Obituaries
Mike Ditka, Iconic NFL Player & Coach With Pittsburgh Roots, Dies At 86
Known as "Iron Mike," Ditka excelled in a football career that spanned nearly five decades.
PITTSBURGH, PA — Mike Ditka, the legendary NFL player and coach whose football roots were sown in Western Pennsylvania, died on Friday. He was 86.
Ditka's tremendous achievements include being a member of both the College and Pro Football Hall of Fame,the 1961 NFL Offensive Player of the Year and a two-time NFL Coach of the Year. He also was the first tight end inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
"It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Mike Ditka," a statement from Ditka's family read. "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. Mike will be missed beyond measure and remembered forever."
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Originally from Carnegie, Ditka played football at Aliquippa High School - the same school that produced Hall of Famers Tony Dorsett, Ty Law and Darrelle Reavis.
He then went on to the University of Pittsburgh, playing tight end and defensive lineman for the Panthers and leading the team in receiving for three consecutive seasons.
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Ditka was taken with the fifth overall pick in the 1961 NFL Draft by the Chicago Bears. He helped lead the Bears to the 1963 NFL title and was on the Dallas Cowboys when that team won their first championship at the end of the 1971 season.
After retiring as a player, Ditka worked as a Cowboys assistant coach for nine seasons and was part of another victorious Dallas Super Bowl team.
As the coach of the Chicago Bears for 11 seasons (1982-92), Ditka turned that team into an NFL power. The Bears won Super Bowl XX under Ditka, and he took Chicago to the NFC Championship Game three times.
After several years in broadcasting, Ditka served as head coach of the New Orleans Saints from 1997-99. He returned to the broadcast booth following his departure from the team.
Ditaka is a member of the NFL's 100th Anniversary All-Time Team.
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