NFL world, Bears fans across city remember Mike Ditka as a Chicago legend, football icon who led team to 1985-86 Super Bowl win

CHICAGO (WLS) — Reaction is pouring in from fans across the city of Chicago and around the NFL world after the death of Bears legend Mike Ditka.

The Pro Football Hall of Famer and Super Bowl winning coach died Friday, his family announced.

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Mike Ditka, the Hall of Fame football player and legendary Chicago Bears coach who led the franchise to its only Super Bowl championship, died Friday morning at age 86, according to a family spokesperson.

The spokesperson said Ditka died around 9 a.m., surrounded by family and friends. Friends said Ditka had been in fragile health for some time.

Tributes poured in throughout the day as former players, sports commentators and fans remembered the man known simply as “Da Coach,” whose tough style became synonymous with the city of Chicago and the 1985 Bears team that remains iconic to generations of fans.

On ESPN Radio, former NFL player John Jurkovic described Ditka’s influence on the Bears’ identity.

“He was a big burly tough guy and that’s the way he wanted the bears to play football. They did and they were phenomenal,” Jurkovic said.

Ditka was the first person in NFL history to win a Super Bowl as both a player and a head coach. Drafted by the Bears in 1961, he later played one season in Philadelphia and four seasons in Dallas. After serving as an assistant coach in Dallas in 1982, he was hired as the Bears’ head coach. He led the team for 10 seasons, culminating in the franchise’s only Super Bowl title.

Sports writer Dan Pompei said Ditka’s impact extended beyond football.

“did I think resonated with as many Chicago ones and impacted the city gave the city a feeling of pride as much as anybody,” Pompei said.

In a statement released Friday morning, Ditka’s family said: “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.”

Many Bears fans also remembered Ditka for remaining in Chicago long after his coaching success, becoming a local celebrity for decades. Jose Rivera, a Bears fan who worked security for Ditka years ago, reflected on a personal memory.

“So now I have that photo. Nobody can ever get a photo of him again. So it’s kind of nice being able to have that,” Rivera said.

Former Bears tight end Emery Moorehead, a member of the Super Bowl-winning team, credited Ditka with extending his NFL career.

“Coach Ditka decided to make me a tight end. I played seven more years in my NFL career because of that move. He was the one who was happy with it and made it,” Moorehead said.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell also issued a statement Friday afternoon, saying in part that Ditka “epitomized football” and brought “intensity, authenticity, and an unmistakable personality to everything he did.”

Ditka’s death marks the loss of one of the most recognizable figures in Chicago sports history, a coach whose legacy remains closely tied to the Bears’ championship era and the city that embraced him.

In a statement, the Bears said, “We are deeply saddened by the passing of legendary and treasured Chicago Bear and Pro Football Hall of Famer Mike Ditka.

“Mike’s impact on the Chicago Bears organization, over decades as a player, coach, and proud icon and ambassador for our organization, is immeasurable.

“His integral role in bringing world championships to our city and our franchise, both as a player and as our coach, established prominence and excellence at a world-class level, but also created a lifetime of cherished memories in the hearts and minds of Bears fans that will last for generations.

“We extend our love, prayers, and heartfelt condolences to the Ditka family, and join all Bears fans in deep sadness and reverence as we remember and honor Mike Ditka.”

Jarrett Payton, the son of Bears great Walter Payton, who played for Ditka, said in a statement, “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.”

Ditka played for the University of Pittsburgh, who called him “A True Pitt Man.”

After his time coaching the Bears, Ditka coached for the New Orleans Saints, who said in a statement in part, “Mike’s life was defined by an unyielding work ethic, a fierce love for the game, and a relentless determination that helped reshape American football.

“As a pioneer on the field, he revolutionized the tight end position, playing with a signature passion that earned him enshrinement in the Pro Football Hall of Fame before bringing that same legendary competitive fire to the sidelines.

“We proudly honor his chapters as a head coach in New Orleans. While his time leading our franchise on the field was brief in longevity, his presence left an indelible mark on our organization. “

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker also paid tribute to Ditka, saying, “Da Coach was not only an icon in Chicago, but the entire football world. Our thoughts are with Mike Ditka’s family, friends, and Bears fans today. May his memory be a blessing.”

Former President Barack Obama said in a statement, “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.”

Ozzie Guillen, a like Ditka played and coached for a Chicago team, tweeted, “Coach, man, we had some great times, laughs, and memories over the years. Always admired your style. Thank you for the talks, advice, and friendship.
Chicago lost a legend Rest easy, Coach”

In memory of Ditka, the Willis Tower’s antennas will glow orange and blue Friday night.

Ditka’s restaurant in Oakbrook Terrace said, “We are deeply saddened by the passing of our founder and partner, Mike Ditka. We join the nation in sending our thoughts and prayers to his family and loved ones. Coach was an incredible man who lived an extraordinary life. We loved him dearly and are honored to carry on his legacy. Please join us in respecting his family’s privacy as they grieve.”

Chicago Bears fans and longtime admirers of Mike Ditka reflected on his legacy Friday, remembering the Hall of Famer and Super Bowl-winning coach as an authentic Chicago figure whose impact extended far beyond football.

Chicago Bears fans reflected on Mike Ditka’s legacy, remembering him as an authentic Chicago figure whose impact extended beyond football.

From his career as a Hall of Fame tight end to coaching the Bears to their last Super Bowl championship, Ditka’s name became synonymous with Chicago football. For many fans, the loss of “Da Coach” was deeply personal.

“I couldn’t totally absorb it that we lost a great coach, a great part of Bears history, a great part of Chicago’s history,” said Bears fan Brian Evans.

Many fans said they not only remembered Ditka’s success on the field but also appreciated his presence in Chicago long after his coaching career. Ditka owned restaurants and remained a visible public figure in the city for decades.

Jose Rivera, a Bears fan who worked security for Ditka at an event several years ago, said he still treasures a photograph taken with the former coach.

“So now I have that photo. Nobody can ever get a photo of him again. So it’s kind of nice being able to have that,” Rivera said.

Ditka also left an impression on local businesses. At Manny’s Deli, owner Dan Raskin recalled the former Bears coach as a loyal customer.

“He was a great customer. Loved his corned beef sandwiches, and just he was a real Chicagoan. He really liked authentic Chicago and saying hi to people, and just a regular guy,” Raskin said.

While dining at the deli, Bears fans reflected on what Ditka represented both as a player and a coach.

“He really lived the part of what a football player was about, and then he could coach it, which not so many good players can do,” said Bears fan Dave Cook.

Ed Shurna recalled taking his son to meet Ditka at one of his restaurants.

“We went to his restaurant. Mike was upstairs, and we went to see him. And my son wanted to shake his hand, and Mike’s hand enveloped my son’s hand,” Shurna said.

For Bears fan Josephine Reidy, Ditka’s toughness was matched by a personal warmth.

“He just he loved the people. He loved his players. He loved the sport, you know. And he was tough, but under that, I think it was a very warm person,” Reidy said.

Fans repeatedly described Ditka as tough, legendary and uniquely Chicago, qualities they said defined both his football career and his connection to the city. For many, those memories remain an enduring part of his legacy.

Chicago Bears legend Mike Ditka’s legacy will forever be immortalized in pop culture.

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