Cardinal Football Great Buffone Has Jersey Honored
July 20, 2000 | Football
October 23, 1999
LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Former University of Louisville standout Doug Buffone (pronounced buff-own) joined four other Cardinal greats by having his jersey honored in halftime ceremonies Saturday at Papa John's Cardinal Stadium.
Buffone was a standout on both sides of the football during his career with the Cardinals, playing offensive center and linebacker from 1962-1965. He remains the Cardinals' No. 2 all-time tackler with 479, just nine stops behind Mark Sander ('87-90).
Born in Yatesboro, Pa., Buffone is one of only four players to lead the Cardinals 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 National Football League greats like Johnny Unitas, Lenny Lyles, Ernie Green, Lee Calland 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 American Football League 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 off his storied career came off future NFL Hall of Famers Bart Starr (Green Bay Packers) and Johnny Unitas (Baltimore Colts).
His retirement from professional football also signaled an end of an era for the Bears as he was the last active Bear to have played for George Halas.
Buffone's jersey will join the jerseys of former Cardinal greats Lenny Lyles, Ernie Green and Frank Minnifield along the northwest facade of Papa John's Cardinal Stadium. The four jerseys join the uniform of former Cardinal quarterback Johnny Unitas on the facade.
Unitas' accomplishments at U of L and in the NFL warranted his No. 16 be retired by the University and unavailable for future Cardinals to wear.
