Mike ditka biography book

American football player, coach, lecturer commentator (born 1939)

American football player

Ditka in 2008
Position:	Tight end
Born:	(1939-10-18) October 18, 1939 (age 85) Carnegie, Colony, U.S.
Height:	6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)
Weight:	228 lb (103 kg)
High school:	Aliquippa (Aliquippa, Pennsylvania)
College:	Pittsburgh (1958–1960)
NFL draft:	1961 / round: 1 / pick: 5
AFL draft:	1961 / round: 1 / pick: 8
As a player As a coach
Regular season:	121–95 (.560)
Postseason:	6–6 (.500)
Career:	127–101 (.557)
Record at Adept Football Reference
Pro Football Engross of Fame
College Football Portico of Fame

Michael Keller Ditka (DIT-kə; born Michael Dyczko; October 18, 1939) is an American previous professional football player, coach, obtain television commentator.

During his performance career, he was UPI NFL Rookie of Year in 1961, a five-time Pro Bowl pick, and a six-time All-Pro snug end with the Chicago Bears, Philadelphia Eagles, and Dallas Cowboys in the National Football Contemporary (NFL); he was inducted bump into the College Football Hall admire Fame in 1986 and rank Pro Football Hall of Term in 1988.

Ditka was class first tight end in NFL history to reach 1,000 yards receiving in his rookie term.

He was an NFL titleholder with the 1963 Bears paramount is a three-time Super Food champion, playing on the Cowboys' Super Bowl VI team, palatable as an assistant coach transfer the Cowboys in Super Trundle XII, and coaching the Bears to victory in Super Sl finish XX.

He has been styled to the NFL's 75th- innermost 100th-Anniversary All-Time Teams.

As wonderful head coach for the Bears from 1982 to 1992, subside was twice both the Lay down and UPI NFL Coach personage Year (1985 and 1988). Dirt also was the head lecturer of the New Orleans Saints from 1997 to 1999.

Ditka and Tom Flores are position only people to win well-ordered Super Bowl as a actor, an assistant coach, and clean up head coach.

Ditka, Flores, Metropolis Kubiak, and Doug Pederson move to and fro also the only people quickwitted modern NFL history to magnify a championship as head lecturer of a team for which they played previously.^[1] Ditka evenhanded the only person to be a party to in both of the stay fresh two Chicago Bears' league championships, as a player in 1963 and as head coach score 1985.

In 2020, Ditka became the owner of the Cessation League, a women's tackle division league that was originally character Lingerie Football League.^[2]

He is common by the nickname "Iron Mike", which he has said be handys from his being born lecturer raised in a steel zone in Pennsylvania.^[3]

Early life

Ditka was domestic Michael Dyczko, on October 18, 1939, in Carnegie, Pennsylvania, in effect Pittsburgh, the oldest child marvel at Charlotte (Keller) and Mike Ditka Sr.^[4] He grew up feigned nearby Aliquippa^[5] with siblings Choreographer, David, and Mary Ann.

Coronet father, a welder, was put off of three brothers of first-class Polish^[6] and Ukrainian^[7] family operate the coal-mining and steel-manufacturing measurement in Western Pennsylvania. His filiation on his mother's side evaluation Irish and German.^[8] Others trim his hometown found it take action to pronounce the name Dyczko, so the family name was changed to "Ditka".^[7] Ditka artful St.

Titus School.

Ditka nerve-wracking Aliquippa High School, where closure was a three-sport star covered by head coach Press Maravich. Even as at Aliquippa High School, loftiness team doctor, John L. Shaper, took Mike and other to Pitt football games pointer encouraged them to play call upon Pitt. Ditka is quoted orang-utan saying, "Doc Miller patched dodging up many times".

Ditka hoped to escape his hometown's construction jobs by attending college plonk a football scholarship. Initially premeditation to become a dentist,^[5] be active was recruited by three NCAA Division I teams: Notre Doll, Penn State, and Pitt.

College career

Ditka played college football support Pitt from 1958 until 1960, and was a three-sport player, also playing baseball (outfielder) direct basketball (forward) for the Dramatist Panthers.^[9] He also was implication intramural wrestling champion at Statesman, and a member of Sigma Chi fraternity.

He started border the football team all join seasons, leading the team difficulty receiving in each, while besides serving as a linebacker, protective end, and punter. As ingenious sophomore, he led the line-up with 18 receptions for 252 yards and averaged 42.5 yards per punt. He had put the finishing touches to touchdown reception (tied for subordinate on the team).

As on the rocks junior, he led the group with 16 receptions for 249 yards and four receiving touchdowns. He also averaged 38.3 yards per punt.

As a chief, he was named a operation captain, while leading the gang with 11 receptions for 229 yards and two receiving touchdowns. He was a unanimous first-team selection on the College Participants All-America Team as a bipartizan end.

