Chicago Bears icon Mike Ditka dies at 86

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Chicago Bears icon Mike Ditka dies at 86

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Dan Fappiano | Last updated Oct 9, 2026 1:51 PM ET

Legendary coach and player Mike Ditka was synonymous with the Chicago Bears. ‘Da Coach’ crafted an unforgettable legacy in Chicago, including leading the franchise to their lone Super Bowl as head coach.

On Friday, it was announced that Ditka passed away at the age of 86. No cause of death has been announced. His family shared a somber message announcing the news, via Jarrett Payton of Haugh & Payton.

“It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Mike Ditka,” the announcement read. “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. With love and gratitude, The Ditka Family.”

If you turn on a Bears game, you’re likely to see someone in the stands dressed like Ditka. He became a legend, that won’t soon be forgotten in Chicago and across the NFL.

Mike Ditka’s legendary run with Chicago Bears

Jan 26, 1986; New Orleans, LA, USA: FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears head coach Mike Ditka prior to Super Bowl XX against the New England Patriots at the Superdome. Chicago defeated New England 46-10. Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY Sports

The Bears selected Ditka with the No. 5 overall pick in 1961. He went on to play six seasons in Chicago, putting up 316 receptions for 4,503 yards and 43 touchdowns. Ditka helped lead the Bears to the 1963 NFL Championship, earned NFL Rookie of the Year honors in 1961 and ultimately made five Pro Bowls with the Bears.

His playing days lasted 12 years, 158 games total. When he was done, Ditka became the first tight end inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame.

But his time in the sun wasn’t over. Many fans most likely remember Ditka’s time as a head coach. His Bears teams went 106-62 over his 11 seasons at the helm. And no one will ever forget the 1985 Super Bowl Bears season. He was twice named Coach of the Year, helping the Bears reach new heights in the role.

Beyond his work on the gridiron and sidelines, Ditka was a cultural icon. He embodied what it meant to play Bears football. And for years he was the pseudo face of the franchise despite not actively being a part of it.

Ditka’s story will forever be intertwined with the Bears itself. The franchise’s history would look much, much different should the tight end turned head coach never joined their ranks.

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

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