"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."
No cause of death was announced.
Re: RIP Mike Ditka
Posted: Fri Oct 09, 2026 2:11 pm
by Momo
Ditka & Lee Harvey Oswald were born on the same day.
Re: RIP Mike Ditka
Posted: Fri Oct 09, 2026 2:16 pm
by moldyoldie
It was poetic justice that he coached the team he starred for to a Super Bowl championship. Till then, the Bears were an NFL mediocrity or worse ever since I could remember.
With the Saints, however, I'm not sure trading his entire '99 draft and more to draft RB Ricky Williams was a bright move.
R.I.P.
Re: RIP Mike Ditka
Posted: Fri Oct 09, 2026 4:52 pm
by km1125
He was pretty good in "Kicking and Screaming"
Re: RIP Mike Ditka
Posted: Fri Oct 09, 2026 5:05 pm
by MWmetalhead
He's a legendary head coach from a bygone era.
May he R.I.P.
Re: RIP Mike Ditka
Posted: Fri Oct 09, 2026 5:11 pm
by Bobbertt
Immortalized by this series of SNL skits:
Re: RIP Mike Ditka
Posted: Fri Oct 09, 2026 6:06 pm
by Bobbertt
Dan Campbell finding out about Mike Ditka's death, and then immediately telling a personal story about him.
Re: RIP Mike Ditka
Posted: Fri Oct 09, 2026 7:09 pm
by MegaHertz
You had to love Iron Mike. Dude could have an attitude and rant with the best of them. Rest well, coach.
Re: RIP Mike Ditka
Posted: Fri Oct 09, 2026 9:47 pm
by edj
Great player, great coach, great character. Old school guys like him are sadly becoming few and far between.
