By Giselle Morales
CHICAGO, IL — Mike Ditka, the Pro Football Hall of Famer and former Chicago Bears coach, died Friday at 86.
His family confirmed the news in a statement to ESPN: “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.”
Born in Carnegie, Pennsylvania, in 1939, Ditka began his professional football career when the Chicago Bears drafted him as a tight end in 1961. As a player, Ditka played for the Bears, Philadelphia Eagles, and Dallas Cowboys, winning Super Bowl VI with the latter in 1972.
In his 12 seasons as a player, Ditka recorded 43 receiving touchdowns, 427 receptions, and 5,812 receiving yards. These statistics earned him induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1988, making him the first tight end ever inducted.
After announcing his retirement in 1973, Ditka joined the Dallas Cowboys as an assistant coach and won another Super Bowl with the team in 1977.
Ditka is perhaps best remembered for his historic 11-season stint as head coach of the Chicago Bears. In 1985, he led the team to a 15-1 record and a Super Bowl XX victory, the Bears’ first and only title.
After leaving the Bears in 1993, Ditka coached the New Orleans Saints for three seasons, taking over as head coach in 1997.
He also made various guest appearances and cameos on shows including Saturday Night Live, L.A. Law, Cheers, and According to Jim. In 2005, Ditka starred in a memorable role alongside Will Ferrell in the 2005 film, Kicking and Screaming, where he played himself as a competitive soccer coach.
Ditka’s accomplishments on the field and larger-than-life personality made him a beloved football icon, and created a legacy that will live on for decades to come. He remained a familiar face among NFL fans, serving as an NFL commentator for NBC, CBS Sports, and ESPN on pre-game shows including The NFL Today and Sunday NFL Countdown.
