Da tribute for da coach.
The Chicago Bears returned home for the first time since NFL Hall of Famer Mike Ditka died at the age of 86 on Oct. 9. A representative of Ditka's told USA TODAY that he died of natural causes.
Best known as the coach of the Super Bowl champion 1985 Bears, Ditka was a force to be reckoned with between the white lines too.
He helped revolutionize the tight end position, etching his name into NFL history as both a player and coach.
The Bears paid tribute to Ditka ahead of a "Thursday Night Football" matchup against the New England Patriots on Oct. 22.
Take a look:
A moment of silence for Mike Ditka ❤️ @ChicagoBears pic.twitter.com/jXWG0RE3EG
— NFL (@NFL) October 23, 2026
Staley Da Bear paying tribute to Mike Ditka 🙏#TNFonPrime pic.twitter.com/9T4ods7Onx
— NFL on Prime Video (@NFLonPrime) October 22, 2026
Fans of all ages are honoring Mike Ditka 🫶#TNFonPrime pic.twitter.com/GXIWhblCcl
— NFL on Prime Video (@NFLonPrime) October 23, 2026
Of course, Ditka's iconic mustache was a key part of the tribute. The Bears gave away mustaches as part of a stadium-wide giveaway at Soldier Field.
In addition to a helmet decal, Ditka's No. 89 was painted on the field at the stadium.
The Bears announced that there would be other fan activations, on-field recognition and moments honoring the legendary coach in addition to the tribute.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Bears pay tribute to Mike Ditka ahead of 'Thursday Night Football'
