RIP Doug.I will miss your post game show and all the fun stuff you did on the other shows.BIG DOUG! 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. (Chicago Tribune historical photo). "People talk about all that. RIP Our prayers to your family! In the 21st century, it's not just urns and gravestones anymore. ", "His was a life really well lived," WSCR-AM broadcaster Dan Bernstein said. "We are terribly saddened to hear of Doug's passing," Bears chairman George McCaskey said in a statement. He was 70. We kept saying, 'This is practice. I was fortunate to meet him a few times at autographing sessions and was in awe of how he handled everyone with a smile, joke and even a story. Doug was a lifelong entrepreneur, owning enterprises as varied as an embroidery company and a high-tech online video platform. I send my sympathy and prayers to Doug's (Dyke's) family. Expand the Memories and Condolences form. Former Bears middle linebacker Brian Urlacher tweeted about Buffone's death Monday. Unless you are experienced as an estate executor, you probably should hire an attorney. 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 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. The first two pickoffs of his career came off future Hall of Famers Bart Starr and Johnny Unitas. My father Ernie Poulos enjoyed your company so much. Buffone later laughed recalling how the real source of the odor was a dead rat they found in his locker buried beneath his stuff. It's hard to say. Reporting by Steve Ginsburg in Washington; Editing by Peter Cooney. "He wasn't worried about his awards or anything else," Butkus said. Even though we met only twice, you treated me like we were life-long friends. For some people, the best send-off is one that they would have loved to attendthemselves: a big party. the former Bears linebacker who died Doug Buffone will be missed. Buffone retired with 24 career interceptions to lead all Bear linebackers. My thoughts and prayers are with Dana and the entire family! Butkus will have a role in next week's production downtown, announcing one of the Bears' selections on the draft's second day. The bottom line is he was true and loyal to his family, to football and to his friends. 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. I never met the man, but through the radio I felt like I got to know Doug like an uncle. My condolences to your family you will be missed. Buffone and his family resided in Chicago, and he was heavily involved in Chicago sports and broadcasting. They don't make them like that anymore. I Had the pleasure of working for him at BBC. At the time of his retirement, Buffone was the Bears' all-time leader in games played with 186. He finished every time., Lifes a beach under the basket for Lemonts Miles Beachum. He made a lasting impression as a "man's -man and a genuine nice guy.". So admired, and deservedly so. Doug earned huge affection for his powerfully candid post-game show on WSCR-AM 670 with long-time friend and former teammate Ed O'Bradovich. As I read all the kind words about him, I how true they are. "You didn't get the exposure like you do today," Butkus said. Doug Sr was a man of honor and humor, and will be missed by many. "But the meek will possess the earth, And they will find exquisite delight in the abundance of peace." ESPN'sJeff Dickerson andThe Associated Press contributed to this report. We are terribly saddened to hear of Dougs passing, Bears Chairman George McCaskey said in a statement. In a statement, Hall of Famer Dick Butkus, who played alongside Buffone on the Bears for seven years, said a "great man" was lost. 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! Everybody on the team wanted To wear Butkus's number; I proudly wore 55 ! My deepest sympathy to the entire Buffone family. Buffone was drafted by the Bears in 1966, spending 15 seasons with the team. I feel blessed to have known him. Doug spent his entire career with the Bears (1966-79) serving as defensive captain for eight years. Gonna miss him. By the time Buffone wrapped up his brilliant career, he led all Bears linebackers with 24 career interceptions. Buffone started a record 186 games as a Bear, during which time he recorded more than 1,200 tackles and 24 interceptions. A great player on the field and an even better man off the field in all aspects. It seemed to me he was lucky that he never had any serious injuries while he played with me, Dick Butkus said. I am truly sorry for the loss of Doug Buffone. Buffone played collegiate football for Louisville. You have funeral questions, we have answers. and Love. Buffone played in 186 games for the Bears, making 1,257 tackles and going over the 100-tackle mark in seven seasons. 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. Tribune reporter Carlos Sadovi contributed. ol' buddy! Published by Chicago Sun-Times on Apr. He was always engaging, wore his heart on his sleeve, and was a conduit to the Bears fans through the great Doug and OB Post Game shows. Smooth and cool., Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. He had 1,257 tackles, going over the 100 tackle mark in seven seasons. Buffone played in 186 games for the Bears, making 1,257 tackles and going over the 100-tackle mark in seven seasons. "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. Beyond my incredible respect for him he was a guy I loved, just like everybody I know who ever met him. I have fond memories of our boyhood days in Yatesboro. He provided broadcast color commentary for the first NFL game (featuring the Bears and the Dallas Cowboys) in Europe. I just found this sad news out. Rest in peace big Doug. Even the year we were 1-13, I always had the feeling we were going to win and we just didn't. I'll never forget the laughs. He was selected in the fourth round of the 1966 NFL draft out of Louisville. What a guy! "We lost one of our greats. God Bless his soul and now eternal life through Jesus Christ. 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. A true friend. We lost one of our greats. Say hi to Vince Lombardi and all the other men that played with their Heart. By the time Buffone wrapped up his brilliant career, he led all Bears linebackers with 24 career interceptions. Rest in peace, my friend. 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. No cause of death was released. In a statement, Hall of Famer Dick Butkus, who played alongside Buffone on the Bears for seven years, said a "great man" was lost. He was a fourth-round draft pick. 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. Doug, a kind soul. "I don't think anybody that has played for the Bears ever had more.' Sympathy to your family. Doug will be fondly remembered through many recaptures of the lives he touched. He was the last active player to play for team founder George Halas. Radio host and legendary Chicago Bears linebacker Doug Buffone dies at 70 (Photo: 1977), quoted by the Tribune from his radio show. The Buffone Family is in my prayers. Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love. CHICAGO (WLS) -- Doug Buffone, Chicago radio host and legendary Chicago Bears linebacker, has died. Family (1) Spouse Dana (? Not bad for the son of a coal miner who grew up in tiny Yatesboro, Pennsylvania (pop. "This is kind of a lull in the year. Doug was very passionate about the Bears and how they played! In May 2009, Buffone and his long-time Bears post-game partner Ed O'Bradovich left WSCR-AM and joined Chicago Sports Webio. Just to say hello and find out what they were doing because I was going to be in town also (for the NFL draft next week) where maybe we could hook up somewhere. Buffone had 10 fumble recoveries, nine forced fumbles and 37 sacks. Doug Buffone loved to tell stories, especially the one about his first game against the rival Packers. He was married to Dana. Besides being a hell of a football player, he was a hell of a guy.. 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. Mitch Rosen, WSCR operations director, called Buffone a Chicago original., Not only a great football player, a great person on the radio but more than anything, just a great individual, Rosen said. "He was a very special guy.". In addition to the 24 interceptions, Buffone had 10 fumble recoveries, nine forced fumbles and 37 sacks. "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. 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. In a statement, Hall of Famer Dick Butkus, who played alongside Buffone on the Bears for seven years, said a "great man" was lost. to laugh at yourself. 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