In the lead-up to taking on the Green Bay Packers, the Chicago Bears received sad news. On Friday, legendary coach Mike Ditka died at age 86.
As a result, the Bears and the broader NFL world flooded social media with tributes to Ditka's legacy.
One came from 670 The Score host Jarrett Payton, Walter Payton's son, who shared a moving tribute.
“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
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… pic.twitter.com/NUDfwsjaNH
— Jarrett Payton (@paytonsun) October 9, 2026
Fox Sports analyst Jay Glazer also praised Ditka.
“RIP to the legend, Da Coach, Mike Ditka. Got to work with and become very close to him while we are at The NFL Today on CBS together in 2000 and 2001. I learned soooo much from him, about generosity, about life. This man was such a great friend to be around and knock around NYC together pretty much every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights. Without a doubt, the absolute time of my life! Soooo many hilarious stories. Like I said, learned SO much about life from him and I’m forever grateful! Love ya Coach #ditka”
RIP to the legend, Da Coach, Mike Ditka. Got to work with and become very close to him while we are at The NFL Today on CBS together in 2000 and 2001. I learned soooo much from him, about generosity, about life. This man was such a great friend to be around and knock around NYC…
— Jay Glazer (@JayGlazer) October 9, 2026
Chicago Barstool Sports host Dan Katz sent out a post.
“RIP Coach Ditka. All time Football Guy. The few times I got to meet/interview him were such a thrill. He was the definition of swagger and aura. Don’t make them like that anymore”
RIP Coach Ditka. All time Football Guy. The few times I got to meet/interview him were such a thrill. He was the definition of swagger and aura. Don’t make them like that anymore pic.twitter.com/jcHBIfu6yx
— Big Cat (@BarstoolBigCat) October 9, 2026
Then, ESPN host Mike Greenberg jumped in.
“I am heartbroken to learn of the passing of Mike Ditka. There is no figure in my career or my life who looms larger, he was truly larger than life and that will never change. Rest in peace Iron Mike, thank you for absolutely everything.”
I am heartbroken to learn of the passing of Mike Ditka. There is no figure in my career or my life who looms larger, he was truly larger than life and that will never change. Rest in peace Iron Mike, thank you for absolutely everything. pic.twitter.com/CxAywBxvJk
— Mike Greenberg (@Espngreeny) October 9, 2026
Dikta's legacy and impact is felt for good reason
Mike Ditka helped put the Bears on the map
As a player, Ditka redefined the tight end role. He was the first in his playing days to exceed 1,000 yards. He played for the Bears, Dallas Cowboys, and Philadelphia Eagles. Altogether, he accumulated 5,812 receiving yards, 47 touchdowns, and 43 receptions.
Ditka became the Bears' head coach in 1982. Three years later, he, along with Buddy Ryan, Walter Payton, Jim McMahon, William Perry, Richard Dent, and Steve McMichael, led the Bears to Super Bowl XX, winning 46-10 over the New England Patriots.
Thus, Ditka and company became staples in popular culture, with the advent of the “Super Bowl Shuffle”.
He later became a TV analyst but remained forever linked to the Bears. Under his leadership, Chicago became a premier NFL team.