Da Coach: An excerpt on Mike Ditka from Adam Jahns’ ‘The Big 50: Chicago Bears’
Hall of Fame tight end and Super Bowl-winning head coach Mike Ditka died, his family announced in a statement on Friday. He was 86. The following is an excerpt from...
In 1963, Hall of Fame tight end and Super Bowl-winning coach Mike Ditka, now 86, passed away, according to a statement from his family. A notable excerpt from Adam Jahns’ book "The Big 50: Chicago Bears" highlights Ditka's legendary 63-yard run during a crucial game in the Bears' championship season. With less than five minutes remaining and the Bears trailing the Steelers by three points, Ditka caught a short pass from quarterback Bill Wade and executed a powerful run, gaining 146 yards and securing a crucial 17-17 tie against the Packers in the standings.
This touchdown, which occurred on November 24, 1963, ultimately helped the Bears overcome the Packers and secure the championship. Despite his heroic on-field performances, Ditka's contributions to the NFL have been overshadowed by his later ventures as an endorser, restaurant owner, actor, and frequent interviewee. However, Ditka remains an NFL icon, remembered as the extraordinary player who helped create the tight end position and led the Bears to victory during one of the greatest seasons in franchise history.
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