Mike Ditka, one of football’s most recognizable figures, has died at 86, according to reports that circulated Friday. His family confirmed the news in a statement and said he passed peacefully.
“It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Mike Ditka,” his 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.
Ditka built a career that stretched across eras and roles, first as a standout tight end and later as one of the sport’s most memorable coaches. He was an All-American tight end at the University of Pittsburgh before the Chicago Bears took him fifth overall in the 1961 NFL Draft.
He wasted little time making an impact. Ditka earned Rookie of the Year honors after posting more than 1,000 receiving yards, then helped Chicago win the 1963 NFL Championship title. He later added a Super Bowl VI ring with the Dallas Cowboys.
That playing résumé helped him become the first tight end inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
His coaching career was just as decorated. Ditka led the 1985 Chicago Bears to a Super Bowl victory and won NFL Coach of the Year twice. He also picked up another championship ring as a Dallas assistant coach.
He remains one of two people to win Super Bowls in three different roles, a rare distinction that underscored how deeply he shaped the game.
Ditka is survived by his wife of more than four decades, Diana Ditka, whom he married in 1977 and who was his devoted partner and primary caretaker in his final years. He also leaves behind four children from his first marriage to Marge Ditka: Mark, Matt, Mike III, and Megan.
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