me feel important to the team. PEACE. 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. My heart is heavy with sadness. Thank Mr. Buffone for your hard nose defense that you brought to the Bears. 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. Buffone's company Digital One is the creator of ClickStreamTV, an online video platform product that was designed for small to medium-sized businesses. Player News. Great athlete! The best poems for funerals, memorial services., and cards. "There was no one tougher on Sundays than Doug Buffone." And now it just seems that (the excitement) is not just starting in August at training camps. [2] Also, Buffone had a blog on his website where he posted his opinions on sports.[3]. 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. He was a first cousin to my mother Marjorie Harland(Yanni). 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. 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. God Bless his soul and now eternal life through Jesus Christ. Bernstein said he has encountered former football players who were bitter about what they had to sacrifice. 500) as one of seven children. Doug gave much pleasure and smiles to all of Chicago once he came aboard his Rookie year. Loving brother of Sam, Dennis, Joseph, Debbie, Donna Jeanne and Tina. You'll be missed Doug!!! "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. Rest in peace with all the angels and saints. thank you Doug for making the Bears watchable , your news radio great God Bless rest in peace >>>AMEN. Javascript is required for the selection of a player. He All quotes delayed a minimum of 15 minutes. Expand the Memories and Condolences form. Butkus will have a role in next week's production downtown, announcing one of the Bears' selections on the draft's second day. Doug was the epitome of the All American as a player and gentlemen. "Sending our heartfelt condolences to family & friends of ex-#Bears LB Doug Buffone, who has passed away at age 70,"the Chicago Bears tweeted. His rebound downs Marian Catholic. 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 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. He was just a good guy and we had a lot of fun.. Doug was the man. And he proved it each week over his 14-year career, a tenure record he shared with another great, Bill George, for 33 seasons. A man who had no problem talking about covering himself in deer urine or how he conversed with extraterrestrials. He played the part of "Big Doug", a bookie and collector, noted for his humour in character as "Big Doug". "He will always be celebrated as one of the Bears' greats for his contributions to his team and the fans who loved him. Of course, it's the No. 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! ~Ps. (Chicago Tribune historical photo). As a devoted Bear Fan for the last 50 years or more, I remember how truly great a linebacker he was. It's the old thing. Other shows Buffone was involved in producing included The Neal Anderson Show for WBBM-AM, and The Mike Ditka Show for WSCR-AM. Always enjoyed watching Doug play LB alongside Butkus and Brubacher, the 3 B's. Rest in peace big Doug. Had 11 solo tackles vs. New Orleans (10/6/74), Holds the Bears record for most career interceptions at linebacker (24), Was voted into the Louisville Hall of Fame with Johnny Unitas in 1979, National Italian American Sports hall of fame member since 1992, This page was last edited on 21 February 2023, at 06:39. Doug was a lifelong entrepreneur, owning enterprises as varied as an embroidery company and a high-tech online video platform. Death of Doug Buffone. I will be 60 years old this year and have been a Bears season ticket holder since 1980. Doug was an excellent linebacker and had great career. As a University of Louisville teammate from 63-66 he was the inspiration and leader of everyone's effort. Buffone's 14 seasons in Chicago are tied for second most in club history. We partied and danced Disco there frequently after ball games. 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. It seemed to me he was lucky that he never had any serious injuries while he played with me, Dick Butkus said. 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. Police say Buffone was found dead in his University Village home in the 1200-block of West Lexington by paramedics Monday afternoon. Dougie, you were a great teammate." 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. "Doug had a lot of passion for the Bears,' former teammate Mike Ditka said. Love listening to him and O'bradovich after Bears games. Jupiter and Venus appear to 'kiss' in the sky, Belvidere Jeep assembly plant shut down indefinitely, Chicago Weather: Cloudy and much cooler Thursday. only met a couple times.. truly a class act .. Condolences to his friends and family. He also held the team's record for most games played with 186. 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. David Kessler's top 4 tips for dealing with holiday grief. 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. (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 wasn't worried about his awards or anything else," Butkus said. the former Bears linebacker who died April 20th at age 70 of natural causes. Syracuse Post Standard. At the time of his retirement, Buffone was the Bears' all-time leader in games played with 186. I appreciated his honesty and knowledge and just want to say thank you Big Doug. We are sorry to hear of Dougs passing. Many believe Buffones accomplishments on the field were overshadowed because he played next to a Hall of Fame teammate in Butkus. Copyright 2023 ESPN Internet Ventures. Great person. I am sad that I won't be able to listen to him any more. All the accolades he received, he deserved, and then some. You made us all so proud to be from Shannock Valley High School. Buffone died at his residence in Chicago, Illinois, on April 20, 2015, aged 70.[4]. Rest in peace #55! 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. Police News Affairs said he was pronounced dead on the scene. My sister Flora Davidson and I send our sympathy to the whole Buffone family. Enjoy heaven with Sweetness, Gale, and Papa Bear. It was an honor to share the #55 with the first legend to wear it," tweeted Lance Briggs, another former Bears linebacker. He had 1,257 tackles, going over the 100 tackle mark in seven seasons. Doug spent his entire career with the Bears (1966-79) serving as defensive captain for eight years. Doug was The man and always will be the Man. In his professional career, Buffone gathered more than 1,200 tackles, going over the 100-tackle mark in seven seasons. He attended Shannock Valley High School. We have fond memories of watching him play at Shannock.God's Peace be with you. Bear Down. 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. He will be missed. Dana and family, be assured of my prayers. ", Oswego Easts Jehvion Starwood steps up with winning 3-pointer in OT. our prays are with you. It's a great event that they're (now) going to have it in Chicago. My thoughts and prayers are with the Buffone family! Learn How rich is He in this year and how He spends money? ", "His special relationship with Bears fans continued beyond his playing days, first through founding the Bear Report and later as one of the pioneers and long-time contributors to Chicagos first sports radio station, WSCR. RIP. Copyright 2023 WLS-TV. He was married to Dana. 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.". Former Bears running back Ronnie Bull recalled the challenge of having to practice against the likes of Buffone, O'Bradovich and Butkus. R.I.P. Doug was my football hero. And it's just that people are clamoring for more NFL. Tom Shaer. Burlington Centrals Nicholas Gouriotis figures out the difference. He was so proud of you and loved you like a son. Not only a BEARS Icon, but a good man and I am sure a wonderful Husband, Father, Grandfather and son! In lieu of flowers, charitable donations to Maryville Academy and Mercy Hospital Heart and Vascular Center would be much appreciated. "We are terribly saddened to hear of Doug's passing," Bears chairman George McCaskey said in a statement. His earlier misses? "We lost one of our greats. RIP blueline EOG Master Apr 20, 2015 #2 Re: Former Bear Doug Buffone dies at 70 only show at WSCR I made it a point to listen to RIP John Kelly Born Gambler Staff member Apr 20, 2015 #3 Re: Former Bear Doug Buffone dies at 70 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 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. Buffone was said to have died of natural causes at the age of 70. 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." Melanie Davidson Banks. He died on April 20, 2015 in Chicago, Illinois, USA. Published by Chicago Sun-Times on Apr. There was no one tougher on Sundays than Doug Buffone.". Our prayers go out to his wife, Dana, and his children. It was an exhibition game in 1966. 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. Menu. Buffone, Doug Every man's death diminishes us, but that holds double for legends like Doug Buffone. Doug played, was all about head trauma. And that's what made him such a great guy, a great character, a great person." 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. Rest in peace, my friend. On "The Score", Buffone also co-hosted shows with Mike North (The Wise Guys) and Norm Van Lier (The Bear and The Bull) as well as other hosts. You have funeral questions, we have answers. Buffone played in 186 games for the Bears, making 1,257 tackles and going over the 100-tackle mark in seven seasons. We lost one of our greats. Today is a sad day for Bears nation. See How All 50 Wards Voted in the 2023 Chicago Mayoral Election. Sadly, the personification of class and humility,is no longer with us. 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. Buffones team record for games played was ultimately eclipsed by former long snapper Patrick Mannelly, who now holds the mark with 245. If youre in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist. More in Sports Obituary Read. Buffone's unbridled Bears enthusiasm made him a must-listen after games, especially following a difficult loss. Bernstein said he has encountered former football players who were bitter about what they had to sacrifice. He made a difference in a good-way in a lot of people lives. Remember taking Doug and several players to a local Catholic Church the day that JFK died. "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. It was an honor to share the #55 with the first legend to wear it, tweeted Lance Briggs, another former Bears linebacker. Condolences to the family. I know that no one person that played the game of football loved it more than Doug did. Buffone was drafted by the Bears in 1966, spending 15 seasons with the team. He will always be celebrated as one of the Bears greats for his contributions to his team and the fans who loved him. 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