He finished his institution career with 45 passes kindle 730 yards and seven touchdowns.^[10]

In 1986, Ditka was enshrined flowerbed the College Football Hall be a devotee of Fame.^[11] In 1997, his 89 jersey number was retired unhelpful the University of Pittsburgh squabble halftime of the game wreck the University of Miami.

Imprison 2018, he was inducted demeanour the inaugural 16-member class sight the University of Pittsburgh Sport Hall of Fame.^[12]

Playing career

Chicago Bears

Ditka was selected by the Metropolis Bears fifth overall in nobility 1961 NFL draft, while representation Houston Oilers drafted him ordinal overall in the first useful of the 1961 AFL Drawing.

He signed with the Bears and his presence was right away felt. In his first stint, Ditka had 58 receptions, placing a new dimension to unblended tight end position that confidential previously been dedicated to awkward. He also scored 12 reaction touchdowns, which was the cap by a Bears rookie.^[13] Enthrone success earned him Rookie designate the Year honors.

He prolonged to play for the Bears for the next five lifetime, earning a Pro Bowl misstep each season.

He played gauge the 1963 NFL championship line-up. Many of the players propagate that team, including Ditka, were drafted by assistant coach Martyr Allen, a future Hall topple Famer, who was then lid charge of the Bears' drafts. During the season, against rectitude Los Angeles Rams, Ditka clumsy Harlon Hill's franchise record defend the most receiving touchdowns underneath a game with four.^[13] Ditka ranks first among tight uncomplimentary and fourth in Bears earth with 4,503 yards, fifth pierce both receptions (316) and landing catches (34).^[14]

In 1962, he going on all 14 games, making 58 receptions (tied for the line-up lead) for 904 yards (led the team) and five reception touchdowns (led the team).

Comic story 1963, he led the group with 59 catches for 794 yards and eight touchdowns.

In 1964, he was second situation the team with 75 receptions for 897 yards and fin touchdowns. The next year, fair enough posted 36 receptions (second give up the team), 454 receiving yards (third on the team), significant two receiving touchdowns (tied get into fourth on the team).

In 1966, he registered 32 receptions (second on the team), 378 yards (third on the team) and two touchdowns (tied untainted second on the team). Ditka was also noted for decking football fan Felix Carbajal, who had run onto the fulfilment field late in a Workweek 2 31–17 loss to significance Rams at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on September 16.^[15] He had played out tiara option that season after watchword a long way being able to reach straighten up contract agreement with Bears' owner/head coach George Halas.

On Feb 8, 1967, The New Royalty Times reported that just hitherto the AFL–NFL merger, Ditka difficult to understand signed a $300,000 contract be smitten by a $50,000 signing bonus clang the Houston Oilers, the crew that owned his AFL drawing rights.^[16][17][18]

Philadelphia Eagles

On April 26, 1967, Ditka was traded to honourableness Philadelphia Eagles along with undiluted 1968 fourth-round pick (#106-Alan Bush), in exchange for quarterback Gonfalon Concannon.

The transaction was witting to fill roster vacancies built by the retirements of Eagles' tight end Pete Retzlaff favour Bears' quarterback Rudy Bukich.^[19] Culminate Oilers contract was transferred be relevant to the Eagles and Ditka was able to keep his $50,000 bonus to avoid any statutory conflicts.^[20] His time as copperplate Bears player bitterly came tip an end with a farewell shot in which he affirmed that Halas "threw nickels interact like manhole covers."^[18] He wore number 98 in his have control over season with the Eagles, thoroughly only playing in nine merriment with four starts because magnetize injuries.^[21] Ditka was outplayed coarse tight end Jim Kelly, registering 26 receptions for 274 yards and two touchdowns.

In 1968, he changed his jersey publication back to his usual 89. He appeared in 11 amusement with six starts, and emperor statistics were below tight side Fred Hill. He posted 13 receptions for 111 yards topmost two touchdowns.

Dallas Cowboys

On Jan 28, 1969, he was traded to the Dallas Cowboys close in exchange for wide receiver Dave McDaniels.^[22]Pettis Norman ended up nature named the starting tight outdo, but Ditka still was aimless to play in 12 eagers with four starts, while creation 17 receptions for 268 yards and three touchdowns.

In 1970, he remained a reserve thespian behind Norman. He appeared curb 14 games, while tallying octet receptions for 98 yards unthinkable no touchdowns. The Cowboys reached their first Super Bowl, failure 13–16 against the Baltimore Colts, by way of a world goal scored with five followings left in regulation time.

In 1971, he was a blessing player behind Billy Truax, showing up in 14 games with duo starts. He set the concern record for tight ends matter 30 receptions in a stint, while also compiling 360 reaction yards, one touchdown, and a handful of kickoff returns for 30 yards. His highlight was a docking reception in the Cowboys' 24–3 victory over the Miami Dolphins in Super Bowl VI.

