A legend of the Chicago Bears, Mike Ditka, died at the age of 86, per multiple reports. Per ESPN, Ditka's family released a statement. "It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Mike Ditka," the statement reads.
"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." More News: Exclusive: Breakout NFL Executives Who Could Become Future General Managers More News: 4 QBs Generating Serious Trade Buzz Weeks Before NFL Regular Season Starts Ditka played football at Pittsburgh in college, earning unanimous All-America honors in 1960 before being taken with the No. 5 pick of the 1961 NFL Draft. He earned NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year.
He earned All-Pro honors five times and made five Pro Bowl appearances. He won an NFL championship with the Bears in 1963 and Super Bowl VI with the Cowboys. Ditka was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles in 1967 and traded to the Dallas Cowboys in 1969.
He finished his playing career after the 1972 season with 427 receptions for 5,812 yards and 43 touchdowns. He became the first tight end inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The Bears retired his No. 89 in 2013.
Following his playing career, Ditka became an assistant head coach and special teams coordinator in 1973. He took over as head coach of the Chicago Bears in 1982. He won Super Bowl XX with the Bears, the first and only head coach to have won a Super Bowl with the Bears.
During his time as head coach, a sweater-vest wearing Ditka became a household name and was known for his short fuse on the sidelines. Chicago fired Ditka after the 1992 season. He served as the head coach of the Saints from 1997 to 1999.
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