R.I.P. Mike Ditka, former head coach of the Chicago Bears

Mike Ditka, the former head coach of the Chicago Bears, passed away at the age of 86. Born Michael Keller Ditka in Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, Ditka was a multi-sport athlete in high school, excelling in football, basketball, and baseball. He led the Pitt Panthers to three successful seasons before turning down a dentistry career to pursue football.

Signed by the Chicago Bears in 1961 as a first-round draft pick, Ditka's reputation as a heavy-hitter and brick-wall blocker preceded him. After a stint with the Philadelphia Eagles, Ditka was signed by Dallas Cowboys coach Tom Landry in 1969, where he enjoyed a successful second career as an assistant coach. In 1982, Ditka returned to the Chicago Bears as head coach, leading the team to their only Super Bowl victory in 1985.

Known for his fiery personality and relentless determination, Ditka was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1988. Despite a challenging tenure, marked by a rivalry with defensive coordinator Buddy Ryan and a disastrous period with the New Orleans Saints, Ditka's legacy as a beloved figure in Bears history remains unchallenged.