A life in brief

Mike Ditka, the quintessential Chicago Bear, dies at 86

Compiled Oct 9

Mike Ditka died at age 86, according to a family statement announced Friday.

as a child
Ditka was born in Carnegie, Pennsylvania, and grew up in Aliquippa near steel and coal industries.
1961
Selected fifth overall by Bears owner George Halas in the NFL draft.
1963
Won the NFL Championship with the Chicago Bears.
1966
Left Chicago to play briefly for Philadelphia and Dallas.
1973
Became an assistant coach under Tom Landry with the Dallas Cowboys for eight seasons.
1982
Returned to Chicago as head coach of the Bears.
1999
Ended coaching career with the New Orleans Saints after a 3-13 season.

“It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Mike Ditka.”
Ditka family