NFL Star Mike Ditka Passes Away at 86

Mike Ditka, a legendary coach for the Chicago Bears who won two NFL titles as both a player and a coach, died on Friday, his family said. He was 86 years old.

Ditka, picked fifth in the 1961 NFL Draft, played as a tight end from 1961 to 1972 and helped the Bears win the 1963 league title.

He also caught a touchdown pass for the Dallas Cowboys in their 1972 Super Bowl win.

As a coach, Ditka led the Bears to a 1986 Super Bowl victory, beating New England 46-10. This win ended a 23-year title drought for both the team and the city. He also worked as an assistant coach for the Cowboys in their 1978 Super Bowl win against Denver.

“It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Mike Ditka,” his family shared in a statement.

“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.”

Jarrett Payton, son of the late Hall of Fame running back Walter Payton who played under Ditka in Chicago, shared the statement on social media.

“Da Coach. Hall of Famer. The heartbeat of the ’85 Bears and a Super Bowl champion,” Payton wrote. “Chicago won’t be the same.”

Ditka’s tough playing style made him one of the most feared players in the NFL. His toughness earned him the nickname “Iron Mike” and reflected the sport’s strong Midwest roots.

“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 is immeasurable. His role in bringing world championships to our city and our franchise, both as a player and coach, created many cherished memories for Bears fans that will last for generations.”

Ditka, who had a record of 121-95 as a head coach for the Bears and New Orleans Saints, became a well-known NFL analyst on television. His tough style attracted fans and even inspired parody on the show “Saturday Night Live.”

While coaching and working on a Chicago sports radio station, he once challenged a caller to a fight.

Ditka was born and raised in Pittsburgh. His father worked as a welder and was of Polish and Ukrainian descent, while his mother was Irish and German.

He played basketball, baseball, and American football at the University of Pittsburgh. In 1986, he was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame, two years before entering the Pro Football Hall of Fame as the first tight end to be honored.

Ditka won the 1961 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year after becoming the first rookie tight end in league history to have more than 1,000 receiving yards in a season.

George Halas, the Bears’ founder, hired Ditka as coach in 1982. Under Ditka, Chicago reached three conference finals and a Super Bowl in his 11 seasons.

His famous 1985 team, known for their “Super Bowl Shuffle” video, finished with a 15-1 record before dominating New England in the championship game.

Ditka sometimes clashed with assistant coaches and players, but the team was one of the most successful in NFL history with standout quarterback Jim McMahon and defensive tackle William “The Refrigerator” Perry.

Ditka’s jersey number, 89, was retired by the Bears in 2013. He called it “the consummation of a career” and “a tremendous honor.”

He made appearances in movies and on TV, often playing himself, and was a spokesperson for many products, especially in the Chicago area.