The NFL world is mourning the loss of legendary coach Mike Ditka. He passed away Friday at age 86. Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell is among those sharing his feelings about Ditka's impact.
During a presser on Friday, Campbell told a story about meeting Ditka before he was drafted, per Barstool Sports. He talked about growing up a Ditka fan, then meeting him after he was drafted at the Combine.
There, he met Ditka face to face. He walked into a smoke-filled room, and Ditka sat there smoking a cigar.
“It was one of the best times of my life and most intimidating times of my life sitting across from Mike Ditka,” Campbell said. “It was awesome, man. Him asking questions about where you grew up, how you think, how you're wired, the game, what you see, it was awesome. Thoughts and prayers go out to his family. He's a legend.”
Much like Ditka, Campbell was a tight end in his playing days. He played for the New York Giants, Dallas Cowboys, Lions, and New Orleans Saints from 1999 to 2009.
Ditka was a tight end for the Chicago Bears, Dallas Cowboys, and Philadelphia Eagles. Then he became head coach of the Bears in 1982. There, he became an iconic figure who rose far beyond the NFL.
In 1986, Ditka led the Bears to the Super Bowl with a team that included Walter Payton, Jim McMahon, William Perry, and Richard Dent. Years later, Ditka became a football analyst on TV and a popular figure across the NFL.
Campbell has been the Lions' head coach since 2021.