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Mike Ditka Dies at 86, Hall of Fame Bears Legend

By Drooid · Oct 10, 2026, 4:00 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Mike Ditka Dies

Mike Ditka died at age 86.
His family announced his death on Friday, Oct. 9, 2026.
Ditka, a Hall of Fame tight end, won the 1963 NFL championship with the Chicago Bears.
As head coach, he guided the Bears to a 15-1 regular season in 1985.
The Bears defeated the New England Patriots 46-10 in Super Bowl XX on Jan. 26, 1986.

Summary

Mike Ditka Stroke

He suffered a minor stroke in November 2012 at Bob O’Link Golf Club.
He served on the board of the Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund, supporting former players’ health needs.
After coaching, he worked as a television analyst for NBC and ESPN, expanding his media presence.
At Aliquippa High School, he excelled as a three-sport athlete playing tight end, linebacker, and punter.

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Mike Ditka Dies

Mike Ditka died at age 86.
His family announced his death on Friday, Oct. 9, 2026.
Ditka, a Hall of Fame tight end, won the 1963 NFL championship with the Chicago Bears.
As head coach, he guided the Bears to a 15-1 regular season in 1985.
The Bears defeated the New England Patriots 46-10 in Super Bowl XX on Jan. 26, 1986.

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