Doug Buffone was a standout on both sides of the football during his career with the Cardinals, playing offensive center and linebacker from 1962-65. He remains the Cardinals' No. 3 all-time tackler with 479, just nine stops behind the program's all-time leader Mark Sander ('87-90). Born in Yatesboro, Pa., Buffone is one of only four players to lead U of L in tackles for three consecutive seasons. The others are Sander, Tom Jackson ('70-72) and Tyrus McCloud ('94-96).
Veteran head coach Frank Camp said Buffone was "the most complete ball player I've ever coached." Strong testimony from a man who tutored NFL greats like Johnny Unitas, Lenny Lyles, Ernie Green and Ken Kortas. 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 AFL 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 career pickoffs of his storied 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. |
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