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NFL legend Mike Ditka dies at 86

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Grey Papke | Last updated Oct 9, 2026 12:21 PM ET

NFL legend Mike Ditka has died at 86, his family announced in a statement.

In a statement shared by Walter Payton’s son Jarrett, Ditka’s family confirmed that the former tight end and Chicago Bears head coach had died on Friday. No cause of death was provided.

“It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Mike Ditka,” the statement 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.”

It’s with a heavy heart that I’m sharing the Ditka family has announced the passing of Mike Ditka this morning. Da Coach. Hall of Famer. The heartbeat of the ’85 Bears and a Super Bowl champion. Chicago won’t be the same. Prayers to Diana and the family. RIP, Coach. ⬇️ Here’s a statement from the family: It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Mike Ditka. 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
— Jarrett Payton (@paytonsun) October 9, 2026

Ditka was already a Hall-of-Famer by virtue of his playing career as a tight end, where he was a six-time All-Pro. He is perhaps best remembered, however, for his tenure as head coach of the Bears from 1982-1992. It was during that time that he became an NFL icon as the head coach of the famous 1985 Super Bowl-winning squad.

Ditka spent the bulk of his playing career in Chicago, but also played for the Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys. He also spent three years as head coach of the New Orleans Saints, a tenure that is best remembered for the ill-fated Ricky Williams trade. He went 121-95 as an NFL head coach, with 106 of those wins coming with the Bears.

After his coaching career, Ditka was a regular in sports media, including ESPN’s “NFL Live.” He battled some health problems later in his life as well.

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