NFL
Legendary Chicago Bears Coach and NFL Hall of Famer Mike Ditka Dead at 86
Legendary Chicago Bears coach and Pro Football Hall of Famer Mike Ditka has died at the age of 86.
Ditka’s family announced his death on Friday, October 9, in a statement shared with ESPN.
“It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Mike Ditka,” his family said. “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,” the statement continued.
A cause of death has not been made public at the time of publication.
Ditka became a household name after he led the Bears to a Super Bowl championship when they beat the New England Patriots 46-10. He served as the team’s head coach from 1982 to 1992, and during that time, the Bears had seven playoff appearances.
He later coached the New Orleans Saints from 1997 to 1999.
Before his coaching career, Ditka was a tight end for the Bears, Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys.
In 1988, he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame – the first tight end to receive the honor.
After his coaching career, Ditka worked as a television analyst for NBC and ESPN. He also became a pop culture fixture, appearing in commercials, television shows and the 2005 comedy Kicking & Screaming starring alongside Will Ferrell.
In a statement to First for Sports, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said, “Mike Ditka epitomized football over so many years. He brought intensity, authenticity, and an unmistakable personality to everything he did. As a Hall of Fame player, Super Bowl-winning coach with his beloved and iconic Bears, and as a broadcaster, Mike served as an ambassador for the game and inspired generations of fans. Through his work with the Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund, Mike was a champion for taking care of those who helped build our game. We extend our deepest condolences to Diana and the Ditka family.”
