Mike Ditka, the Hall of Fame tight end who became even more famous as the only coach to lead the Chicago Bears to a Super Bowl title, has died at 86.
\n\nThe fiery coach, synonymous with the adopted city he loved, gained national fame by leading the 1985 Bears on a tour de force that left opposing offenses in shambles and culminated in a triumphant 46-10 victory over the New England Patriots.
\n\n“It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Mike Ditka,” his 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.
\n\n“Mike will be missed beyond measure and remembered forever.”
\n\nDitka, who patrolled the sidelines for the Bears when it wasn’t unusual to see a coach wearing a tie, became a fixture for football fans who grew up watching the game in the 80s and 90s.
\n\nKnown as “Da Coach” to Bears fans, Ditka would not shy away from full-blown shouting matches with players and assistant coaches and could…
Original source: https://www.breitbart.com/sports/
