Late Bears legend Mike Ditka had considerable Cowboys chapter in Hall of Fame career

Mike Ditka, a legendary NFL figure who will be remembered for his illustrious career, has sadly passed away at the age of 86. Although he is most closely associated with the Chicago Bears - both as a player and a Super Bowl-winning head coach - Ditka also had a significant portion of his football career with the Dallas Cowboys.

Ditka was drafted in the first round by both the NFL and AFL out of the University of Pittsburgh in 1961. He chose the Bears over the AFL's Oilers and proved to be a formidable tight end, receiving first- or second-team All-Pro honors from 1962 to 1966. After a trade to Philadelphia in 1967, Ditka's performance dipped, but his football journey continued.

Despite his distaste for the Cowboys' image, Ditka joined the team in 1969 under the guidance of head coach Tom Landry. His time with the Cowboys was marked by his powerful contributions on the field and his tough, resilient presence in the locker room. Ditka played a pivotal role during the Cowboys' initial Super Bowl victory in Super Bowl V and Super Bowl VI, where he caught a touchdown in both.

Upon retirement from playing in 1973, Ditka immediately joined Tom Landry's coaching staff. He started as an assistant wide receivers coach and gradually rose to the position of assistant head coach and special teams coordinator. Over his nine seasons as a coach, the Cowboys achieved eight playoff appearances, won six NFC East titles, three conference championships, and another Super Bowl ring.

Ditka concluded his Cowboys tenure with a notable NFC Championship Game loss to San Francisco, known as "The Catch." He later returned to Chicago to become the head coach of the 1985 Bears, leading them to another Super Bowl victory. This remarkable season saw Ditka face his former mentor, Tom Landry, in a game that ended with a 44-0 score, still regarded as the most lopsided defeat in Cowboys history.

Ditka's influence on the football world extended beyond his playing and coaching days. After coaching in Chicago and a brief hiatus, he coached the New Orleans Saints, where he famously traded away every draft pick for the 1999 and 2000 seasons to acquire running back Ricky Williams. However, Ditka's tenure with the Saints was short-lived, and he was eventually fired.

He then pursued various high-profile television roles. In his Hall of Fame career, Ditka compiled 121 regular-season wins, placing him at 34th all-time among NFL coaches.

Ditka was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1988, becoming the first tight end to earn this honor. His No. 89 jersey was retired by the Bears during a game against the Cowboys in 2013. Ditka expressed his gratitude for his career and the significant role played by his time with the Dallas Cowboys, calling it "the icing on the cake."