At 92, former Chicago Bears offensive lineman John Damore remains an ardent fan of his beloved team, often watching games from his recliner with a lit cigar in hand and a wide toothless smile plastered on his face. Every time the Bears score a touchdown, he's overjoyed, even breaking into tears if the game is played twice.
Damore, who is believed to be the oldest living alumnus of the team, has been a die-hard fan since he was nine years old and wore his first Chicago Bears jersey. Despite walking away from professional football 67 years ago after an ankle injury, his love for the team has only deepened over the years.
Damore's advice for current Bears players is simple: keep the energy up. The 92-year-old veteran believes that quarterback Caleb Williams and head coach Ben Johnson have ushered in a new era of success for the team.
"I'd go and play today if they gave me $475,000," Damore said, highlighting the significant increase in salaries over the years. He remembers when his own salary was just $9,000 back in the 1950s.
While the Bears have evolved significantly since Damore's playing days, he believes that a strong team is vital for success. "To be a quarterback, you can only be good if your team is good," he said.
Damore's enthusiasm for the team is unwavering, and he's predicting a win in Saturday's playoff game against their longtime rival, the Green Bay Packers. In his perfect world, his beloved Bears are celebrating on a confetti-covered field after a win on Super Bowl Sunday – it would be his greatest goodbye if that never happens.
As for the team's plans to find a new stadium, Damore is adamant that they should stay in Chicago and preserve its rich history. "They got to stay in Chicago, it's Chicago history," he said with conviction.
For now, Damore will be watching Saturday's game from his recliner, cigar in hand, ready to cheer on his beloved Bears as they take on their arch-rivals.
Damore, who is believed to be the oldest living alumnus of the team, has been a die-hard fan since he was nine years old and wore his first Chicago Bears jersey. Despite walking away from professional football 67 years ago after an ankle injury, his love for the team has only deepened over the years.
Damore's advice for current Bears players is simple: keep the energy up. The 92-year-old veteran believes that quarterback Caleb Williams and head coach Ben Johnson have ushered in a new era of success for the team.
"I'd go and play today if they gave me $475,000," Damore said, highlighting the significant increase in salaries over the years. He remembers when his own salary was just $9,000 back in the 1950s.
While the Bears have evolved significantly since Damore's playing days, he believes that a strong team is vital for success. "To be a quarterback, you can only be good if your team is good," he said.
Damore's enthusiasm for the team is unwavering, and he's predicting a win in Saturday's playoff game against their longtime rival, the Green Bay Packers. In his perfect world, his beloved Bears are celebrating on a confetti-covered field after a win on Super Bowl Sunday – it would be his greatest goodbye if that never happens.
As for the team's plans to find a new stadium, Damore is adamant that they should stay in Chicago and preserve its rich history. "They got to stay in Chicago, it's Chicago history," he said with conviction.
For now, Damore will be watching Saturday's game from his recliner, cigar in hand, ready to cheer on his beloved Bears as they take on their arch-rivals.
92 and counting, John Damore is the ultimate Chicago Bears superfan. It's awesome that he's still got that fire in his belly, even with a lit cigar in hand 
. I mean, who wouldn't want to watch a game and break into tears when their team scores? 
It's great to see someone who's been through it all still believes in the power of a strong team.
That would be his ultimate goodbye, and I'm sure he'd be beaming with pride. As for the new stadium plans, I think Damore has got this one right – Chicago is where it belongs! 
It's all about preserving history and keeping it true blue 
.
They're gonna bring home that W on Saturday, and we'll be cheering along with him from our screens 
.
he's like a lil kid w/ his first jersey from age 9!! and omg did u no he even broke down in tears wen da team scored?? 
i think its so adorbs lol 
and omg $475k salary back in da 50s?? thats like waaay more $$$ than his playing days!! lol
He reminds me of my own dad, always watching sports with a pint of beer in hand 
! I mean, 92 years old and still going strong with that cigar and smile. He's been a die-hard fan since he was a kid and it's amazing to see how his love for the team has only grown over the years. I'm kinda jealous tbh 
. His advice to the players is so true, keeping the energy up is key! And omg, $475,000 is insane 
compared to what he used to make back in the 50s. I can imagine how tough it must be for a guy who played in the NFL back then to see how much money these guys are making today 
. Anyway, gotta root for the old Bears man - they're gonna take down those Packers on Saturday 
! It's so inspiring to see John Damore still repping the Chicago Bears at 92 years young 
. And can you blame him for wanting to play today if the pay was right 