Mike Ditka, legendary Bears coach who led Chicago to its only Super Bowl title, dies at 86

Mike Ditka, a football legend who rose from Chicago Bears tight end to its most famous coach ever, has died at the age of 86.

His family confirmed his death in a statement, writing: “It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend, Mike Ditka. 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 Bears released a statement, writing in part: “Mike’s impact on the Chicago Bears organization, over the decades as a player, coach and proud icon and ambassador of our organization, is immeasurable… We extend our love, prayers and sincere condolences to the Ditka family, and we join all Bears fans in deep sadness and respect as we remember and honor Mike Ditka.”

The NFL released a statement on its social media, writing: “The NFL is deeply saddened by the passing of Hall of Fame coach and tight end Mike Ditka. Our hearts go out to his family and loved ones.”

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell remembered Ditka, writing, “Mike Ditka epitomized football for so many years. He brought intensity, authenticity and an inimitable personality to everything he did… We offer our deepest condolences to Diana and the Ditka family.

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker also posted about his death, writing: “Da Coach was not only an icon in Chicago, but in the entire football world. Our hearts go out today to Mike Ditka’s family, friends and Bears fans. May his memory be a blessing.”

Pro Football Hall of Fame President and CEO Jim Porter responded to Ditka’s death in a statement, saying, “Mike brought competitiveness and a hard-nosed style of play as he developed into both a fantastic blocker and someone who could punish would-be tacklers on his receptions…Mike’s captivating personality and leadership qualities will be preserved and celebrated forever in Canton.”

The Hall of Fame said the flag outside their museum would fly at half-staff in Ditka’s honor.

Emery Moorehead, a tight end on Ditka’s Super Bowl-winning team, shared their memories of his coach with CBS News Chicago.

“He had a huge passion for the game,” Moorehead said. “Everyone played with emotion every week because that’s how coach felt.”

“’Da Coach,’ as we knew him, seemed like this invincible character that we thought would live forever,” said former CBS News Chicago sports anchor Ryan Baker, who knew Ditka well and interviewed him often. “So it’s surreal to talk about Mike Ditka’s passing, even though it was inevitable.”

Even the Green Bay Packers, with whom Ditka had a fierce rivalry, mourned his passing.

“While he was a formidable opponent, his contributions to the game and to a rivalry that means so much to both franchises will always be respected and remembered by the Green Bay Packers,” the club wrote on its social media.

Ditka still holds an important place in Bears legendand remains an extremely popular figure among Bears fans and in pop culture. Recently, a newly engaged couple went viral for sharing a kiss at a Bears game while they were both dressed as coaches.

Ditka was born on October 18, 1939. Before becoming Da Coach, “iron” legend Mike Ditka was forged in the working-class town of Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, northwest of Pittsburgh.

Ditka never forgot his working-class roots, but he used football as a way to escape from working in the steel mills. He earned a scholarship to the University of Pittsburgh, where he became an All-American in 1960.

“If you wanted to be good at something, you had to work at it,” Ditka told CBS Chicago in 1985, “and no one was going to give you anything for nothing.”

The Bears drafted him fifth overall in 1961. Nicknamed “Iron Mike” as a player, he was named the NFL Rookie of the Year and revolutionized the tight end position as a pass catcher.

“I didn’t particularly like the people I was playing against, I really didn’t,” Ditka said. “I wasn’t one to go up and shake hands before or after the game.”

The pinnacle of Ditka’s six-year career with the Bears came in 1963, when No. 89 helped the team win an NFL championship.

The Bears demolished the New England Patriots 46-10 in the Super Bowl, but Ditka often said he regretted that McMahon and defensive tackle William “The Representative” Perry were running for touchdowns instead of Walter Payton, Chicago’s stalwart and tough running back.

Ryan left shortly after for a head coaching job in Philadelphia. While the Bears remained in contention for most of the next five years, a 5-11 season led to Ditka’s departure in 1992.

He was arguably the most recognizable – and imitated – personality in the NFL during his tenure as Chicago’s coach, with his thick but carefully groomed mustache and vest with “BEARS” printed on the chest. The iconic look is still imitated by fans of Bears games decades later. That, along with his fiery, red-faced tantrums, inspired the popular “Da Bears” sketch on “Saturday Night Live” in the 1980s.

However, after a contract dispute with owner George “Papa Bear” Halas, the five-time Pro Bowler was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles before the 1967 season.

Ditka would end his playing days by catching a touchdown in Super Bowl VI for the Dallas Cowboys. Upon his retirement, he immediately joined Tom Landry’s coaching staff in Dallas.

In 1982, Ditka’s career came full circle when Halas brought him back to the Bears as the 10th head coach in franchise history.

As a coach, fans and media couldn’t get enough of Ditka’s gruff and tough character. Ditka’s fiery attitude quickly translated into success on the field.

“I don’t want to be competitive. I know what it’s like,” Ditka said in 1985. “I want to be the winner.”

The 1985 Bears reached and won Super Bowl XX. On January 26, 1986, in New Orleans, Ditka’s Bears dominated the New England Patriots 46-10, making Ditka one of only two men to win an NFL title as a player, assistant coach and head coach.

In 1988, Ditka became the first tight end to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

However, later that year he suffered a heart attack. He would recover, and in 1990 he led the Bears to a sixth division crown.

But after going 5-11 in the 1992 season, Ditka was fired.

Ditka then returned to the NFL for a three-season stint as head coach of the New Orleans Saints, from 1997 to 1999. Afterward, Ditka retired from coaching.

But Da Coach’s iconic status continued to grow, particularly in Chicago. He became a successful restaurateur and appeared in advertisements for a range of products, selling everything from wine to smoked sausages.

In late 2013, Chicago favorite Grabowski received the ultimate tribute: his iconic No. 89 jersey was retired during a halftime ceremony at Soldier Field.

Ditka also had a long-standing relationship with CBS Chicago. Throughout his career as Bears head coach, Ditka also made weekly appearances during football season with Channel 2 sports director Johnny Morris on “The Mike Ditka Show.”

“The Mike Ditka Show” ended after Ditka was fired from the Bears in January 1993. But by the mid-2000s, Ditka was appearing again on CBS Chicago as an analyst for the “2 on Football” program with sports director Mark Malone. He also appeared as a color analyst for local broadcasts of Bears preseason games.

Ditka was also a sales spokesperson for numerous products and an avid golfer. He was also closely connected to Misericordia, the Chicago facility that serves youth with developmental and physical disabilities.