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Legendary coach, Hall of Fame TE Mike Ditka dies at 86

By Thomson Reuters Oct 9, 2026 | 10:31 AM

By Field Level Media

Oct 09 (Field Level Media) – The legendary Mike Ditka has ​died at the age ‌of 86, his family announced on Friday.

A cause of death was not immediately announced.

Ditka was ‌the ​first tight ⁠end to be ⁠inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame and later led the Bears to ​a Lombardi Trophy in Super Bowl XX.

“It is ⁠with profound sadness ⁠that we announce ​the passing of our beloved ​husband, father, grandfather, and friend, ‌Mike Ditka,” the 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. Mike will be missed beyond measure and remembered forever. With love and gratitude, The Ditka Family.”

(–Field ​Level Media)