From Chicago Sun-Times · · 1m
Packers honor Mike Ditka as fiercest NFL competitor
Packers call Mike Ditka 'one of the fiercest competitors in NFL history' after his death.
In brief
Packers call Mike Ditka 'one of the fiercest competitors in NFL history' after his death. Packers praised Mike Ditka as 'one of the fiercest competitors in NFL history' following his death at age 86. Originally reported by Chicago Sun-Times.
Packers statement
Packers released a statement praising Mike Ditka as 'one of the fiercest competitors in NFL history'.
“One of the fiercest competitors in NFL history, Mike helped define the intensity and tradition of the Packers-Bears rivalry, the oldest in professional football”
Ditka's legacy
Ditka coached the Bears to their only Super Bowl championship and died at age 86.
“Mike Ditka, who coached the Bears to their only Super Bowl championship, has died”
Rivalry significance
The Packers-Bears rivalry is the oldest in professional football with 214 games played.
“The Packers-Bears rivalry, the oldest in professional football”
Packers' plans
Packers will acknowledge Ditka's death at Lambeau Field before Sunday's game.
“The Packers figure to acknowledge Ditka’s death at Lambeau Field on Sunday before the teams line up for the 214th playing of the rivalry game”
Bears' tribute
Bears may add helmet sticker or jersey patch in Ditka's honor.
“The Bears are likely to add a helmet sticker or jersey patch in Ditka’s honor”
Coach Ben Johnson
Bears coach Ben Johnson called Ditka 'gold standard' for leadership.
“Mike Ditka was 'gold standard'”
Ditka's background
Ditka was born in Pennsylvania and adopted Chicago as his home.
“The son of a Pennsylvania steel mill worker came to Chicago as a player and became a legend”
The one thing
Packers praised Mike Ditka as 'one of the fiercest competitors in NFL history' following his death at age 86.
