Doug Buffone: Monster of the Midway is looks into at the epic highs and frustrating lows of the Chicago Bears over the last half-century told directly from the perspective of Doug Buffone shortly before his passing in April 2015. In the book, the late Bear legend provides a behind-the-scenes look at the personalities and events that have shaped the franchise’s storied history. Readers will meet the players, coaches and management and share in their moments of greatness, grief and quirkiness.
Beginning in 1966, when Buffone was selected in the fourth round by the Bears, the book details his early playing days under legendary Coach George Halas all the way through the start of the new era of the franchise with John Fox. He takes readers through the exhilaration of being teammates with the legendary Gale Sayers, as well as the heart wrenching experience of losing teammate Brian Piccolo to cancer, which would go on to inspire the award-winning movie Brian’s Song. Before retiring as the last Bear to have played under Halas in 1980, Buffone also had the pleasure of sharing the locker room with the next superstar Bears running back, Walter Payton, helping lay the groundwork that would lead to the unforgettable 1985 Super Bowl champion squad. Luckily, even after his playing days, Buffone never strayed far from the Bears organization, covering the team on television and radio for more than three decades. Other highlights include:
- A foreword by legendary Bears defensive tackle of twelve seasons and Pro Football Hall of Famer Dan Hampton
- Collections of photos from Buffone’s earlier years in addition to his illustrious playing career for the Chicago Bears and throughout the rest of his life
- Doug’s insight and perspective on the culture of amphetamines, uppers and other performance enhancing drugs utilized and abused throughout the NFL during his career
- Buffone’s list of the ten most competitive players in Chicago Bears franchise history
- A recollection of player reactions from being on the field during the only death of a professional football player in history
From the greatness of Dick Butkus, Mike Ditka, Brian Urlacher and Matt Forte to the debacles of Rashaan Salaam, Dave McGinnis and Marc Trestman; Buffone has seen it all. Doug Buffone: Monster of the Midway gives fans a taste of what it’s like to be a part of the Bears storied history from a perspective unlike any other, making it essential reading for any true Chicago sports aficionado.
About the Authors:
Doug Buffone was a former linebacker with the Chicago Bears, where he played for 15 years and also served as defensive captain for eight seasons. He was involved in founding the Arena Football League, and cohosted Chicago NFL Live on WSCR-AM, as well as the Bears postgame show. He passed away on April 20, 2015.
Chet Coppock is an Emmy Award–winning sports broadcaster with more than 40 years of experience. In 2013 he was inducted into the Chicagoland Sports Hall of Fame and given the Jack Brickhouse Lifetime Achievement Award. He is the author of Laying It on the Line andFat Guys Shouldn’t Be Dancing at Halftime.