From The Banner · Jim Litke, AP Sports Writer · · 2m
Mike Ditka Dies at 86
Hall of Fame Chicago Bear coach Mike Ditka dies at 86.
In brief
Hall of Fame Chicago Bear coach Mike Ditka dies at 86. Mike Ditka, a Pro Football Hall of Famer and Chicago Bears coach, dies at 86. Originally reported by The Banner.
Mike Ditka dies at 86
Mike Ditka, the quintessential Chicago Bear and a Pro Football Hall of Famer, dies at 86.
Family announces death
Ditka’s family announced his death on Friday in a statement.
Family statement
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Mike Ditka.
Iron Mike nickname
Nicknamed "Iron Mike" as a player, Ditka helped revolutionize the tight end position.
First Hall of Fame induction
He was the first person enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, who had won Super Bowls as a player, assistant coach and head coach.
1985 Bears team
His 1985 team featured one of the game’s most dominant defenses ever.
Super Bowl Shuffle
The team recorded a rap video, "The Super Bowl Shuffle," and back up their boasting in the championship game three months later.
Iconic appearance
He was arguably the NFL’s most recognizable, and imitated, personality during his time as Chicago’s coach with his thick but neatly groomed mustache and sweater vest with "BEARS" emblazoned across the chest.
Saturday Night Live skit
That along with his fiery, red-faced sideline tantrums inspired the popular "Da Bears" skit on "Saturday Night Live" during the 1980s.
Post-retirement career
After retiring as a coach, Ditka became a restaurateur, pitchman and TV personality, as well as a forceful advocate for improved medical and retirement benefits for former players.
Tough personality
Ditka was tough and gruff, the quintessential Chicago Bear. He did everything from order off the menu to knock defensive backs on their butts with a growl.
Bears tribute
Revered as "Da Coach," Ditka was the ringmaster of the 1985 Bears, one of the most dominant and perhaps the zaniest Super Bowl-winning team in league history.
Barack Obama tribute
Former President Barack Obama wrote on X: "When I got to Chicago in the summer of 1985, Mike Ditka and the Chicago Bears were king."
Jersey retirement
The Bears said during a ceremony in 2013 that his "No. 89" jersey will be the last one retired by the team.
NFL Commissioner tribute
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said Ditka "epitomized football over so many years" during his career.
The main idea
Mike Ditka, a Pro Football Hall of Famer and Chicago Bears coach, dies at 86.
