Barack Obama had classy tribute for Bears legend Mike Ditka

USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

Barack Obama had classy tribute for Bears legend Mike Ditka

Originally posted on The Spun | By Tzvi Machlin | Last updated Oct 10, 2026 11:39 AM ET

The NFL world lost legendary coach and player Mike Ditka, and tributes are pouring in from around the world.

Among the latest tributes was one from a noted Chicago resident during Coach Ditka’s time with the Bears: Former U.S. President Barack Obama.

Taking to X on Friday, President Obama recalled how Ditka and the Bears “set the tone” for one of the all-time great teams shortly after he arrived to the city in 1985. He offered his condolences to Ditka’s family and all Bears fans.

“When I got to Chicago in the summer of 1985, Mike Ditka and the Chicago Bears were king. Coach Ditka set the tone for a team that was punishing, dominant, and fun — and the city loved him for it. I’m thinking of the Ditka family and Bears fans everywhere on the passing of a legend,” President Obama said.

When I got to Chicago in the summer of 1985, Mike Ditka and the Chicago Bears were king. Coach Ditka set the tone for a team that was punishing, dominant, and fun — and the city loved him for it. I’m thinking of the Ditka family and Bears fans everywhere on the passing of a… pic.twitter.com/RKlJsahYbR
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) October 9, 2026

“Iron” Mike Ditka

Ditka made his bones as one of the all-time great NFL tight ends. As a rookie for the Chicago Bears in 1961, he had 56 receptions for 1,076 yards and 12 touchdowns in just 14 games. Over a 12-year career he had 5,812 yards and 43 touchdowns, setting milestones for tight ends that would stand for years.

Ditka was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1988 for his playing career, but just as easily could have been inducted as a coach for what he achieved with the Bears as their head coach from 1982 to 1992.

President Obama honored the Bears at the White House during his time in office.

Feb 6, 2016; San Francisco, CA, USA; Mike Ditka on the red carpet prior to the NFL Honors award ceremony at Bill Graham Civic Auditorium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY SportsMark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports.

During the 1980s, Ditka transformed the Bears into one of the most dominant teams in the NFL. His famed 1985 team often ranks as one of the two or three best in NFL history, going 15-1 in the regular season and dominating foes in the playoffs en route to the Bears’ first-ever Super Bowl title. He went 106-62 over his 11-year run in Chicago.

In-between his dismissal from the Bears in 1993 and his ill-fated run with the New Orleans Saints, he went into broadcasting. He spent time at just about every major network as an analyst or commentator, including NBC, CBS Sports and ESPN.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: