Mike Ditka, one of only two men in NFL history to win Super Bowls as a player, an assistant coach, and a head coach, passed away on Friday, marking the loss of an NFL giant and a Chicago icon. Ditka didn’t just win championships for the Bears as both a player and a coach, he was a legendary character who perfectly embodied Chicago’s tough, blue-collar spirit. He had a look all his own, a fiery temper, and even a funny side that sometimes popped up at press conferences, like that 1999 magazine cover with Ricky Williams depicting a wedding. That trade for Williams might not have panned out for Ditka and the Saints, but most of his other football ventures absolutely did.
Dallas Redemption: From Nearly Done to Super Bowl Champion
It’s crazy to think Ditka’s NFL playing career was almost over in 1969 after three tough seasons with Philadelphia. But then, Cowboys coach Tom Landry called, asking, “You think you can still play football?” Ditka, ever the competitor, answered, “I think I can.” Landry’s reply? “I hope you can, because I just traded for you.” Talk about a leap of faith that paid off huge! Landry did more than just extend Ditka’s playing career, he gave him a legendary finish. Ditka snagged a 7-yard touchdown from Roger Staubach in Super Bowl VI, sealing the Cowboys’ first Super Bowl win. He even made a sweet 21-yard leaping catch on a crosser and almost scored again on a 17-yard end around. Ditka retired the very next season but stayed in the game, joining Landry’s staff as the special teams and receivers coach. He even won a second Super Bowl ring with the Cowboys in 1977 before Bears owner George Halas brought him home to Chicago as head coach in 1982.
The Unforgettable 1963 World Champions
Before all that Super Bowl glory, Ditka was a key part of the Chicago Bears’ 1963 championship squad, a run that definitely set the stage for all his future success. That 1963 title was the Bears’ eighth and final NFL championship under the legendary George Halas, who passed away in 1983, just a year after bringing Ditka back as coach. This team was absolutely formidable, no doubt about it. They rolled to an 11-1-2 record, which included season sweeps over both Vince Lombardi’s Packers and Johnny Unitas’ Colts. In the NFL Championship game, the Bears squared off against the New York Giants and their MVP quarterback, Y.A. Tittle, taking home a 17-14 victory. That win was a masterclass in defense, fueled by six forced turnovers, including five crucial interceptions of Tittle.
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Originally reported by CBS Sports.
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