NFL LEGEND MIKE DITKA DIES AT 86

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By ‘Sefiu Ajape

Mike Ditka, the larger-than-life Chicago Bears legend who won NFL championships as a player and coach, has died at the age of 86, his family announced on Friday.

Ditka, the fifth overall pick in the 1961 NFL Draft, played as a tight end from 1961 to 1972 and helped the Bears win the 1963 NFL championship.

He later caught a touchdown pass for the Dallas Cowboys in their 1972 Super Bowl victory and served as an assistant coach when the team defeated Denver in the 1978 Super Bowl.

As head coach of the Bears, Ditka led the team to a dominant 46-10 victory over the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XX in January 1986, ending a 23-year championship drought for the franchise.

“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.

“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.”

Jarrett Payton, son of the late Hall of Fame running back Walter Payton, who played under Ditka in Chicago, shared the family’s statement on social media.

“Da Coach. Hall of Famer. The heartbeat of the ’85 Bears and a Super Bowl champion,” Payton wrote. “Chicago won’t be the same.”

Known for his hard-hitting style and fiery personality, Ditka was among the NFL’s most feared players of his era. His toughness earned him the nickname “Iron Mike”, while his gruff manner and outspoken character later made him a familiar figure in American sports culture.

The Chicago Bears paid tribute to their former player and coach in a statement.

“We are deeply saddened by the passing of legendary and treasured Chicago Bear and Pro Football Hall of Famer Mike Ditka,” the Bears said.

“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.”

Ditka recorded 121 wins and 95 losses as head coach of the Bears and New Orleans Saints. After his coaching career, he became a popular NFL television analyst and commentator.

His distinctive personality also made him a target for parody on Saturday Night Live, particularly in its popular “Da Bears” sketches.

On one occasion, while coaching and appearing on a Chicago sports radio station, Ditka challenged a caller to a fight.

‘TREMENDOUS HONOR’

Born and raised in suburban Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Ditka was the son of a welder of Polish and Ukrainian heritage, while his mother had Irish and German ancestry.

He played basketball, baseball and American football at the University of Pittsburgh before entering the NFL. In 1986, he was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame, followed by the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1988, becoming the first tight end to receive the honour.

Ditka was named the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year in 1961 after becoming the first rookie tight end in league history to record more than 1,000 receiving yards in a season.

Bears founder, owner and head coach George Halas hired his former player as Chicago’s head coach in 1982. During Ditka’s 11 seasons in charge, the team reached three conference championship games and one Super Bowl.

His celebrated 1985 squad finished the regular season with a 15-1 record before crushing New England in the Super Bowl. The team also became famous for its music video, the “Super Bowl Shuffle”.

Despite occasional clashes with assistant coaches and players, Ditka’s team dominated the league, led by outspoken quarterback Jim McMahon and defensive tackle William “The Refrigerator” Perry.

In 2013, the Bears retired Ditka’s jersey number, 89. Reflecting on the recognition, he called it “the consummation of a career,” and “a tremendous honor.”

Beyond football, Ditka appeared in films and television programmes, often playing himself, and endorsed numerous products, particularly in the Chicago region.

His legacy as a player, coach and enduring Chicago sports icon made him one of the most recognisable figures in American football.

AFP