Legendary Chicago Bears head coach Mike Ditka has died at the age of 86, his family announced through Walter Payton’s son, Jarrett, on Friday.
Ditka spent 12 seasons in the NFL as a tight end who left no doubt about his toughness, earning five Pro Bowl selections and securing his place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. As a coach, Ditka was just as successful. He spent 11 seasons at the helm of the Bears, winning 106 games and overseeing the Super Bowl-winning 1985 team that many consider to be the greatest in NFL history.
A larger-than-life figure, Ditka also enjoyed a media career as a studio analyst and made several cameo appearances in TV shows and movies.
Here’s how the NFL world is mourning Ditka.
Mike Ditka dies at 86
Ditka’s death was announced by Walter Payton’s son, Jarrett, on Friday. No cause of death was announced.
It’s with a heavy heart that I’m sharing the Ditka family has announced the passing of Mike Ditka this morning. Da Coach. Hall of Famer. The heartbeat of the ’85 Bears and a Super Bowl champion. Chicago won’t be the same. Prayers to Diana and the family. RIP, Coach. 🐻⬇️ Here’s a statement from the family: It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Mike Ditka. 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. With love and gratitude, The Ditka Family
— Jarrett Payton (@paytonsun) October 9, 2026
“It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Mike Ditka,” the family said, through Payton. “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.”
Ditka suffered heart attacks in 1988 and 2018, as well as a minor stroke in 2012, and had been largely out of the spotlight over the last few years.
