Mike Ditka, legendary NFL player and coach, dies at 86
Mike Ditka, the NFL Hall of Famer who coached the Chicago Bears to a Super Bowl victory, has died at 86.
Mike Ditka, a renowned NFL player and coach, passed away at the age of 86, his family confirmed. The football legend, who won a Super Bowl as a player, an assistant coach, and as a head coach, was remembered fondly by his family and fans alike. Born Michael Keller Dyczko in Carnegie, Pennsylvania, Ditka changed his family's Ukrainian surname to Ditka to better fit in with his hometown.
He began his football journey at the University of Pittsburgh from 1958 to 1960 before being drafted by the Chicago Bears in the fifth overall pick in 1961. Ditka's career was marked by numerous accolades, including Rookie of the Year honors and being inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1988. His legendary career culminated in leading the Chicago Bears to a Super Bowl XX victory in 1985, with a 15-1 regular season record and a crushing 46-10 win over the New England Patriots.
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