- NFL legend Mike Ditka, who revolutionised the tight end position and coached the Chicago Bears to Super Bowl glory, has died at the age of 86.
- Ditka's family confirmed his passing in a statement, paying tribute to the Hall of Fame icon as the heart of their family.
- Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1988 as the first tight end enshrined, Ditka enjoyed a distinguished playing career with the Chicago Bears, Philadelphia Eagles, and Dallas Cowboys.
- As head coach of the Bears from 1982 to 1992, he guided the 1985 team to the franchise's only Super Bowl victory with one of the most dominant defences in NFL history.
- Ditka and Tom Flores remain the only two individuals in NFL history to have won a Super Bowl as a player, an assistant coach, and a head coach.
IN FULL
