Chicago Bears legend John Damore, 92, is counting down to Saturday's playoffs game with his eyes glued to the TV in his bedroom recliner. The spry veteran can be seen flashing a wide toothless smile whenever the team scores a touchdown.
Damore, believed to be the oldest living alum of the Chicago Bears, has been following the team for over six decades. Since his retirement from the team 67 years ago, his love for the team has only deepened. He was born and raised in west suburban Riverside and remembers wearing Bears jerseys as young as nine years old.
The storied rivalry between the Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers is particularly dear to Damore's heart. "Green Bay, even back then, was the game of the year for us," he said. "It was always the biggest game for us, and it's continued since."
Damore has watched the team evolve over the years, from four consecutive losing seasons before making the playoffs this year to bolstered by promising quarterback Caleb Williams. He believes head coach Ben Johnson is ushering in a new era for the team.
"For a quarterback, you can only be good if your team is good," Damore said. "If your team is bad, Jesus Christ can't be a good quarterback. Your teammates are very important."
As the Bears hope to take on their longtime rival Green Bay Packers this Saturday night in the playoffs, Damore is predicting a win and has his eyes on Super Bowl Sunday as the ultimate victory.
"It would be my greatest goodbye if I died the second day after they won it," he said. "It would be great for me if I passed on after they did it."
Damore, believed to be the oldest living alum of the Chicago Bears, has been following the team for over six decades. Since his retirement from the team 67 years ago, his love for the team has only deepened. He was born and raised in west suburban Riverside and remembers wearing Bears jerseys as young as nine years old.
The storied rivalry between the Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers is particularly dear to Damore's heart. "Green Bay, even back then, was the game of the year for us," he said. "It was always the biggest game for us, and it's continued since."
Damore has watched the team evolve over the years, from four consecutive losing seasons before making the playoffs this year to bolstered by promising quarterback Caleb Williams. He believes head coach Ben Johnson is ushering in a new era for the team.
"For a quarterback, you can only be good if your team is good," Damore said. "If your team is bad, Jesus Christ can't be a good quarterback. Your teammates are very important."
As the Bears hope to take on their longtime rival Green Bay Packers this Saturday night in the playoffs, Damore is predicting a win and has his eyes on Super Bowl Sunday as the ultimate victory.
"It would be my greatest goodbye if I died the second day after they won it," he said. "It would be great for me if I passed on after they did it."