“We are deeply saddened by the passing of legendary and treasured Chicago Bear and Pro Football Hall of Famer Mike Ditka,” the Bears said in a statement.
“Mike’s impact on the Chicago Bears organization, over decades as a player, coach, and proud icon and ambassador for our organization, is immeasurable. His integral role in bringing world championships to our city and our franchise, both as a player and as our coach, established prominence and excellence at a world-class level, but also created a lifetime of cherished memories in the hearts and minds of Bears fans that will last for generations.
“We extend our love, prayers, and heartfelt condolences to the Ditka family, and join all Bears fans in deep sadness and reverence as we remember and honor Mike Ditka.”
After being selected by the Bears with the fifth overall pick in the 1961 draft out of the University of Pittsburgh, he spent the first six of 12 NFL seasons in Chicago. He was named NFL Rookie of the Year after catching 56 passes for 1,076 yards and 12 touchdowns in 1961, was voted to the Pro Bowl in each of his first five seasons and was chosen All-Pro in 1963 and ’64.
Ditka helped lead the Bears to the NFL championship in 1963, when he caught a team-high 59 passes for 794 yards and eight touchdowns. The signature play of his career came in a 1963 road game against the Steelers when “Iron Mike” bowled over several defenders on a 63-yard reception that set up a late game-tying field goal.
On the Bears’ all-time receiving list, Ditka ranks first among tight ends and fifth overall with 4,503 yards, sixth with 316 receptions and fourth with 34 touchdown catches.
Iron Mike was named the sixth best player in Bears history in 2019 by writers Don Pierson and Dan Pompei in the Chicago Bears Centennial Scrapbook.
