Mike Ditka is one of, if not the, most important person in Chicago Bears history. He was drafted by the team in the first round of the 1961, where he went on to become one of the first great tight ends in the history of the sport. Even today, Ditka still ranks as one of the best players ever at his position.

From there, Ditka would coach the Bears during the best era in franchise history. The team's only championship came under his tutelage, and he was one of the masterminds behind the '85 Bears defense, arguably the greatest defensive unit in NFL history. Overall, Ditka played for Chicago from 1961 to 1966, and he coached the team from 1982 to 1992.

Ditka is now 86 years old, and the team that he means so much to is starting to once again find success. The Bears, now led by Ben Johnson at head coach and Caleb Williams at quarterback, scored 59 points in a Week 1 victory. They set nearly every opening game record in franchise history in the process.

Ditka recently talked to The Athletic's Dan Pompel, where he reminisced on his Bears days of old and showed pride in what the team is becoming now.

Pompel wrote the following: He still watches the Bears — his Bears — for whom he redefined a position as a player and then set a standard as a coach that they have not come close to reaching since. Unsurprisingly, he likes Ben Johnson’s style. I tell him Johnson reminds me of him in his boldness, fearlessness and transparency. He nods.

Johnson still has a long ways to go to reach Ditka's status as a Bears coach, but he seemingly has the nod of approval from the legend himself. Johnson is known for his innovative offensive playcalling, and there is more optimism surrounding the Bears than since Ditka was running things in Chicago.