NFL legend Mike Ditka, who won league titles as both a player and coach with the Chicago Bears and Dallas Cowboys, has died at the age of 86. His family announced his death on Friday in a statement, describing him as a beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend.
“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,” the family said. “Mike will be missed beyond measure and remembered forever.” Jarrett Payton, son of late Hall of Fame running back Walter Payton, who played under Ditka in Chicago, shared the family’s statement on social media.
Ditka, a tight end, was selected fifth overall in the 1961 NFL Draft and played in the league from 1961 to 1972. He helped the Bears win the 1963 NFL championship and later caught a touchdown pass for the Dallas Cowboys in their 1972 Super Bowl victory. As a coach, Ditka led the Bears to victory in Super Bowl XX in January 1986, when Chicago defeated the New England Patriots 46-10 to end a 23-year championship drought.
He also served as an assistant coach with the Cowboys during their Super Bowl-winning campaign in 1978, when they defeated the Denver Broncos. The Bears said Ditka’s contribution to the franchise, spanning decades as a player, coach and ambassador, was immeasurable. “His integral role in bringing world championships to our city and our franchise, both as a player and as our coach, established prominence and excellence at a world-class level,” the team said.
Ditka recorded 121 wins and 95 losses as head coach of the Bears and New Orleans Saints. His forceful personality and hard-hitting approach earned him the nickname “Iron Mike” during his