NFL mourns Mike Ditka, Chicago Bears legend and Hall of Fame tight end, dead at 86

Family of the iconic coach and Football Hall of Fame tight end announced his death on Friday.

Toronto Sun

Published: Friday, 9 October 2026 at 4:12 PM

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Chicago Bears legend and Hall of Fame tight end Mike Ditka died at age 86, his family announced.
Ditka coached the 1985 Chicago Bears to the franchise's only Super Bowl victory.
He compiled a 106-62 regular season record across 11 seasons as head coach of the Bears.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Former Chicago Bears head coach and Pro Football Hall of Fame tight end Mike Ditka has died at age 86, his family announced on Friday. Ditka famously coached the Bears to their lone Super Bowl victory during the 1985 season with one of the most dominant defenses in NFL history.

Drafted by Chicago in 1961, Ditka also played for the Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys across a 12-year playing career. Hired by George Halas in 1982, he coached the Bears to a 106-62 record over 11 seasons before later coaching the New Orleans Saints and working as a television broadcaster.

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NFL mourns Mike Ditka, Chicago Bears legend and Hall of Fame tight end, dead at 86

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