What the Bears are doing to honor Mike Ditka on Thursday

The Chicago Bears have announced a series of tributes to honor former player and coach Mike Ditka during Thursday night's game against the New England Patriots. Ditka died on October 9 at age 86, and the upcoming contest marks the team's first home game since his passing. Fans attending the game will receive fake mustaches, and the first 10,000 spectators will also get a knit headband inspired by Ditka's trademark sweater vest.

Additional tributes at Soldier Field include a grass stencil, a Pro Football Hall of Fame display, Ditka-themed flags, a video tribute, and a pregame moment of silence. The Bears will also continue wearing a commemorative No. 89 patch on their jerseys for the remainder of the season.