On October 9, 2026, Mike Ditka — the fiery, hard-nosed football icon whose toughness, intensity, and larger-than-life personality came to embody the Chicago Bears — died at the age of 86. His longtime agent said Ditka died of natural causes. Ditka spent more than six decades leaving his mark on the NFL, first revolutionizing the tight end position as a Hall of Fame player before becoming one of the league’s most recognizable coaches. He won championships with the Bears as both a player and head coach, famously leading the dominant 1985 team to victory in Super Bowl XX. Known simply as “Da Coach” and “Iron Mike,” Ditka became a symbol of Chicago football — a relentless competitor whose swagger, temper, and unmistakable personality made him one of the most enduring figures in NFL history.
Hosts: Jason Beckerman, Derek Kaufman
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