Mike Ditka, former Chicago Bears head coach, dies at 86

Mike Ditka, a highly respected former head coach for the Chicago Bears, has passed away at the age of 86. His family mourned his death, referring to him as a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend. Despite being widely known as a football star, legendary coach, and leader of the Bears Super Bowl XX team, his family emphasized his role as the heart of their family.

Ditka was born on October 18, 1939, in Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, and went on to become a renowned football player and coach. He was drafted fifth overall by the Bears in 1961 and was named the NFL Rookie of the Year. Ditka revolutionized the tight end position and helped lead the Bears to an NFL championship in 1963. After a contract dispute, he was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles before catching a touchdown in Super Bowl VI for the Dallas Cowboys.

Ditka returned to coaching with the Dallas Cowboys and ultimately became the first tight end inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1988. Following a career in coaching, Ditka became a successful restaurateur and continued to make appearances on CBS Chicago, including as a color analyst for local broadcasts of preseason Bears games.