Mike Ditka, Head Coach for the Chicago Bears looks on with arms folded from the sideline during the National Football Conference Central Division game against the Green Bay Packers on 16th September 1990 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin, United States. The Chicago Bears won the game 31 - 13. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Allsport/Getty Images)
On Friday, October 9, the city of Chicago lost one of the most legendary icons in all of sports when it was announced that Mike Ditka had passed away at the age of 86.
“A flat-topped freight train from Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, Mike Ditka became a Chicago sports icon. He was a tight end made of iron, a rumbling wrecking ball who cemented himself as one of the greatest at his position in NFL chronicle. Years later, he returned to the Second City as a coach; a slick-haired, thick-‘stached leader of men who was at the forefront of a 1985 Bears Super Bowl triumph that stands as one of the most heralded seasons in league history.”
Following the wake of the really sad news across the world of sports, the Chicago Cubs made a heartfelt post for coach Mike Ditka, who will always be revered in Chicago.
Chicago Cubs Send Out Condolences to Coach Mike Ditka
GettyCHICAGO, UNITED STATES: Soldier Field is reflected in the glasses of New Orleans Saints coach Mike Ditka as he smokes a cigar prior to the game against the Chicago Bears, 22 August, in Chicago, IL. This is Ditka’s first appearance back at Soldier Field since he was coach of the Chicago Bears. AFP PHOTO VINCENT LAFORET (Photo credit should read VINCENT LAFORET/AFP via Getty Images)
The Chicago Cubs made the following post (about Mike Ditka):
“We join the Bears and the city of Chicago in remembering the legendary Mike Ditka. Thank you for the memories, Coach.”
“Mike Ditka was scheduled to sing the seventh inning stretch on July 5th, 1998. This was the year that Harry Caray died and the “guest conductor” was new at Wrigley Field. Ditka got stuck in traffic and was running late. By the time the top of the seventh ended, Ditka was still not there and Steve Stone and Chip Caray stalled for time. Finally Ditka busts into the press box, grabs the mic, and screams Take Me Out To The Ball Game in twenty two seconds! Organist Gary Pressy could barely keep up! The crowd roared with approval! R.I.P. Mike Ditka”
GettyWASHINGTON – SEPTEMBER 18: Pro Football Hall of Fame player and coach Mike Ditka (2nd R) testifes during a hearing of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee with (L-R) NFL Players Association Executive Director Gene Upshaw, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, and Pro Football Hall of Fame player Gale Sayers (R) on Capitol Hill September 18, 2007 in Washington, DC . Former players and league officials appeared before the committee for a hearing on the “NFL Retirement System,” focusing on the current compensation system for retirees with claims of advanced injuries that became symptomatic after retiring from the NFL. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)
Once the very sad news broke on Friday afternoon, there has been an outpouring of heartwarming reactions to Mike Ditka’s passing.
Here are a handful from those who follow the NFL very closely:
@AdamSchefter: “NFL legend Mike Ditka, who revolutionized the tight end position before becoming the head coach of the world champion 1985 Bears and a towering figure in the city of Chicago, has passed away, his family announced. He was 86.”
@MySportsUpdate: “#Lions HC Dan Campbell learned of Mike Ditka’s passing during his press conference and gave a raw, immediate reaction + sharing a personal story.”
TJ French covers the MLB for Heavy. TJ is a graduate of the University of Georgia. He has 2+ years of writing experience.
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Chicago Cubs Make Heartfelt Post for Legendary Coach Mike Ditka After Sad News
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On Friday, October 9, the city of Chicago lost one of the most legendary icons in all of sports when it was announced that Mike Ditka had passed away at the age of 86.NFL.com wrote (about the sad Ditka news):“A flat-topped freight train from Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, Mike Ditka became a Chicago sports icon. He was […]
Chicago Cubs Make Heartfelt Post for Legendary Coach Mike Ditka After Sad News