Mike Ditka, Hall of Fame tight end and coach, dies at 86
Mike Ditka, a former Chicago Bears player and coach who won a Super Bowl, has died at age 86 according to his family.
Family announces passing Friday
His family announced the death on Friday without revealing a cause. A statement described him as a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend. The family noted that while the world knew him as a legendary football figure, they knew him as the heart of their family.
Super Bowl XX champion career
Ditka led the 1985 Bears to their only Super Bowl title after defeating the New England Patriots. He was hired by George Halas in 1982 and reached the NFC Championship Game three times during his tenure. The team finished with a 15-1 record that regular season before winning the championship game.
Later coaching and media work
He coached the New Orleans Saints for three seasons after being fired by the Bears in 1992. Following his playing career, he became a TV analyst for NBC and later ESPN. He appeared on Sunday Morning Countdown from 2006 to 2015 before retiring from broadcasting.
All 4 outlets report consistently
No differences in figures, names or dates across these reports.
- ESPN
- The Hollywood Reporter
- The Guardian
- Variety
Reported by
4 independent outlets. Headlines as published. Links open the original report.
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ESPN
Legendary coach, Hall of Fame TE Ditka dies at age 86
espn.com → -
The Hollywood Reporter
Mike Ditka, No-Nonsense Chicago Bears Legend and TV Analyst, Dies at 86
hollywoodreporter.com → -
The Guardian
Mike Ditka, legendary Chicago Bears head coach, dies aged 86
theguardian.com → -
Variety
Mike Ditka, Legendary Chicago Bears Coach and Football Analyst, Dies at 86
variety.com →