Chicago Bears legendary coach and TE Mike Ditka died at age 86 and will forever be remembered as one of the NFL greats
Former Chicago Bears head coach and Pro Football Hall of Famer Mike Ditka died on Friday at age 86, according to an announcement made by his family.
It’s a sad day in Chicago, Illinois following the announcement that former Chicago Bears head coach and Pro Football Hall of Famer Mike Ditka has died at age 86. The announcement was made official by his family on Friday.
“It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Mike Ditka. While the world knew Mike as a Hall of Fame football player, legendary coach, and leader of the Chicago Bears’ Super Bowl XX championship team, we knew him as the heart of our family. Mike will be missed beyond measure and remembered forever.
With love and gratitude, The Ditka Family”
Mike Ditka revolutionized the NFL well before his days as one of the best coaches in league history
Ditka entered the NFL in 1961 after being selected by the Chicago Bears with the fifth overall pick in the first-round of the 1961 NFL Draft. He played six years in Chicago, two years with the Philadelphia Eagles, and four years with the Dallas Cowboys before hanging up his cleats in 1972. In his playing career, Ditka won an NFL championship with the Bears in 1963 and was a part of the Super Bowl VI winning team with Dallas.
Ditka earned five Pro Bowl nods, two first-team All-Pro selections, and was the AP Offensive Rookie of the Year in 1961. He revolutionized the tight end position recording 5,812 yards and 43 touchdowns throughout his career as a player.
His 1,076 receiving yards in 1961 still stands as the franchise record for the most receiving yards by a tight end in team history. In 1988, Ditka was the first tight end ever inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
“‘Iron Mike’ brought an unrivaled level of toughness to an era already defined by physicality,” Jim Porter, the Hall of Fame’s president & CEO, said in a statement. “but he also was much more gifted as a pass catcher than many realized and became the ideal player for Coach George Halas to reimagine the tight end position. Mike brought competitiveness and a hard-nosed play style as he developed into both a fantastic blocker and someone who could punish would-be tacklers on his receptions.”
Ditka’s legendary status continued as a head coach in Chicago
After hanging up the cleats, Ditka picked up the whistle as began his coaching career the following season after being hired as an assistant coach in Dallas by Tom Landry. In 1982, Ditka returned to Chicago after being hired by George Halas to be the head coach of the Bears and brought his fiery coaching style along with him.
He spent 11 seasons as the leader of the Beas, leading Chicago to a 106-62 record, which included the legendary Super Bowl-winning team in 1985. Ditka ended his coaching career in Chicago with 106 wins, which remains the second-most in Bears history, behind only Halas.
“He brought that same philosophy to his coaching,” Porter added, “leading the famous 1985 team that paired with one of the most vaunted and dominant defenses in NFL history with a top-ranked offense. Mike’s captivating personality and leadership qualities will be preserved and celebrated forever in Canton.”
In 2013, Ditka’s jersey number 89 was officially retired by the Chicago Bears.
His legacy and impact will forever be remembered in Chicago
Ditka had a personality and style that will never be forgotten in Chicago. Every Sunday, fans pack into Soldier Field and still among them are countless fans rocking Ditka’s iconic mustache and navy v-neck sweater vest.
However, his impact to this city goes well beyond his style and facial hair. Ditka was a legend in the game of football as a player, coach, and personality. He will truly forever be remembered as one of the greatest figures in NFL history.
