# Chicago Bears legend Mike Ditka dies at 86

> Chicago Bears legend Mike Ditka dies at 86.
- Title: Chicago Bears legend Mike Ditka dies at 86 · Straight Arrow
- Summary: Chicago Bears legend Mike Ditka dies at 86. Chicago Bears legend Mike Ditka died at age 86 after a career spanning 158 games as a tight end and 14 seasons as…
- Keywords: mike ditka, chicago bears, super bowl xx, nfl, pro football hall of fame, football coach, tight end, bears super bowl championship, news, politics, world, Chicago
- Source: Straight Arrow — https://san.com/cc/chicago-bears-legend-mike-ditka-dies-at-86
- Published: 2026-10-09T15:26:40+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: mike ditka, chicago bears, super bowl xx, nfl, pro football hall of fame, football coach, tight end, bears super bowl championship, news, politics, world
## Mike Ditka dies at 86
Mike Ditka, legendary Chicago Bears coach who led the 1985 team to a Super Bowl win, has died, his family announced Friday. He was 86.
## Family statement
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Mike Ditka.

> It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Mike Ditka.
## Family tribute
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.

> 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.
## Ditka's career
Ditka first played for the Chicago Bears from 1961 to 1966, winning Rookie of the Year after becoming the first tight end to surpass 1,000 receiving yards.
## Super Bowl XX win
Ditka led the Chicago Bears to victory in Super Bowl XX, defeating the New England Patriots 46-10 with a 15-1 regular season record.
## Ditka's coaching career
Ditka coached the Chicago Bears for 11 seasons, leading them to the NFL playoffs seven times and winning one Super Bowl.
## Ditka's legacy
Ditka inspired his team to work hard, do their job and earn their success their own way with mantras like 'you're never a loser until you quit trying.'

> you're never a loser until you quit trying
## Ditka's impact
Ditka's Chicago vernacular, including his change in the pronunciation of 'the' to 'da,' and his iconic appearance remain replicated at games, in Halloween costumes and comedy skits.
## Key takeaway

Chicago Bears legend Mike Ditka died at age 86 after a career spanning 158 games as a tight end and 14 seasons as a head coach.