ESPN Star Faces Massive Blowback For “Lazy” Mike Ditka Comment [VIDEO]

This article was originally published on Total Pro Sports.

Mike Ditka’s tragic death at 86 shocked the NFL world. The former Super Bowl champion marked an era with the Chicago Bears, shining with the NFC North squad as a player before returning as a coach.

Ditka’s family announced the peaceful passing last week, showering him with praise and showing he was a beloved and respected figure among those who got to know him.

“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.

During Friday’s edition of The Pat McAfee Show, ESPN star Mike Greenberg discussed Ditka’s legacy in the city of Chicago. He went on to say the former tight end was a larger figure than Michael Jordan in Windy City.

“Mike Ditka walked into that old Halas Hall and everything orbited around him. He was larger than life. Michael Jordan was a global icon and certainly beloved in Chicago, but Mike Ditka was the biggest star in Chicago sports,” Greenberg said.

Fans Blast Mike Greenberg Over Mike Ditka-Michael Jordan Comparison

It didn’t take long for fans to reject Greenberg’s take. The comments section was full of detractors, pushing back on such a bold claim.

“RIP but I’m sure most kids nowadays don’t know who he is,” one said.

“They always overcompensate with praise and adoration when someone dies. That man was in no way bigger than Jordan in Chicago. The comparison alone shifts the focus to something meaningless considering the moment. It’s lazy and disingenuous,” another wrote.

“Stick to your delusional jets takes Greeny,” a third added.

“Go ask a teenager and grandmother from Chicago who Mike Ditka is. Then asked em who Michael Jordan is,” a fourth wrote.

Ditka’s passing affected plenty of people. The Bears paid tribute to the late icon in Week 5. The widespread tributes will likely continue, but fans already drew a line with Greenberg’s take.