Rumor Claiming Mike Ditka Is in Hospice Care 'Not True', per Walter Payton's Son

Thankfully, the rumor suggesting Ditka entered hospice care appears to be false.

According to a report from Jarrett Payton, the son of legendary Bears running back Walter Payton, the report claiming Ditka is in hospice care is "not true."

"I’ve seen reports claiming that Mike Ditka has entered hospice care. I can confirm that these reports are not true," Payton announced on social media, calming everyone's nerves.

Ditka is a legendary figure in the football world. The Carnegie, Pennsylvania native stayed close to home when deciding on his college football future at Pitt, where he was a three-sport athlete. Following his illustrious career he was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame and his No. 89 jersey was retired by the program.

He continued that success in the NFL, racking up five Pro Bowl honors and a Super Bowl during his playing career with the Bears, Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys. He finished his career with 427 career receptions for 5,812 yards and 43 touchdown before becoming the first tight end in NFL history to make the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Ditka's success didn't stop there, though. Following an incredible successful stint as an assistant coach with the Dallas Cowboys, he took over as the head coach for his former team in Chicago. He led the Bears to the NFC Championship game during the 1984 season before helping the team to a 15-1 season and a Super Bowl title in 1985.

He finished his Bears coaching career with a 106-62 record.