Doug Buffone
Born in Yatesboro, PA
Attended Shannon Valley HS (PA)
College-Louisville
Professional Team: Chicago Bears 1966-1979 (14 years)
Position: Linebacker
Following his collegiate career, Buffone was selected by the Chicago Bears in the fourth round of the 1966 NFL Draft and the eighth round of the American Football League Draft by the San Diego Chargers. 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.
In his professional career, Buffone gathered more than 1,200 tackles, going over the 100-tackle mark in seven seasons. He also had the honor of serving as defensive captain for eight seasons, beginning in 1972. Buffone retired with 24 career interceptions to lead all Bear linebackers. The first two pickoffs of his career came off future Hall of Famers Bart Starr and Johnny Unitas. His retirement from football also signaled the end of an era for the Bears as he was the last active Bear to have played for George Halas.
- Played 186 games as a Bear, the third most among Bears.
- Had a career-high 158 tackles in 1972
- Had 11 solo tackles vs. New Orleans (10/6/74)
- Holds the Bears record for most career interceptions at linebacker (24)
- Holds the Bears record for most sacks in a season (18 in 1968)
- Was voted into the Louisville Hall of Fame with Johnny Unitas in 1979