‘The Gold Standard’ — NFL coaches react to the passing of Chicago Bears legend and Pro Football Hall of Famer Mike Ditka
The Chicago Bears lost a legend and an icon on Friday following the announcement that Mike Ditka has died at the age of 86. Here’s what a few NFL head coaches had to say following the news.
If you missed the news from earlier this morning, Chicago Bears legend and Pro Football Hall of Famer Mike Ditka died on Friday at the age of 86. He was a legend in the game of football that will be remembered forever, especially in the city of Chicago.
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of legendary and treasured Chicago Bear and Pro Football Hall of Famer Mike Ditka,” the Bears said in a statement.
“Mike’s impact on the Chicago Bears organization, over decades as a player, coach, and proud icon and ambassador for our organization, is immeasurable. His integral role in bringing world championships to our city and our franchise, both as a player and as our coach, established prominence and excellence at a world-class level, but also created a lifetime of cherished memories in the hearts and minds of Bears fans that will last for generations.
“We extend our love, prayers, and heartfelt condolences to the Ditka family, and join all Bears fans in deep sadness and reverence as we remember and honor Mike Ditka.”
NFL head coaches offer condolences and respect for Mike Ditka and the Ditka family
Soon after the team released their statement on the franchise icon, Bears head coach Ben Johnson took to the podium and spoke with reporters ahead of the team’s practice.
“I’ll start off extending my condolences to the Ditka family,” Johnson said. “Sad news here this morning and obviously as far as I’m concerned, Coach Ditka is the gold standard of this place. He’s a legend around here, as a player, as a coach. His impact is still being felt to this day. And as the head coach of the Bears, I feel humbled to be in that same chair that he was once in. It’s a sad day hearing that he’s passing on. He’s in our thoughts and prayers. . .
“I never got the chance to meet him, but his legacy is very strong,” Johnson added. “It’s a shame. His picture is all over the place. I don’t know if there’s been a head coach with that much – obviously other than George Halas – but that much success. The number of winning seasons, the win-loss record, obviously a Super Bowl-winner. As a head coach, it’s been hard to replicate that since his time. It means a lot to the McCaskey family. He’s one of those big names when you walk into the players’ entrance. He’s one of those big names for a reason.”
The news comes two days before the Bears are scheduled to face off against the team’s bitter rivals in the Green Bay Packers on Sunday at Lambeau Field. Prior to fielding questions on the team, Packers head coach Matt LaFleur also took the time to address the news on Friday.
“Sometimes in life, there are things that happen that are more important than football. So, I just wanted to offer my condolences to the Bears and the Ditka family in memory of Mike Ditka,” LaFleur said. “Obviously a true legend of the game, as a player and as a coach… I never got to meet him, been to his restaurant once when I was a little kid, but the things that he accomplished in this game are legendary.”
Ditka is currently the only person in NFL history to win a Super Bowl as a starting player and win a Super Bowl as a coach, both of which came with the Chicago Bears.
Dan Campbell shares a personal story that embodies who Mike Ditka was as a person
Ahead of his Friday press conference, Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell also took the time to speak on the passing of Mike Ditka and shared a personal story from a moment he shared with Ditka.
Prior to being a head coach, Campbell was a tight end in the NFL just like Ditka. He was drafted by the New York Giants but before that, he met with Ditka during his pre-draft process at the NFL Combine.
“Somebody I just loved growing up,” Campbell said of Ditka. “When I’m coming out and I go to the Combine, the Saints wanted to meet with me, in particular Mike Ditka. I go in, and I know he’ll be there, I go in and there’s one little light on. It’s like a little lamp in the corner. There’s nothing in there. There’s no couches, the room is totally cleaned up. And there’s one little table and the room is full of smoke. You can’t hardly even see him, you just see this image off into the corner. This little lamp and smoke everywhere. He’s got that big fat cigar. . .
“It was one of the best times of my life, and most intimidating times of my life, sitting across from Mike Ditka. It was awesome though, man. Him asking questions about where you grew up, how you think, how you’re wired, the game and what you see. It was just, it was awesome. Man, my thoughts and prayers go out to his family. He’s a legend.”
Countless stories like that have been flowing in all day from players, coaches, media members, and fans. Everyone that crossed paths with Mike Ditka at any point in their life remember those little moments. He was truly a legend and it’s sad to hear this news. But, he will always be remembered.
