Mike Ditka

Mike Ditka, 86, died on October 9, 2026. Mike Ditka was known publicly as an American Hall of Fame football player and coach (Chicago Bears) and Super Bowl champion (1986). Michael Keller Ditka ( DIT-kə; born Michael Dyczko; October 18, 1939 – October 9, 2026) was a American professional football player, coach, and commentator. During his playing career as a tight end, he was UPI NFL Rookie of Year in 1961, a five-time Pro Bowl selection, and a six-time All-Pro with the Chicago Bears, Philadelphia Eagles, and Dallas Cowboys in the National Football League (NFL); he was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1986 and the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1988. Ditka was the first tight end in NFL history to reach 1,000 yards receiving in his rookie season. He was an NFL champion with the 1963 Bears and is a three-time Super Bowl champion, playing on the Cowboys' Super Bowl VI team, winning as an assistant coach for the Cowboys in Super Bowl XII, and coaching the Bears to victory in Super Bowl XX. He has been named to the NFL's 75th- and 100th-Anniversary All-Time Teams. Public biographical listings identify Ditka as an American Hall of Fame football player and coach (Chicago Bears). Ditka was also associated with Super Bowl champion (1986). This public record remains centered on Ditka's work as an American Hall of Fame football player and coach (Chicago Bears) and Super Bowl champion (1986) and the documented milestones of that career.