The flags at the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton are flying at half-mast this week in memory of our alumni brother Mike Ditka.
The iconic player and coach died last Friday in Chicago just 10 days short of his 87th birthday which would have been on October 18.
“Mike Ditka was a treasured Hall of Famer not only among his legions of Bears fans in Chicago but also for so many of us in the football community across the country,” says Alumni CEO Brad Edwards. “Mike was a bigger-than-life personality who was a terrific ambassador as coach and player for our great sport. He also was actively involved in financially supporting some of our contemporaries who needed assistance. We offer our deepest condolences to his loving wife Diana and the entire family.”
Funeral arrangements were not announced as of today (10/12). The Bears are wearing a special number 89 helmet decal for at least the remainder of the season. That was Mike’s number when he played for the Bears from 1961-66. There were Moments of Silence throughout the league last weekend, including in Green Bay (where the Bears played) and in New Orleans (where Mike was head coach from 1997-99 late in his career).
Mike Ditka…R.I.P. You will be missed!
