Former Chicago Bears linebacker Doug Buffone's legacy stretches far beyond the football field.

Buffone, who died Monday at the age of 70, became a popular Chicago media personality following his 14-year NFL career.

My first encounter with Buffone occurred in my first month out of college in 2000 when a Chicago sports radio station gave me the opportunity to produce Buffone's show on weekends, then later in the afternoons with another former Bears player, Dan Jiggetts.

Both men treated me with the kind of respect, kindness and generosity that is often unheard of in the cutthroat business of sports radio.

But my experiences with Buffone were far from unique.

In 25-plus years in the business, Buffone established the reputation as one of the best guys in the Chicago market, a coveted talk-show partner due to his unbridled enthusiasm, preparedness and devotion to the craft.

Buffone influenced the careers of many other aspiring young journalists, including the current co-host of ESPN's Mike and Mike radio program, Mike Greenberg.

Here is Greenberg's touching tribute to Buffone from Tuesday's show with co-host Mike Golic.