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“I’m Gonna Go to Jail”: Former Bears Star Reveals Mike Ditka’s Brutal Reason for Cutting Him 4 Times

Tom Brady was the 199th pick in the 2000 draft, and 198 selections went by before a team decided he was worth a call. The NFL is full of stories where the people paid to judge talent got it wrong.…

By Nilaav Ranjan Gogoi · Essentially Sports

Published: Saturday, 24 October 2026 at 7:43 PM

Key Things to Know

Tom Waddle revealed Mike Ditka cut him four times, jokingly claiming playing him would lead to Ditka going to jail.
Ditka cited Waddle's small stature and slow speed despite praising his performance during Chicago Bears training camps.
Waddle entered the NFL in 1989 as an undrafted free agent after running a 4.82-second 40-yard dash.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Former Chicago Bears wide receiver Tom Waddle revealed on The Rich Eisen Show that former head coach Mike Ditka repeatedly cut him due to concerns over his size and speed. Waddle shared that Ditka told him he was "too small and too slow," adding, "If I put you out there, you’re gonna get killed and I’m gonna go to jail." Ditka cut Waddle four times during their time together.

Waddle entered the NFL in 1989 as an undrafted free agent from Boston College and ran a 4.82-second 40-yard dash. Despite repeatedly being waived to manage roster spots, Waddle was retained on the practice squad and ultimately played six NFL seasons with the Bears, recording 2,109 receiving yards and nine touchdowns before retiring after 1994.

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