The Chicago Bears are remembering former tight end and Super Bowl-winning head coach Mike Ditka following his passing at the age of 86 on Friday. The team released a statement shortly after news of Ditka's passing was confirmed.
"We are deeply saddened by the passing of legendary and treasured Chicago Bear and Pro Football Hall of Famer Mike Ditka," the Bears said in a statement. "Mike’s impact on the Chicago Bears organization, over decades as a player, coach, and proud icon and ambassador for our organization, is immeasurable. His integral role in bringing world championships to our city and our franchise, both as a player and as our coach, established prominence and excellence at a world-class level, but also created a lifetime of cherished
memories in the hearts and minds of Bears fans that will last for generations. We extend our love, prayers, and heartfelt condolences to the Ditka family, and join all Bears fans in deep sadness and reverence as we remember and honor Mike Ditka."
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).
This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears release statement following the death of Mike Ditka
