Chicago Bears: 30 greatest players in franchise history

Walter Payton #34, Running Back for the Chicago Bears during his final game in the American Football Conference West game against the Los Angeles Raiders on 27 December 1987 at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Los Angeles, California, United States. The Bears won the game 6 - 3. Visions of Sport. (Photo by Mike Powell/Allsport/Getty Images) /

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23. player. 57. . LB. 1966-79. Doug Buffone

Before the vaunted linebackers of the Bears’ defense in the 1980’s, Doug Buffone was displaying a tenacity and toughness that solidifies his place as one of the organization’s all-time greats.

Buffone was selected by Chicago in the fourth round of the 1966 NFL Draft and would go on to spend his entire career with the team. Over the course of his 15 years in the NFL, Buffone racked up over 1,200 tackles, including seven seasons of 100 or more.

Not only was Buffone a production machine, he was also a team leader, serving as defensive captain for eight seasons. It’s one thing to be a great player, but the leadership Buffone displayed during his time with the organization is what helps to put him among the greats.

Buffone went on to play 186 games in a Bears uniform, which at the time was a franchise record, and was also notable for being the last active player in the NFL to play under George Halas.

When his playing days were over, Buffone was active in broadcasting around Chicago up until his death in 2015 at the age of 70.

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