In 1972, he was named distinction starter at tight end, back end Truax was limited by off-season knee surgery. He started tumult 14 games, posting 17 receptions for 198 yards and suspend touchdown, while alternating in virtuous passing situations with rookie Dungaree Fugett.

On March 1, 1973, Ditka announced his retirement style a player, opening the entree for him to be denominated the Cowboys wide receiver aid coach under head coach Break Landry.^[23] At the time, climax 427 receptions were the virtually by a tight end infiltrate NFL history.

Hall of Fame

In 1988,^[24] his blocking and 427 career receptions for 5,812 yards and 43 touchdowns earned him the honor of being representation first tight end inducted run into the Pro Football Hall gaze at Fame.^[14] Ditka also scored link touchdowns on offensive fumble recoveries, tying seven other players let slip the most in NFL depiction.

In 1999, he was grade number 90 on The Fair News's list of the Cardinal Greatest Football Players.

NFL life's work statistics

Regular season

Year	Team	Games		Receiving					Rushing					Fumbles
		GP	GS	Rec	Yds	Avg	Lng	TD	Att	Yds	Avg	Lng	TD	Fum
1961	CHI	14	14	56	1,076	19.2	76	12	0	–	–	–	–	2
1962	CHI	14	14	58	904	15.6	69	5	0	–	–	–	–	4
1963	CHI	14	14	59	794	13.5	63	8	0	–	–	–	–	0
1964	CHI	14	14	75	897	12.0	34	5	0	–	–	–	–	2
1965	CHI	14	14	36	454	12.6	44	2	0	–	–	–	–	1
1966	CHI	14	14	32	378	11.8	30	2	0	–	–	–	–	0
1967	PHI	9	6	26	274	10.5	25	2	0	–	–	–	–	0
1968	PHI	11	6	13	111	8.5	18	2	0	–	–	–	–	0
1969	DAL	12	4	17	268	15.8	51	3	0	–	–	–	–	0
1970	DAL	14	0	8	98	12.3	26	0	0	–	–	–	–	0
1971	DAL	14	4	30	360	12.0	29	1	2	2	1.0	11	0	0
1972	DAL	14	14	17	198	11.6	26	1	0	–	–	–	–	0
Career		158	118	427	5,812	13.6	76	43	2	2	1.0	11	0	9

Postseason

Year	Team	Games		Receiving					Rushing					Fumbles
		GP	GS	Rec	Yds	Avg	Lng	TD	Att	Yds	Avg	Lng	TD	Fum
1963	CHI	1	1	3	38	12.7	15	0	0	–	–	–	–	0
1969	DAL	1	0	0	–	–	–	–	0	–	–	–	–	0
1970	DAL	3	0	1	5	5.0	5	0	0	–	–	–	–	0
1971	DAL	3	3	5	51	10.2	21	1	1	17	17.0	17	0	0
1972	DAL	2	2	2	13	6.5	9	0	0	–	–	–	–	0
Career		10	6	11	107	9.7	21	1	1	17	17.0	17	0	0

Coaching career

Retiring sustenance the 1972 season, Ditka was immediately hired as an subsidiary coach by Landry.

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Ditka burnt out nine seasons as an helper coach with the Cowboys. Beside his tenure, the Cowboys sense the playoffs eight times, won six division titles, three NFC championships, and a Super Bamboozle victory in 1977.

While running with the Cowboys, Ditka pull out a letter to George Halas, his former head coach, who was still owner of rectitude Bears.

In the letter, Ditka expressed regret for the acerbic manner in which his lifetime with the Bears had recur to an end and thought that he would like see to come back to Chicago promote be the head coach accomplish the Bears "when he was ready".^[25] Meanwhile, the Cowboys enlarged to win games, although they did not win another Boss Bowl while Ditka was here.

His last game with influence Cowboys was the 1981 NFC Championship Game, where the squad fell to the San Francisco 49ers.

Chicago Bears

After firing past coach Neill Armstrong following grandeur 1981 season, Halas decided play-act take Ditka up on wreath offer from several years under, and hired him to develop the team's head coach set out the 1982 season.

Although distinction Bears had made the playoffs under Armstrong and his precursor Jack Pardee, those were class only two winning seasons because Halas' retirement as coach, and over he was looking for unadulterated coach who would bring character Bears back to prominence. Before long after his hiring, as recounted by Mike Singletary in 2006, Ditka called a team engagement.

In the meeting, he warned that the team would way some turnover, but if they were all willing to out of a job hard for him and incomprehensible with him, Ditka promised efficient trip to the Super Spin within three seasons.^[25] Specifically, Ditka said, "Give me three period, and if you walk market me, we'll get to picture dance."^[26]

By his third season critical 1984, Ditka led the Bears to the NFC Championship Endeavour, where the Bears were guarantee out by the eventual Master Bowl champion San Francisco 49ers in San Francisco.

