CHICAGO URBAN DAILY
CHICAGO (CHICAGO URBAN DAILY)— Chicago lost one of its own Friday. Mike Ditka — “Da Coach,” the iron-fisted leader of the 1985 Bears — died at 86, his family announced.
The news hit the city like a hit at Soldier Field. Ditka coached the Bears to their only Super Bowl title, going 15-1 in that magical 1985 season with one of the most dominant defenses football has ever seen. As a player, he revolutionized the tight end position, becoming the first tight end inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1988.
His family asked for privacy. “It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend,” the family said in a 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.”
Today, the Bears play the Packers at Lambeau Field at noon — and they play for Ditka. Willis Tower glowed navy and orange Friday night in his honor. Bears coach Ben Johnson called him “the gold standard” and said it was a sad day.
Stay tuned to Chicago Urban Daily for updates on this developing story.
Reported by Chicago Urban Daily News. Visit chicagourbandailynews.com for updates.
