To All my Berserkers playing tonight and tomorrow Enjoy it, play hard play smart play fast Go Berserk
&
Always Remember to Thank God Because God is Great!
“This is not about Mike Ditka. Football owes me nothing."
FLASHBACK: Years before his death at 86, NFL legend Mike Ditka took his fight for retired players to Capitol Hill, urging lawmakers to help those struggling to receive disability benefits and support.
“I owe my whole life to football,” Ditka told lawmakers, stressing that he wasn't fighting for himself, but for former players who sacrificed their bodies for the game.
The Hall of Famer used his voice to champion the players who helped build the NFL and needed someone in their corner long after leaving the field.
Mike Ditka out of Aliquippa PA was the first TE ever to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. #RIPMike the architect of the 1985 Chicago Bears and a great #Pitt Panthers legend
Mike Ditka was one of the NFL’s most legendary coaches, a Hall of Fame tight end, but his greatest performance may have been in Kicking & Screaming
Fitting that Mike Ditka’s players gave him a legendary ride. Coach Ditka gave so much to so many. Many would agree that he is the most generous person they ever met. RIP.
REMEMBERING MIKE DITKA
@JimGrayOfficial shares a touching story about his friend Mike Ditka’s generosity and the simple words that captured who Coach really was 👇
It’s with a heavy heart that I’m sharing the Ditka family has announced the passing of Mike Ditka this morning.
Da Coach. Hall of Famer. The heartbeat of the ’85 Bears and a Super Bowl champion. Chicago won’t be the same.
Prayers to Diana and the family.
RIP, Coach. 🐻⬇️
Here’s a statement from the family:
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Mike Ditka. 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.
With love and gratitude, The Ditka Family
The Bears have one job - not just to win. But to somehow orchestrate the most brutal, soul-crushing ass kicking the game of football has ever seen with their backup QB.
He deserves no less of a tribute.
Most people will remember Mike Ditka for building the NFL’s greatest defense in 1985
But for me? His greatest accomplishment was turning the Tigers into a contender with the help of the Italians.
A generational run over Buck Weston’s Gladiators
RIP Mike Ditka. The 1985 Chicago Bears were the first Super Bowl team I remember watching as a kid. Ditka, Walter Payton, Jim McMahon, the Fridge, the Super Bowl Shuffle. One of the most iconic teams in sports history. An absolute legend.
The New Orleans Saints organization mourns the passing of NFL icon Mike Ditka, who passed away today at the age of 86. We extend our deepest condolences to the Ditka family, his loved ones, and the generations of fans who were inspired by his unforgettable presence in our sport.
Mike’s life was defined by an unyielding work ethic, a fierce love for the game, and a relentless determination that helped reshape American football.
As a pioneer on the field, he revolutionized the tight end position, playing with a signature passion that earned him enshrinement in the Pro Football Hall of Fame before bringing that same legendary competitive fire to the sidelines.
We proudly honor his chapters as a head coach in New Orleans. While his time leading our franchise on the field was brief in longevity, his presence left an indelible mark on our organization.
Mike approached his tenure with the Saints with the same bold authenticity and relentless drive that defined his entire career. Beyond the wins and losses, his genuine kindness, vibrant personality, and immense generosity to many within our facility created an enduring legacy that our staff and community still fondly remember.
While the football world remembers "Iron Mike" for his unparalleled competitive spirit, we admire the true character, passion, and unique energy he brought to our franchise. His contributions as a player, coach, and lifelong ambassador helped build the modern NFL, and his time in New Orleans will always remain a cherished part of our history.