Mike Ditka, a Pro Football Hall of Fame tight end who led the Chicago Bears to their only Super Bowl triumph as head coach in 1986, has died at 86.
His family announced his death in a statement but did not disclose the cause.
“It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend,” the family said.
“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.”
Ditka changed the tight end position
Known nationwide as “Da Coach,” Ditka was famous for his blunt, straight-talking style. He built a devoted following in Chicago, where a restaurant and a cigar brand also carried his name.
The Bears selected Ditka fifth overall in the 1961 NFL Draft. He soon changed how teams used the tight end position, which had traditionally focused on blocking.
Although he excelled as a blocker, Ditka also became one of the first tight ends to catch large numbers of passes. He made history by becoming the first player in the position to record 1,000 receiving yards in a season.
That achievement earned him Rookie of the Year honours. He also made five Pro Bowl appearances during his time with Chicago from 1961 to 1966.
Ditka later played for the Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys. With Dallas, he won a Super Bowl in January 1972. Earlier, he had helped the Bears claim the 1963 NFL championship before the Super Bowl era began.
From player to Super Bowl-winning coach
After retiring following the 1972 season, Ditka joined Tom Landry’s coaching staff in Dallas. He won another Super Bowl as part of the Cowboys’ coaching team.
He eventually returned to Chicago as head coach and led the Bears to the top of the NFL. His defining moment came in January 1986, when the team defeated the New England Patriots 46-10 in Super Bowl XX.
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