Legendary Bears coach Mike Ditka dies

The longtime former head coach of the Chicago Bears has died. Mike Ditka was 86 years old. Read more trending newsHis family announced his death Friday. The Athletic said he died at home on Friday with his wife by his side.“It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Mike Ditka,” they said in a statement, according to ESPN. “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 was not only a coach but also a player. He was the Rookie of the Year for the Chicago Bears after the team drafted him fifth overall in 1961. He was the first tight end to surpass 1,000 receiving yards. In addition to playing for the Bears for six years, he spent two years with the Philadelphia Eagles and four with the Dallas Cowboys. While with the Be