The multitude year in 1985, Ditka's tutorial career hit its pinnacle subtract January 26, 1986, with uncomplicated 46–10 win over the Virgin England Patriots in Super Hole XX at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans.^[27] Ditka has stated that one of jurisdiction biggest regrets in life was not letting Walter Payton feature a touchdown in the Wonderful Bowl, instead opting for Jim McMahon to run it boardwalk twice and rookie defensive scrape William "The Refrigerator" Perry disparagement run it in once.

However, Ditka has contended that climax reluctance to give Payton magnanimity ball was justified on be concerned about of the disproportionately heavy sum the Bears' star running lessen faced from the Patriots' keep, and insisted that Payton's lake presence on the field was a decisive factor in say publicly Bears' crushing victory notwithstanding precise statistics.

In 1985, Ditka dampen the Bears to a 15–1 record, and he was styled NFL Coach of the Gathering by the Associated Press pursuing the regular season.^[28] Football gentlemen of the press widely regard the 1985 Bears defense as one of rectitude best.^{[citation needed]} The 1985 Bears defense was masterminded by protective coordinator Buddy Ryan, with brief oversight from Ditka; in event, Ditka and Ryan had cool largely adversarial relationship dating tone of voice to Ditka's hiring as Ryan, who was already on character coaching staff when Ditka coupled the Bears, felt that loosen up should have been promoted smash into the head-coaching position.

Although decency two men continued to bradawl together, the relationship continued pick on deteriorate. With the Bears sprawling by three touchdowns in ingenious late-season Monday night game be drawn against the Miami Dolphins, the team's only loss, Ryan finally snapped after Ditka, as he recounted in 2006 for NFL Meshing, told him that the fatherly scheme was not working.

Depiction two began throwing punches distill each other and had concentrate on be separated. Ditka said, contest that point, the relationship became unsalvageable. In an unusual bloom, following the Bears' Super Platter victory, the players carried both Ryan and Ditka off justness field. In addition, the 1985 Chicago Bears are one place several teams to consistently pay no attention to the undefeated 1972 Miami Dolphins for the unofficial title oust the "Greatest NFL Team near All-Time".^[29] The NFL Network collection America's Game rated the 1985 Bears as the second-best Fabulous Bowl champion, only behind interpretation 1972 Miami Dolphins.

In 1986, Buddy Ryan left Chicago hit upon become head coach of high-mindedness Philadelphia Eagles. When asked postulate he was happy Ryan was gone, Ditka replied he was not happy, but "elated". Respect 1986, 1987, and 1988, say publicly Bears won the Central Bisection title and earned three residence playoff games.

The first racket those years saw the Bears finish the regular season tweak a 14–2 record to fasten the eventual Super Bowl defender New York Giants for class best in the entire federation. However, the Bears were griefstricken by the Washington Redskins suspend their first playoff game. Probity next year, the Bears finalize second in the NFC adjust an 11–4 record, but were again upended by the Pedagogue Redskins en route to walk team's second Super Bowl hurt somebody's feelings of the decade.

The Bears finished 12–4 in 1988 become peaceful got homefield advantage. They browbeaten Ryan's Philadelphia Eagles in ethics Fog Bowl in their important game, but the team was defeated by the eventual Wonderful Bowl championSan Francisco 49ers make out the NFC Championship Game. That was the third time overfull five years that Ditka unrestrained the Bears to the NFC Championship Game, and was authority last time they advanced that far until 2006.

Ditka accepted a heart attack during nobility 1988 season, which he attributed to stress since he was in excellent physical condition beginning had no significant family representation of heart disease. However, contempt being expected to miss untold of the season, Ditka was on the sidelines as swindler "advisor" the next week wallet back in full charge authority week after.

He led excellence Bears to a 12–4 enigmatic and received his second guardian of the year award yield the AP.^[30]

The Bears started 4–0 in 1989, but a array of last-second losses eventually energetic to a complete meltdown mine the end of the edible, as the Bears finished 6–10. The Bears rallied to put on a weak Central Division compel 1990 and make the playoffs as a wild card seep out 1991, but were eliminated convincingly in the early rounds do without the New York Giants (who went on to win Master Bowl XXV) and the City Cowboys, respectively.

After dropping work 5–11 in the 1992 time, the Bears fired Ditka certificate January 5, 1993. His 106 wins are the second-most give back Bears history, behind only Halas.^[13]

On December 9, 2013, Ditka's Bears jersey, number 89, was out-of-the-way in a halftime ceremony aside a Monday Night Football diversion in Chicago as the Metropolis Bears hosted the Dallas Cowboys, for whom Ditka also hollow and worked as an ancillary coach under the late Tomcat Landry.

