Former Chicago Bears head coach Mike Ditka walks the sidelines during the game between the Chicago Bears and the Atlanta Falcons at Soldier Field on September 10, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. Kena Krutsinger/Getty Images

Report: Mike Ditka hospitalized after suffering heart attack

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Larry Brown | Last updated 11/23/18

Mike Ditka was hospitalized this week for a heart-related issue but is said to be doing well.

The Chicago Sun-Times reported about Ditka on Friday and says the former Chicago Bears head coach was playing golf on Wednesday and went to the hospital afterwards because he was not feeling well.

WGN reported that Ditka actually suffered a heart attack. They say he is in a Florida hospital and will head home after three-to-four days of rehab.

Jarrett Payton, the son of Bears legend Walter Payton, confirmed the report and says Ditka is doing well.

The report that Mike Ditka is in the hospital is true and just got confirmation he is doing well. He’s Iron Mike…what would you expect. #Bears #DaBEARS

— Jarrett Payton (@paytonsun) November 24, 2018

Ditka, 79, suffered a heart attack during his coaching days and has also suffered a stroke. The Sun-Times says he plays golf and regularly exercises. In an interview a few years ago, he even advocated for kids to play golf over football.

Ditka won a Super Bowl as a player, assistant coach and head coach during his football career.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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