Remembering the life and legacy of an NFL legend: Mike Ditka

NFL legend Mike Ditka passed away of natural causes Friday, as announced by his family.

Ditka played tight end in the NFL for 12 seasons, from 1961 to 1972, and later became head coach of the Chicago Bears and New Orleans Saints. Read more: Remembering the life and legacy of an NFL legend: Mike Ditka

As head coach, Ditka led the Bears to their first and only Super Bowl championship in 1995-96. He coached legendary running back Walter Payton. Payton’s son, Jarrett, announced Ditka’s passing for the Ditka family.

Ditka was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1998 for his playing career. His legacy is one that will forever be remembered by football fans.

Before the NFL

Ditka was born on October 18, 1939, in Carnegie, Pennsylvania, but grew up in Aliquippa.

After being a standout player at Aliquippa High School, Ditka received offers to play college football at Pitt, Penn State, and Notre Dame. He chose the team closest to home, Pitt.

Originally, Ditka aspired to be a dentist. However, Ditka gained attention for being the leading receiver for the Panthers all three years he was with the team.

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Ditka also played linebacker, defensive end, and punter for Pitt. He was recognized as a unanimous first-team selection to the College Football All-America Team in 1960.

At the end of his college career, Ditka had 45 catches, 730 yards, and seven touchdowns through 1958-1960.

In Ditka’s senior season, he served as Pitt’s team captain.

Additionally, Ditka was a three-sport athlete at Pitt, playing baseball and basketball.

Ditka’s time at Pitt is remembered through his induction to the College Football Hall of Fame in 1986. Pitt also retired his No. 89 in 1997 and inducted him into the University of Pittsburgh Athletics Hall of Fame as part of the inaugural class in 2018.

A legendary NFL player and coach

In 1961, the Chicago Bears selected Ditka with the fifth overall pick in the NFL Draft. Additionally, the Houston Oilers selected him with the eighth overall pick in the AFL Draft.

Ditka went with the Bears and had a phenomenal rookie season that ended with him being named the Offensive Rookie of the Year. He had the most receiving touchdowns by a Bears rookie with 12.

Ditka is known for redefining the tight end position; before him, tight ends were solely blockers.

In 1963, Ditka and the Bears won the NFL Championship, defeating the New York Giants 14-10 at Wrigley Field.

Ditka would have additional valuable seasons with the Chicago Bears, earning All-Pro and Pro Bowl selections.

When the NFL and AFL merged in 1967, Ditka signed with the Houston Oilers but was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles.

In 1969, Ditka signed with the Dallas Cowboys. He won Super Bowl VI with Dallas, the lone Super Bowl of his playing career.

Ditka would retire in 1973 and be named the Cowboys' wide receiver assistant coach.

At the time, Ditka had the most career receptions by a tight end with 427.

The Cowboys won Super Bowl XII with Ditka as an assistant coach.

In 1982, Ditka received his first head coaching job with the Chicago Bears. He would lead the team to a Super Bowl XX victory over the New England Patriots.

Ditka was fired by the Bears in 1993 after a 5-11 1992 season. He served as a television analyst for four years before becoming the New Orleans Saints head coach in 1997. He was the team’s coach for three seasons.

His coaching record was 121-95 over 14 seasons.

Beyond football

Ditka would occasionally serve on NFL broadcasts as a color analyst following his final coaching stint.

Additionally, Ditka was an author, starred in commercials, and had plenty of charitable acts.

Ditka was the husband of Diane Ditka and a father of three sons and one daughter.

Ditka will forever be remembered for his contributions to football and is known as one of the greatest tight ends of all time.

Our thoughts are with the Ditka family during this difficult time.