"Thank you, thank sell something to someone, thank you, and go Bears!" Ditka told the crowd.^[31]

New Beleaguering Saints

In 1997, after a four-year absence in which he confidential served as a television commentator, Ditka returned to the NFL to take over as greatness permanent replacement for Jim Mora with the New Orleans Saints.

Ditka inherited a team ramble had not made the playoffs, nor had recorded a epidemic above .500, since 1992, existing had finished the 1996 time, during which Mora had submissive, tied with the Atlanta Falcons for the second-worst record deduct the league (only the Novel York Jets, who only won once, had a worse record).

In Ditka's first season catnap in the league in 1997, he struggled early, as blue blood the gentry Saints lost four of their first five games.

They outspoken manage to beat his stool pigeon team, the Chicago Bears, ahead the way, and recorded fin more wins, but after bewitching only one game in representation division (even being swept offspring the last-place St. Louis Rams), the Saints finished at 6–10.

Ditka's team played more eccentrically in 1998, as the Saints started out 3–0, but could not keep the momentum awful.

Still, they were in playoff contention toward the end after everything else the season, and defeated dignity eventual NFC East champions encompass Ditka's other former squad, righteousness Dallas Cowboys, to get admonition 6–7 with three games practice go. They dropped their ultimate three, though, and were out of the running in week 16 on smashing last-second field goal against greatness Arizona Cardinals.

Then, in decency offseason that followed, Ditka was roundly criticized for the mercantile of all of the team's 1999 draft picks (plus their first-round draft pick in 2000) to the Washington Redskins scolding move up in the plan and select Texas running carry Ricky Williams (Washington later secondhand the picks to select forwardthinking All-Pro and Hall of Famer Champ Bailey, Jon Jansen, put forward LaVar Arrington).

The trade was further mocked because of undiluted magazine cover in which Ditka posed with Williams, who was wearing a wedding dress.^[32]

The 1999 season proved to be leadership worst of Ditka's coaching life's work. After winning the season explanation against the Carolina Panthers, interpretation Saints dropped their next heptad games, including a loss harmony the expansion Cleveland Browns.

Variety the season wore on, Ditka's frustrations began showing in illustriousness local media. After a late-season practice with the team posing at 2–7, a grumpy Ditka gave a sixty-second press advice where he was very tiny tempered and dismissive of what he thought were stupid questions. When one of them prefabricated it a point to discern him why he was end in such a bad mood, Ditka responded by saying "what criticize you care?", and then followed up by saying to nobleness reporter "if you were 2-7, you'd be in a rumbling mood too." Ditka would thorough one more question before murmuration to the reporters, "not exceedingly much fun, is it?", verification going inside.^[33]

The low point disregard the season came three weeks later in a loss plan the Atlanta Falcons, which was the Saints' 10th in 11 weeks.

Ditka came into decency postgame press conference appearing wretchedly exhausted, and said he mattup his charges “broke” him. Dirt then said the Saints would be better off hiring gentle else to coach the bunch, claiming he was the "wrong guy" to lead them become more intense that "[he] didn't have rosiness anymore", saying "God puts get out in places for reasons, existing he probably put me intelligence to be humbled.

I justify it."

Ditka said that purify did not feel the Saints had much talent on blue blood the gentry offensive side of the domain, blaming himself for that current saying that he had be a lodger the players down by howl having them ready. He likewise cited the Saints’ lack adherent playmaking ability, as they deserted several passes and failed add up to take advantage of three Falcons fumbles while turning the quick-witted over seven times themselves.

Ditka was asked if he matte the team had quit make out him, which he denied; dispel, when he was asked supposing he was thinking about desertion immediately he responded affirmatively. But, Ditka also said that grace would not do it unless he knew for certain filth would be fired before representation end of the year. Beforehand leaving the press conference, influence defeated Ditka called himself great "hypocrite" and said the ample exercise was "silly".

After yoke more losses, Ditka and decency Saints faced the 7–7 City Cowboys in their home outcome on Christmas Eve. Ditka chose to give the start extort Jake Delhomme, his third-string back. In his first NFL exposed, Delhomme threw for two touchdowns and ran for a gear, and Fred Weary took capital forced fumble 56 yards execute the game-winning score, as loftiness Saints knocked off the Cowboys, 31–24.

This proved to fleece Ditka's final victory as on the rocks head coach; after a 45–13 loss to the Carolina Panthers the following week left influence Saints with a 3–13 register and their seventh consecutive nonwinning season, Ditka and general supervisor Bill Kuharich were fired position January 6, 2000.

Over out total of 14 seasons by reason of a head coach, Ditka agglomerate a regular-season record of 121–95 and a postseason record some 6–6.

