Chicago Bears

‘It would be my greatest goodbye’: Oldest living Chicago Bear hopes team has Super Bowl in its future

Posted January 08, 2026 12:20 pm

By Mary Norkol

John Damore, who played for the Chicago Bears in the 1950s, will watch Saturday’s game in his Westmont home. Arthur Maiorella/For the Sun-Times

Every Bears game day, 92-year-old former offensive lineman John Damore can be found in his bedroom recliner, unlit cigar in hand, eyes glued to the TV. He breaks into a wide toothless smile after every touchdown.

“I don’t miss a minute,” he said. “I don’t miss a minute, and if it plays twice, I watch it twice.”

Since walking off the field for the last time 67 years ago, Damore’s love has only deepened for his hometown team. He was born and raised in west suburban Riverside and remembers wearing Bears jerseys as young as 9 years old.

Believed to be the oldest living alum of the team, he’s ready to watch as quarterback Caleb Williams and head coach Ben Johnson lead the team to their first playoff game of the season against longtime rival the Green Bay Packers Saturday night.

For the full story, go to chicago.suntimes.com.

John Damore, a former offensive lineman, played for the Bears in the 1950s. Arthur Maiorella/For the Sun-Times

John Damore, 92, the oldest living Chicago Bear, poses with his wife Joyce Damore and daughter Alison Bihun in his Westmont home. Arthur Maiorella/For the Sun-Times

John Damore has the game ball he won in 1959 — during the game when he broke his ankle and ended his career with the Chicago Bears. Arthur Maiorella/For the Sun-Times

John Damore follows the Bears closely from his Westmont home. The oldest living former player does not want the team to leave Illinois. Arthur Maiorella/For the Sun-Times

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