NFL legend and former Chicago Bears coach Mike Ditka has passed away at age 86.
Ditka transformed the tight end position prior to becoming the head coach of the Chicago Bears, who were world champions in the 1985 season.
Ditka was known for playing the position with a fierce and aggressive style that altered how offensive coordinators used the tight end as a core weapon. Ditka became the first tight end in NFL history to surpass 1,000 receiving yards while also earning five Pro Bowl selections.
Ditka established himself as one of the greatest figures in Chicago sports history as a Hall of Fame football player and leader of the Chicago Bears’ Super Bowl XX championship team.
Nicknamed ”Da Coach,” he helped lead the Bears to a 46-10 blowout victory in Super Bowl XX. They became one of the most celebrated teams in NFL history.