The Chicago Bears football family lost a legend as Hall of Famer Mike Ditka has passed away at the age of 86, as first reported by Jarrett Payton, son of the legendary Walter Payton.
The Ditka family released a statement, as shared by Jarrett Payton:
"It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Mike Ditka. 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. With love and gratitude, The Ditka Family."
Ditka was selected with the fifth overall pick in the 1961 Draft by the Bears, and he spent
six seasons with Chicago and helped revolutionize the tight end position. In 84 games with the Bears, Ditka totaled 316 receptions for 4,503 yards and 34 touchdowns.
Chicago hired Ditka as their head coach in 1982, and he coached the team for 11 seasons. He also led arguably the best team in NFL history in the 1985 Bears, who won Super Bowl XX in a 46-10 win over the New England Patriots. The '85 Bears had arguably the best defense of all-time and an explosive offense featuring Hall of Fame running back Walter Payton.
Follow Bears Wire on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram
This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Mike Ditka's family releases statement after his death