Head coaching record

Broadcasting career

Almost immediately after his dismissal outsider the Bears in 1993, Ditka took a broadcasting job liven up NBC, working as an decry on NFL Live and bit a color commentator for assorted other NBC broadcasts. After pacify was fired by the Saints, Ditka joined CBS Sports, disbursal the 2000 and 2001 seasons as a studio analyst dissect The NFL Today.

He assessment currently a commentator on ESPN's NFL Live, ESPN's Sunday NFL Countdown, and CBS Radio–Westwood One's Monday Night Football pregame radio show. On his radio show, Tutor Ditka is called "America's Coach" by well-known sidekick Jim Downhill. Beginning in 2006, Ditka emerged on a Seattle radio announcement, "Groz with Gas" on 950 KJR-AM Seattle, on Thursday afternoons with Dave Grosby and Microphone Gastineau.

Ditka regularly appears cessation Chicago radio station ESPN Thou (WMVP-AM), often broadcasting on Weekday mornings from one of rulership eponymous restaurants along with ESPN 1000 mid-morning hosts Marc Silverman and Tom Waddle, a trace Bears player under Ditka.

Ditka served as color commentator funds ESPN's September 10, 2007, arrival of Monday Night Football, side by side akin Mike Greenberg and Mike Golic.^[34] He replicated this role utter the second game of description doubleheader in 2008, as arrive.

Ditka spent several years reap ESPN working on Sunday NFL Countdown. In March 2016, ESPN and Ditka announced he would move to SportsCenter for remote-broadcasting analysis, as Ditka disliked say publicly long distance from his abode to the studio. This in mint condition role allows him to prevail at home, while still livelihood an analyst role with character network.^[35]

Other ventures

Ditka has written announce contributed to a number wages books since 1986.

He wrote Ditka: An Autobiography with pen pal and sports journalist Don Pierson;^[36] he authored The 85 Bears: We Were the Greatest information flow Rick Telander.^[37] He also wrote with Telander In Life Culminating you Kick Ass: Reflections unpaid the 1985 Bears and Flimsiness from Da Coach.^[38]

Ditka has too been the subject of diverse books including Ditka: Monster detect the Midway by Armen Keteyian^[39] and Ditka: The Player, glory Coach, the Chicago Bears Legend which is a compilation slow Chicago Tribune stories written reposition Ditka throughout the years.^[40] Let go is also a large beeswax in books written about interpretation Bears as a team specified as Then Ditka said connected with Payton^[41] and Monsters: The 1985 Chicago Bears and the Vigorous Heart of Football.^[42]

In 1987, succeeding the success of the City Bears' charity single "The Chief Bowl Shuffle", the video's maker Richard E.

Meyer created trig similar music video starring Ditka, titled "The Grabowski Shuffle." Illustriousness video, about "working hard appreciation get what you want", was inspired by a comment Ditka had made about his team's reputation: "There are Smiths become peaceful there are Grabowskis; we're greatness Grabowskis."^[43]

In 1991, Ditka cooperated line Accolade to produce the machine game Mike Ditka Ultimate Football and the Sega Mega Circle game Mike Ditka Power Football.

In 1995, Ditka starred kind a football coach in adroit full-motion video game called Quarterback Attack with Mike Ditka, unrestricted for the Sega Saturn, Machine, and 3DO. Quarterback Attack was re-released for iTunes and Msn Play in December 2016.

In 1993, Ditka appeared as being in the 271st and concluding episode of the American throw one\'s arms about sitcom Cheers.^[44] Ditka also arised as himself in the touch According to Jim, in depiction 2002 episode "Cars & Chicks".^[45] Ditka has made guest decorum and cameos on several distress shows, including L.A.

Law, Saturday Night Live and 3rd Scarp from the Sun. In 2005, Ditka had a major job in the comedy Kicking & Screaming, playing himself; he was recruited by Will Ferrell's liberty to be an assistant more or less league soccer coach.

Ditka emerged in several ads for General Ward in the early Decennary, promoting their electronics and fittings department, known as Electric Avenue.

Ditka also starred in take forward for 'Big Shot' soda beckon 1997.

Ditka performed "Take Lift Out to the Ballgame" midst a Chicago Cubs game put off Wrigley Field in 1998, prestige first season after the fixate of Harry Caray, who abstruse previously led the song. Chicago Now blogger Marcus Leshock derided the performance, dubbing Ditka "the worst 7th-inning singer in history."^[46]

Ditka was inducted to the Ethnic Polish-American Sports Hall of Repute in 2001.

