The Chicago Bears lost a legend as Hall of Famer Mike Ditka passed away at the age of 86, according to Jarrett Payton of 104.3 The Score.
Ditka, who was selected at No. 5 overall in the 1961 NFL draft, spent six seasons with the Bears and helped revolutionize the tight end position as we know it today. In 84 games with Chicago, Ditka totaled 316 receptions for 4,503 yards and 34 touchdowns. He was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles in 1967, where he would go on to play two seasons (1967-68) before spending four years with the Dallas Cowboys (1969-72).
As a player, Ditka is a two-time NFL champion, two-time First-Team All-Pro, three-time Second-Team All-Pro, five-time Pro Bowler, was named to the NFL 75th and 100th Anniversary All-Time Teams and became
the first tight end inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1988.
Ditka retired in 1972 and got his coaching start with the Cowboys, serving as an assistant coach under Tom Landry for nine seasons. While working for Dallas, Ditka penned a letter to Bears owner George Halas expressing his desire to return to Chicago and serve as head coach.
The Bears hired Ditka as their head coach in 1982, and he coached the team for 11 seasons. His crowning moment came leading the legendary 1985 Bears to a Super Bowl XX championship, defeating the New England Patriots, 46-10. The '85 Bears had arguably the best defense of all-time and an explosive offense featuring Hall of Fame running back Walter Payton.
As a coach, Ditka is a two-time Super Bowl champion (XII, XX) and two-time NFL Coach of the Year (1985, 1988).
Mike Ditka's family releases statement
Jarrett Payton shared a statement from the Ditka family following his passing:
"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"
How many Super Bowl rings does Mike Ditka have?
Ditka won a total of three Super Bowls as a player and coach. He won Super Bowl VI as a player for the Cowboys and later won Super Bowl XII as assistant head coach and special teams coordinator with Dallas. But his most memorable Super Bowl win came with the Bears in 1985, where Chicago defeated the Patriots, 46-10. Ditka also won the 1963 NFL Championship with the Bears.
What is Mike Ditka's coaching record?
Ditka served as a head coach for 14 seasons with the Bears and New Orleans Saints. Ditka coached Chicago for 11 seasons, garnering a 106-62 record and a winning percentage of .631, which is the fifth best in franchise history. Ditka spent three seasons with the Saints, where he went 15-33 with a .313 winning percentage.
What is Mike Ditka's playoff record?
Ditka led the Bears to the postseason a total of seven times from 1984-88 and then 1990-91. His record was 6-6 (.500) in those 12 postseason contests, including a 46-10 win over the Patriots in Super Bowl XX.
What are Mike Ditka's stats as a player?
Ditka played 12 seasons in the NFL (1961-72), including six years with the Bears (1961-67), two years with the Eagles (1967-68) and four years with the Cowboys (1969-72). In 158 games, including 118 starts, Ditka totaled 427 catches for 5,812 yards and 43 touchdowns. His best season came as a rookie, where he totaled 56 receptions for 1,076 yards and 12 touchdowns. Ditka earned NFL Rookie of the Year honors in 1961.
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This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Report: Bears legend Mike Ditka has passed away at age 86
