Bears legend and outspoken Catholic Mike Ditka dies at 86

Longtime Chicago Bears coach and NFL legend Mike Ditka, a Catholic, died Oct. 9 at 86 years old.

His family announced his death in a statement shared on X, saying, “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.”

No official cause of death has been released. According to Men’s Journal, Ditka had experienced several health issues over the years, including heart attacks in 1988 and 2018 and a minor stroke in 2012.

The Bears paid tribute to Ditka in a report reflecting on his legacy as one of the franchise’s defining figures, noting that he was affectionately known as “Iron Mike” and “Da Coach.”

“Mike's impact on the Chicago Bears organization, over decades as a player, coach, and proud icon and ambassador for our organization, is immeasurable,” the statement read. “His integral role in bringing world championships to our city and our franchise, both as a player and as our coach, established prominence and excellence at a world-class level, but also created a lifetime of cherished memories in the hearts and minds of Bears fans that will last for generations.”

Ditka remains the Bears’ all-time leader in receiving yards among tight ends, with 4,503, a record he built during a playing career that included Chicago’s 1963 NFL championship, according to the team.

The Bears also recalled his return as head coach in 1982. Over 11 seasons, through 1992, he guided Chicago to six division titles, three NFC championship games, and a Super Bowl XX victory.

Ditka later spent three seasons as head coach of the New Orleans Saints leading the team from 1997 through 1999.

In a 2018 interview with OnePeterFive, a Catholic publication, Ditka discussed his Catholic upbringing, recalling his mother’s “fervent” faith and the education he received at Catholic school.

“Going to Catholic school and learning the faith, I wouldn’t trade that for anything,” he said.

He said the Catholic faith continued to hold a place of prominence in his life and criticized what he saw as opposition to Christianity in American public life.

“My mother was a convert to Catholicism, and it’s beautiful what she gave me, in the faith. I believe every bit that the Church teaches. Confession matters. Communion matters. To the people on the other side: I don’t know what they want. I don’t think they know what they want. They seem to believe that America and Christianity are not good. That’s crazy. Well, if you don’t like how we do things in this Christian country, then get your a** out of Dodge.”

International Child Advocate Attorney Elizabeth Yore recalled seeing Ditka at daily Mass.

“In 1985, I remember Mike Ditka daily attending 6:30 am mass at my Catholic parish,” she wrote. “He quietly entered in the side door, praying his Bible and adoring Our Lord. No one interrupted him and respected his rare moment of peace.I pray he stayed close to the faith over the years.”