By admin 
The sports world lost a legend this Friday in former Chicago Bears player and coach Mike Ditka.
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Prior to leading the Bears to a Super Bowl in 1985, Ditka was a Pro Bowl tight end for the franchise. The Hall of Famer was truly a menace on the gridiron, racking ip 427 catches for 5,812 yards and 43 touchdowns. After retiring in 1972, he joined the Dallas Cowboys’ coaching staff.
The Bears wisely named Ditka their head coach in 1982. Not only did he win a Lombardi Trophy with the franchise, he was named Coach of the Year twice.
While fans are undoubtedly sad to hear that Ditka is no longer with us, his family released a heartfelt statement this Friday morning.
“It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Mike Ditka,” the family said. “While the world knew Mike as a Hall of Fame football player, legendary coach, and leader of the Chicago Bears’ Super Bowl XX championship team, we knew him as the heart of our family. Mike will be missed beyond measure and remembered forever.”
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There’ll never be another Mike Ditka.
As you’d imagine, tributes to Ditka are pouring in this Friday on social media.
“RIP to the legend, Da Coach, Mike Ditka. Got to work with and become very close to him while we are at The NFL Today on CBS together in 2000 and 2001. I learned soooo much from him, about generosity, about life,” FOX’s Jay Glazer said. “This man was such a great friend to be around and knock around NYC together pretty much every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights. Without a doubt the absolute time of my life! Soooo many hilarious stories. Like I said, learned SO much about life from him and I’m forever grateful! Love ya Coach.”
“Mike Ditka is simply one of the most influential, important and entertaining figures that Chicago sports has ever seen,” Mark Grote of 670 The Score said.
“I am devastated! A legend has passed. This week’s Bears game just took on a whole new meaning,” one fan said.
“Before I became a Bears die hard, Ditka to me WAS a Bear -was the Bears. He just had that look, and man, the way he loved this team… He’s irreplaceable,” another fan wrote.
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Our thoughts are with the Ditka family.
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This story was originally published October 9, 2026 at 8:28 AM.