Doug’s father, Dick, died of a heart attack on Nov. 18, and his mother, Joan, died of a heart attack as well just an hour later. “They say you can die of a broken heart and I believe it. I would like to honor my parents for all that they did throughout my and my brothers’ and sister’s lives. My parents were always there for their children, from the days my Dad coached us as kids and my Mom would work the concession stands, through to this morning. The most important part of their 56 years of marriage was providing opportunities to their children. They were incredible parents and Grandparents and my family and I will miss them both,” Doug wrote on Facebook.
Doug played for the Buffalo Bills, San Diego Chargers and New England Patriots throughout his NFL career. (You can buy his autobiography HERE.) Over the years, he amassed many fans and they, as well as his former NFL teams, offered their condolences on Twitter after the devastating news.
@DougFlutie – deepest sympathies to you and the rest of your family on the loss of your parents.
— Chris Bourgeois (@bourgeoiscm) November 19, 2015
Sympathies to you, @DougFlutie, on the loss of your parents today. What a terrible blow.
— Peter King (@SI_PeterKing) November 18, 2015
@DougFlutie so sorry for your family’s loss. I remember your parents on TV cheering you on 30 years ago. #sad
— Ross Freedman (@huntfishgolf) November 19, 2015
Prayers up to Doug flutie who lost both his parents this AM
— Shimmy Neutron (@WillyDynamite34) November 19, 2015
@DougFlutie Doug thoughts and prayers for you and your family. They now both watch over your family from heavens front row #Truelove
— Daniel Linskey (@ChiefLinskey) November 19, 2015
Very sad – but there’s something beautiful about them being with each other even at the end. R.I.P. @DougFlutie https://t.co/dhowqgtOqi
— Bret Baier (@BretBaier) November 19, 2015
Sending thoughts & prayers to former Patriots QB and New England football icon @DougFlutie & his family. https://t.co/GgfJinh4uA
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) November 18, 2015
The thoughts and prayers of the Bills family are with our former QB Doug Flutie. https://t.co/rkzbUFUSLo
— Buffalo Bills (@buffalobills) November 18, 2015
Sending our condolences to former Chargers QB Doug Flutie and his family. https://t.co/TCJgMPVFvN
— San Diego Chargers (@Chargers) November 18, 2015
Our thoughts and prayers are with Doug during this difficult time.
— Avery Thompson