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Buffone, a fourth-round draft pick whose 24 interceptions
remain the most in club history for a linebacker, was found dead
in his Chicago home, the coroner's office said.
No cause of death was released.
"Today is a sad day for Bears nation," former Bears linebacker
Brian Urlacher posted on Twitter. "We lost one of our greats.
Doug Buffone will be missed."
Buffone played in 186 games for the Bears, making 1,257 tackles
and going over the 100-tackle mark in seven seasons.
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.
"There was no one tougher on Sundays than 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.
"One time for Doug Buffone! It was an honor to share the #55
with the first legend to wear it," tweeted Lance Briggs, another
former Bears linebacker.
In retirement, Buffone owned restaurants and was a studio host
and football analyst for a Chicago radio station.
(Reporting by Steve Ginsburg in Washington; Editing by Peter
Cooney)
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