Mike Ditka, an NFL legend and Pittsburgh-area native, has died.
Ditka’s family announced his death in a statement Friday. He was 86.
“It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Mike Ditka,” the statement reads. “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.”
Born in Carnegie and raised in Aliquippa, Ditka played for the University of Pittsburgh and was enshrined in the College Football Hall of Fame in 1968.
Ditka was the Chicago Bears’ No. 1 draft pick in 1961. He also played for the Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys.
Across his 12-year NFL career, Ditka recorded 427 receptions for 5,812 yards and 43 touchdowns.
A revolutionary tight end, Ditka was enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1988.
“‘Iron Mike’ brought an unrivaled level of toughness to an era already defined by physicality,” a statement from HOF President and CEO Jim Porter reads, “but he also was much more gifted as a pass catcher than many realized and became the ideal player for Coach George Halas to reimagine the tight end position. Mike brought competitiveness and a hard-nosed play style as he developed into both a fantastic blocker and someone who could punish would-be tacklers on his receptions.
“He brought that same philosophy to his coaching, leading the famous 1985 team that paired with one of the most vaunted and dominant defenses in NFL history with a top-ranked offense. Mike’s captivating personality and leadership qualities will be preserved and celebrated forever in Canton.”
Ditka transitioned into coaching after his retirement in 1972. Notably, his Bears went on to become Super Bowl XX champions.
Ditka played on the Cowboys’ Super Bowl VI team and served as assistant coach when Dallas won Super Bowl XII.
The Bears retired Ditka’s No. 89 jersey in 2013, while Pitt retired the number in 1997.
“Mike Ditka was the embodiment of a Pitt man. He brought the toughness and pride of western Pennsylvania to the University of Pittsburgh, became one of the greatest players in the history of our program and carried the Pitt name with him to the Pro Football Hall of Fame,” Pitt Director of Athletics C. Allen Greene said. “He achieved everything as a player and a coach, yet he never lost his connection to where he came from. On behalf of the entire Pitt Athletics family, I extend our deepest condolences to the Ditka family.”
Pitt head football coach Pat Narduzzi said, “When our players see Mike Ditka’s name, I want them to understand how he competed. He gave everything he had and expected the same from the guys beside him. That’s Pitt. He showed us that tough people find a way through tough times and taught us to fight for the names on the front and back of our jerseys. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and everyone he impacted throughout his tremendous life. His toughness will forever be a part of this program.”
Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts.
Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW