NFL icon and former Chicago Bears coach Mike Ditka has died aged 86. Ditka coached the Bears to the Super Bowl XX title in 1986 and was the first tight end to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. His family confirmed the news in a statement, but no cause of death was given.
"It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Mike Ditka," said a Ditka family statement. "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." "Mike will be missed beyond measure and remembered forever."
Ditka was the fifth overall pick of the 1961 draft when he joined the Bears as a player and spent six years with the franchise before spells at the Philadelphia Eagles and the Dallas Cowboys. He helped the Cowboys win their first Super Bowl in 1972, scoring the final touchdown in a 24-3 win against the Miami Dolphins. Ditka enjoyed a 12-year playing career, with 427 receptions for 5,812 yards and 43 touchdowns.
Ditka became Chicago Bears head coach in 1982 and created a dominant side with a 15-1 record during the 1985-86 regular season before leading them to victory against the New England Patriots to win Super Bowl XX. Hall of Famer Walter Payton played under Ditka and his son, Jarrett Payton, paid tribute: "Da Coach. Hall of Famer. The heartbeat of the '85 Bears and a Super Bowl champion."
Source: BBC Sport · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing