Lions head coach pays tribute to Mike Ditka after learning of his death during press conference question
Bears legend Mike Ditka dies at 86
Legendary Chicago Bears coach Mike Ditka has died at age 86. Fox News sports contributor and host Jim Gray speaks out on Ditka’s passing, calling Ditka “America’s Coach.” Ditka led the Bears to the 1985 Super Bowl triumph.
Reactions are pouring in after news of legendary NFL coach Mike Ditka passed away, and one of the best came from Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell.
The Lions coach was in the middle of a press conference when a reporter asked him if he had heard the news of Ditka’s death at the age of 86.
That wasn’t the case, and that led Campbell to recount his experience with Ditka before the 1999 NFL draft.
Lions head coach Dan Campbell told a great story about meeting Mike Ditka after learning of the legendary coach’s passing. (Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images and Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images)
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Campbell was a tight end for Texas A&M before the draft, and like any prospect, he did some interviews with teams.
One of those teams was the New Orleans Saints, coached at the time by Ditka, who was also a tight end during his playing days.
“(Ditka) was someone I loved, man. Growing up, Ditka was,” Campbell said. “(I’m a) big fan.”
He said the Saints, and especially Ditka, wanted to meet him.
Although Campbell knew the legendary coach would be in the room, he figured others would be there as well.
No.
Just him, Ditka and a room full of cigar smoke.
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“It was one of the best moments of my life and one of the most intimidating moments of my life, sitting across from Mike Ditka,” Campbell said. “It was awesome, man. Asking him questions about where you grew up, how you think, how you’re wired, the game, what you see, it was awesome.
“Thoughts and prayers are with his family. He’s a legend.”
Mike Ditka was coaching the New Orleans Saints when he met Dan Campbell before the 1999 NFL Draft. (RHONA WISE/AFP via Getty Images)
What an elegant tribute, and pulling this story out of his hat at this time shows how much the late coach meant to Campbell.
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Of course, the Saints didn’t end up drafting Campbell. Instead, he was selected by the New York Giants in the third round, 79th overall.
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