Former Chi Bear Linebacker Doug Buffone found dead at home @ age 70
Former Chicago Bears linebacker Doug Buffone, who played under team founder George Halas, was found dead in his Chicago home Monday, police said. He was 70.
Paramedics were called to his home in the 1200 block of West Lexington Street around 1:30 p.m. Monday, according to police and fire officials. He was dead on the scene, they said.
Buffone played 14 seasons for the Bears (tied for second-most in franchise history), making 1,257 tackles and going over the 100-tackle mark in seven seasons.
Selected in the fourth round (60th overall) of the 1966 NFL draft, Buffone retired after the 1979 season with 24 career interceptions to lead all Bears linebackers. The first two pickoffs of his career came off future Hall of Famers Bart Starr and Johnny Unitas.
According to Bears media guides, he also had 10 fumble recoveries, nine forced fumbles and 37 sacks
At the time of his retirement, Buffone was the Bears' all-time leader in games played with 186.