American · Carnegie, USA · Born 18 October 1939The greatest tight end of his era and the only man to win a Super Bowl as both a player and a head coach — Mike Ditka's impact on the NFL spans five decades.
Mike Ditka was born in Carnegie, Pennsylvania in 1939. Chicago Bears selected him fifth overall in the 1961 NFL Draft from Pittsburgh. As a player he was the first tight end to be used as a primary downfield receiver — winning the 1963 NFL championship and making five Pro Bowls. As head coach of the Bears he won Super Bowl XX with the 1985 Chicago Bears, who finished 15-1 and allowed just 10 points per game — one of the most dominant teams in NFL history. He is the only person to win a Super Bowl as both player and head coach with the same franchise. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1988.
Revolutionizing the tight end position, winning Super Bowl XX as Bears head coach, intense sideline demeanor
The 1985 Chicago Bears team he coached had a defence so dominant that it shut out three opponents in the playoffs — the only team ever to achieve that feat.
Did You Know?How They Played
Physical, aggressive tight end who combined blocking prowess with excellent receiving skills
Lasting Impact
Transformed tight end from blocker to receiver, iconic Bears figure, successful player and coach
Career Honours
- NFL Champion 1963
- Super Bowl VI XX Champion
- 5x Pro Bowl
- Super Bowl XX Head Coach
- NFL Rookie of the Year 1961
- NFL Coach of the Year 1985
- NFL 1960s All-Decade Team
- NFL 75th Anniversary Team
| Team | Period | Games |
|---|---|---|
| Dallas Cowboys | 1969–1972 | 52 |
| Chicago Bears | 1961–1966 | 84 |
| Philadelphia Eagles | 1967–1968 | 26 |
American Athletes