NFL Legend and Hall of Fame Coach Mike Ditka Has Tragically Died

This article was originally published on Total Pro Sports.

NFL legend Mike Ditka has passed away at the age of 86, according to reports that spread quickly on Friday.

His family announced his peaceful passing with profound sadness. The iconic figure revolutionized the tight end position as a Hall of Fame player.

“It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Mike Ditka,” his family said in a statement.

“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.

Furthermore, he cemented his legacy by coaching the 1985 Chicago Bears to a historic Super Bowl victory. He remains a towering icon in Chicago and across the entire football community. His family shared that while the world knew him as a champion, they knew him as their heart.

The History of Mike Ditka

Mike Ditka achieved historic success as both an elite NFL player and a legendary head coach. He starred as an All-American collegiate tight end at the University of Pittsburgh. The Chicago Bears selected him fifth overall in the 1961 NFL Draft. He claimed Rookie of the Year honors after recording over one thousand receiving yards. The dominant playmaker helped Chicago secure the 1963 NFL Championship title. He later won Super Bowl VI playing for the Dallas Cowboys.

He became the first tight end enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. As a head coach, he guided the legendary 1985 Bears to a Super Bowl victory. The fiery leader earned NFL Coach of the Year honors two separate times. Furthermore, he won another championship ring while working as a Dallas assistant coach. He remains one of two people to win Super Bowls in three different roles.

Following his passing, Mike Ditka leaves behind a loving family, a massive financial estate, and an unmatched gridiron legacy. He is survived by his wife of over four decades, Diana Ditka (married since 1977), who remained his devoted partner and primary caretaker in his final years.

Ditka also leaves behind four children from his first marriage to Marge Ditka: Mark, Matt, Mike III, and Megan.