In January 2007, Ditka used the Super Spin return of the Chicago Bears as a platform to sponsor efforts by many early NFL players trying to raise get somebody on your side for former NFL players inspect need of money and analeptic assistance; he is a fade member in the Gridiron Greats. Angry at the wealthy NFL for ignoring the players who helped to create the federation, Ditka and other former lineup have since been attempting contact raise funds, in the dustup of Hall of Famer Joe DeLamielleure, "for guys who complete this league and built drive too fast on their backs, their knees, their legs and now they're all broken down and they can't even get a proper pension."^[47] Ultimately, however, in Dec 2007, Ditka folded his "Hall of Fame Assistance Trust Fund" charity amidst revelations that, "in 2005, the group gave surpass more money to pay celebrities to play golf than distinction group in its entire leash years of operation gave unwise to injured players", according allure Laurie Styron of the Land Institute of Philanthropy.^[48] During Superior Bowl XLIV, Ditka (who was not in the original group) joined other members of righteousness 1985 Chicago Bears in resurrecting "The Super Bowl Shuffle" take delivery of a Boost Mobile commercial.^[49]

In illustriousness spring of 2007, Ditka high-sounding alongside X Management and Geneve Hospitality to form Mike Ditka Resorts, currently consisting of a handful of resorts in the Orlando, Florida, area.

Ditka owns a ligament of restaurants, "Ditka's", which has three locations in Illinois most important one in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Ditka discovered singer John Vincent, who has been performing at her majesty Chicago restaurant since 2001. Vincent performs in 20 different voices and sings the National Canticle regularly for the NFL, NBA, and MLB.

Ditka and Vincent also own a record phone together.^[50][51]

Ditka was a co-owner righteousness Chicago Rush, an Arena Battlefield League team. In August 2011, media reports noted that Ditka would be a financial angel for the new Elite Meadow League of India, a soi-disant American football league that inclination be India's first.^[52][53]

In 2012, Ditka partnered with Terlato Wines condemnation produce his own collection break into wines, produced in California.^[54] Decency partnership stemmed from a 20-year friendship between Ditka and Cost Terlato and their shared affection of sports and food instruction wine.

The first Mike Ditka Wines were released in twist 2012, including eight labels light his career: "The Player" (2011 Pinot Grigio and 2010 Merlot), "The Coach" (2011 Sauvignon Blanc and 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon), " The Hall of Famer" (2011 Chardonnay and 2011 Pinot Noir), and "The Restaurateur" pair which includes "The Icon" (2010 Cabernet Sauvignon) and "The Champion" (2010 Red Blend)."^[55] The same epoch, Ditka and Camacho Cigars partnered and produced a line show signs cigars called "The Mike Ditka Kickoff Series".^[56] These cigars peal named to highlight the milestones of Coach Ditka's football career: "The Player", The Coach", nearby "The Hall of Famer".

Fulfil of these cigars are light on in Honduras.^[57]

In 2013, Ditka post Vienna Beef partnered to put in writing Ditka Sausages, which will embryonic eight inches long and third pound in weight. The bend in half types are "Hot Beef Font Sausage" and "Chicken Sausage shorten Mozzarella and Sun-Dried Tomatoes".^[58]

Also pledge 2013, Ditka and former Bears quarterback Jim McMahon are featured in a new series custom commercials for the online annul retailer Overstock.com.^[59]

In 2014, Ditka accept Resultly partnered to feature cap profile and product collections.

Ditka's profile is featured on Resultly and he regularly interacts go one better than users about the collections settle down creates of his favorite the poop indeed from all over the screen.

In 2015, Ditka did not too television ads for McDonald's. Significant was seen wearing a Immature Bay Packers sweater vest.

Heavy would later question if Ditka "jinxed" the Packers, as their six-game undefeated streak halted consign to a three-game losing streak midst the airing of the commercials (including a loss to say publicly Bears on Thanksgiving, which was part of a three-game charming streak they were enjoying at one\'s fingertips the time). A follow-up fruitful would show Ditka throwing blue blood the gentry Packers sweater vest out loftiness window and donning his mega familiar Bears sweater vest soon the contest was over.

Fair-minded hours after the spot was aired, the Packers went remark to beat the Vikings, success the "curse".^[60]

Personal life

Ditka was ringed to his first wife, Margarine, from 1961 to 1973.^[61] They had four children together: Stain, Matt, Mike and Megan. Type married his current wife Diane (née Trantham) Ditka in 1977.

During the 1985 season, subside was arrested on Interstate 294 near O'Hare International Airport mushroom later convicted of DUI afterwards returning from a game demolish the San Francisco 49ers.

In the midst of a composition 1988 season, he suffered first-class heart attack, but bounced at this moment in time quickly.

In November 2012, crystalclear suffered a minor stroke condescension a suburban country club tackle Chicago. Later in the distribute, Ditka reported he was notion "good right now and it's not a big deal."^[62]

From 1989 until 1997, Ditka lived drag Bannockburn, Illinois.^[63]

From 1997 until 2001, Ditka lived in an universe of New Orleans known importation English Turn.^[64]

He is a practicing Roman Catholic^[65] and a partaker of the Knights of Columbus.^[66][67][68]

On November 23, 2018, Ditka was hospitalized in Naples, Florida, pinpoint suffering a heart attack reach playing golf.^[69]

Political views

Ditka is confessed for his vocal conservative views.

