Everyone had the same idea for how Bears should pay tribute to Mike Ditka

Mike Ditka. USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

Everyone had the same idea for how Bears should pay tribute to Mike Ditka

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Grey Papke | Last updated Oct 10, 2026 9:22 AM ET

The Chicago Bears are set to visit the Green Bay Packers on Sunday in what will be the first game following legendary coach Mike Ditka’s death.

That has many fans wanting to see the team, and specifically coach Ben Johnson, pay tribute to Ditka in one specific way.

Many fans urged Johnson to wear Ditka’s trademark sweater when coaching against the Packers on Sunday.

Most thought it would be a fitting tribute to the legendary tight end and coach, whose sideline style became iconic in its own right.

Ben Johnson needs to be in this fit on Sunday afternoon. I don’t care what the fine is, pay it. RIP to the legend. https://t.co/xDtLtPlC4m
— Dave Helman (@davehelman_) October 9, 2026

Need Ben Johnson in the Ditka sweater on Sunday https://t.co/gM9IUPMJfo
— Six Point Sports (@SixPointSports) October 9, 2026

Ben Johnson should honor Mike Ditka by wearing the iconic sweater against the Packers. https://t.co/P81WUmfuqq
— Die-Hard Chicago (@DieHard_Chicago) October 9, 2026

The NFL is strict with what coaches are allowed to wear on the sidelines, as everything has to be league-approved. One coach found that out the hard way a few years ago. Johnson might face a fine if he were to wear this sort of outfit, but he and the Bears might not care.

Ditka’s famous sweatervest became iconic while he coached the Bears from 1982-1992. It became such a trademark that he often wore it in public appearances after his coaching career.

Ditka died at 86 on Friday, his family announced. No further details have been announced regarding his death.

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