NFL Legend and Hall of Fame Coach Mike Ditka Dies at 86

The Passing of a Football Icon

Mike Ditka, the legendary former Chicago Bears coach and the first tight end ever inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, has died at the age of 86. His family announced his passing on Friday.

"It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Mike Ditka," his family said in a statement. They added that while the world knew him as a Hall of Fame player and coach, they knew him as the heart of their family. No cause of death was announced.

A Historic Career on the Field and Sidelines

Ditka rose to national fame after leading the 1985 Chicago Bears to the franchise's only Super Bowl title. That legendary team finished with a 15-1 regular-season record and defeated the New England Patriots 46-10 in Super Bowl XX. Ditka was known for his fiery temper and occasionally clashed with quarterback Jim McMahon and defensive coordinator Buddy Ryan.

Before his coaching career, Ditka was a star player. He was selected fifth overall by the Bears in the 1961 draft and won Rookie of the Year after becoming the first tight end to surpass 1,000 receiving yards. He won NFL championships as a player with the Bears in 1963 and the Dallas Cowboys in Super Bowl VI. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1988.

Ditka later coached the New Orleans Saints starting in 1997, where he went 15-33 over three seasons. His time in New Orleans is remembered for trading eight draft picks to acquire running back Ricky Williams in 1999.

A Cultural Icon in Chicago

Ditka became a cultural icon, especially in Chicago. He opened several restaurants and endorsed products like wine, cigars, and sausages. He starred in commercials, appeared as himself in television shows, and was featured in the 2005 comedy film "Kicking and Screaming." He was also the inspiration for a famous recurring skit on "Saturday Night Live." After coaching, he worked as a television analyst.

What it means for the next game

Philadelphia Eagles at Jacksonville Jaguars (NFL, Sun, 11 Oct): Jacksonville Jaguars win 75%, Philadelphia Eagles win 25%; projected score Jacksonville Jaguars 25, Philadelphia Eagles 17. Our safest pick: Jaguars to win.

Minnesota Vikings at New Orleans Saints (NFL, Sun, 11 Oct): New Orleans Saints win 41%, Minnesota Vikings win 59%; projected score New Orleans Saints 20, Minnesota Vikings 21. Our safest pick: Under 48.5 points.