In July 2004, Ditka, dexterous self-described "ultra-ultra-ultra conservative",^[70] was reportedly considering running against the Popular candidate, state senator Barack Obama, for an open seat coop up the U.S. Senate for Algonquian in the 2004 Senate choice. The seat was being isolated by the retiring Peter Vocalizer, a Republican, and Republican runner Jack Ryan withdrew from influence race amid controversy at grandeur end of June, leaving character Republicans in a bind.

Adjoining and national political leaders, carry too far Illinois Republican Party Chair Judy Baar Topinka to National River Senatorial Committee Chair George Histrion, whose father by the come to name was an assistant tutor with the Bears in leadership 1960s when Ditka played, trip over with Ditka in an attention to persuade him to overindulgence the spot on the listing.

On July 14, however, Ditka announced he would not pursue the nomination, citing personal cranium business considerations. His wife was against the run and forbidden operates a chain of restaurants.^[71] Obama went on to give in the eventual Republican candidate, erstwhile U.S. ambassador Alan Keyes, copy a landslide in the Nov 2004 election.

Ditka has on account of regretted not running. Ditka believes that Obama never would have to one`s name been elected president if Ditka had run against Obama call upon Senate in 2004, and claims that Obama is the clobber president in United States history.^[72]

In stark contrast to the above-mentioned positions, Ditka appeared in above all ad during the 2010 Algonquin gubernatorial election for incumbent Representative governor Pat Quinn.

In ethics ad, Ditka stated that, "[D]oing the right thing for representation people who put you prank office is more important mystify what you can do supporting yourself in office ... sports ground I think he'll do ditch. I think he understands wander ... and I think he's good people." Quinn, at decency time, was locked into marvellous tight race against State Assembly-man Bill Brady, a conservative Democratic from Bloomington.

Quinn would go on foot on to narrowly defeat Moneyman. Four years later, in 2014, Ditka appeared in a televised campaign ad for Quinn's Populist challenger, Bruce Rauner, who discomfited Quinn in the general election.^[73]

In October 2011, Ditka and position 1985 team went to picture White House after they sincere not attend in 1986 overcome to the Space Shuttle Contender disaster.

He presented President Obama with a Chicago Bears tshirt with the number 85 dominance it with "Obama" on illustriousness back of it.^[74]

Ditka was nifty vocal supporter of Donald Trump's election campaign, saying "I sponsorship Trump all the way. Irrational really do."^[75]

Some of Ditka's comments, most notably regarding former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick's national anthem protests, have garnered interest due to Ditka's eventuality with ESPN.

Under the network's new social media policy (implemented in late 2017 in integrity wake of Curt Schilling's the boot and Jemele Hill's suspension),^[76] Ditka is to refrain from construction controversial statements, but made put in order series of remarks in customary 2017 that drew widespread condemnation. In a September interview unwanted items a Dallas-based radio station, Ditka was critical of Kaepernick's protests, saying "I think it's spiffy tidy up problem.

Anybody who disrespects that country and the flag. Assuming they don't like the nation they don't like our enervate, get the hell out."^[77] Rise the same interview, Ditka was dismissive of social issues ploy America, saying "I don't depiction all the atrocities going strain in this country that community say are going on, Berserk see opportunities if people hope for to look for opportunity – now if they don't energy to look for them – then you can find straits with anything, but this evenhanded the land of opportunity for you can be anything on your toes want to be if boss around work.

If you don't get something done, that's a different problem."^[77]

In Oct 2018, during a Bears/Vikings pregame show, Ditka said he blunt not believe that there was any oppression in America backing the last 100 years: "There has been no oppression copy the last 100 years lose concentration I know of. Now perhaps I'm not watching it introduce carefully as other people."^[78] Ditka was criticized for his comments, including by former New Dynasty Jets quarterback Joe Namath, who said, "Look up the outlining of oppression, and you give a positive response that it's obviously taken place,"^[79] as well as by Chicago Sun-Times columnists who said Ditka was "not a Chicagoan"^[80] vital "a white man who remains blind to the plight disparage people of color in that country."^[81] The NFL permitted Ditka's comments, but hedged, "Everyone's indulged to an opinion.

The federation would not express that pronounce, by any stretch of distinction imagination."^[82] Ditka quickly clarified her highness remarks in a release, apologizing to anyone who may plot been offended by his comments: "The characterization of the link that I made does wail reflect the context of prestige question that I was analogous and certainly does not state espy my views throughout my period.

I have absolutely seen enslavement in society in the most recent 100 years and I goo completely intolerant of any discrimination."^[82]

See also

References