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Mike Ditka, NFL Hall of Fame coach and Bears legend, dies at 86
NFL legend Mike Ditka has died at the age of 86. His family confirmed his passing in a statement, describing him as the ‘heart of our family’ while acknowledging his global reputation as a Hall of Fame player and legendary coach.
Ditka’s career was defined by his association with the Chicago Bears. As a player, he revolutionized the tight end position and was the first at that position to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He helped lead the Bears to an NFL championship in 1963 and later won a Super Bowl as a player with the Dallas Cowboys in 1972.
As a head coach, Ditka led the 1985 Chicago Bears to a dominant 15-1 regular season and a victory in Super Bowl XX. He was named NFL Coach of the Year in both 1985 and 1988. Following his coaching career, he became a prominent television analyst and broadcaster.
Donald Trump reacted to the news, calling Ditka a ‘great guy’ and a ‘winner’ who had been a supporter during his political campaigns.
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