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Social media tributes pour in for former Bears head coach Mike Ditka, who passed away at 86

Legendary NFL figure Mike Ditka, a two-time Hall of Famer as both a player and coach, has passed away at the age of 86. Ditka’s career began as a dominant tight end from 1961 to 1972, where he amassed 5,812 receiving yards and 43 touchdowns over 12 seasons, earning five Pro Bowl selections.

His induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1988 as the first tight end ever enshrined cemented his place in football history. Ditka later returned to the Chicago Bears as head coach in 1982, leading the team to an iconic 15-1 record in 1985 and a Super Bowl XX victory—the franchise’s only championship to date.

His coaching career spanned 11 seasons with the Bears and three with the New Orleans Saints, where he compiled a 121-95 record and one Super Bowl title. Tributes poured in from across the football world, including from former Bears teammates and coaches, as well as the NFL and Pro Football Hall of Fame, honoring his enduring impact on the game.

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