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Mike Ditka, the Hall of Fame player and coach who led the Chicago Bears to a Super Bowl title and became an emblematic figure in the city, has died at 86, the Associated Press reported.
His family announced his death on Friday, describing him as the heart of their family and saying he would be missed and remembered forever.
Known as “Iron Mike” during his playing career, Ditka helped reshape the tight end position before moving into coaching. His 1985 Bears team was renowned for its dominant defense and larger-than-life personalities, who recorded the rap-style video “The Super Bowl Shuffle” before winning Super Bowl XX.
Ditka’s distinctive moustache, “BEARS” sweater vest and fiery sideline manner made him one of the NFL’s most recognizable personalities. His image helped inspire the “Da Bears” sketch on “Saturday Night Live,” and fans continued to imitate his look at games years later.
Born in Carnegie, Pennsylvania, Ditka grew up in nearby Aliquippa and became an All-American at the University of Pittsburgh. The Bears selected him fifth overall in the 1961 draft. He earned Rookie of the Year honours, made multiple Pro Bowl appearances and won the 1963 NFL Championship.
After playing for Chicago, Philadelphia and Dallas, he joined the Cowboys coaching staff in 1973 under Tom Landry. He returned to Chicago as head coach in 1982. During his decade with the Bears, the team won five consecutive NFC Central titles and claimed the Super Bowl XX championship.
Ditka later coached the New Orleans Saints, but left the sidelines after the team finished 3-13 in 1999. He went on to work as a restaurateur, television personality and NFL analyst, while advocating for better health and retirement benefits for former players.
The Bears said in a tribute that Ditka embodied the spirit of Chicago. The team announced in 2013 that his No. 89 jersey would be the last retired by the franchise.
