Mike Ditka is a renowned figure in American football, celebrated for his contributions as a player, coach, and commentator. His playing career, primarily as a tight end, saw him achieve significant milestones, including UPI NFL Rookie of the Year in 1961, five Pro Bowl selections, and six All-Pro recognitions. He played for the Chicago Bears, Philadelphia Eagles, and Dallas Cowboys, leaving a lasting mark on the NFL. Notably, Ditka became the first tight end in NFL history to surpass 1,000 receiving yards. His accomplishments extended beyond the field, earning him inductions into both the College Football Hall of Fame in 1986 and the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1988. Ditka's legacy in football is solidified by his multifaceted career and his lasting impact on the sport.
October 18, 1939: Birth of Mike Ditka
Mike Ditka was born Michael Dyczko on October 18, 1939.
1958: College Career at Pitt Begins
Mike Ditka began his college football career at the University of Pittsburgh in 1958.
1960: College Career at Pitt Ends
Mike Ditka's college football career at the University of Pittsburgh ended in 1960.
1961: NFL Rookie of the Year
In 1961, Mike Ditka was named the UPI NFL Rookie of the Year.
1961: Marriage to Marge
Mike Ditka married Marge in 1961.
1961: Drafted by the Bears and Oilers
Mike Ditka was drafted by both the Chicago Bears (NFL) and the Houston Oilers (AFL) in 1961. He chose to sign with the Bears.
1962: Leads Bears in Receiving
In 1962, Mike Ditka led the Chicago Bears in receptions (58), receiving yards (904), and receiving touchdowns (5).
1963: Leads Bears in Receiving
In 1963, Mike Ditka led the Chicago Bears in receptions (59), receiving yards (794), and receiving touchdowns (8).
1963: Chicago Bears Championship as Player
In 1963, Mike Ditka played for the Chicago Bears during their championship season.
1963: NFL Championship and Record-Tying Performance
In 1963, Mike Ditka won the NFL Championship with the Bears and tied Harlon Hill's franchise record for receiving touchdowns in a game (4).
1963: NFL Championship with the Bears
In 1963, Mike Ditka won the NFL Championship with the Chicago Bears.
1964: Strong Receiving Season for the Bears
In 1964, Mike Ditka had a productive season for the Bears with 75 receptions, 897 receiving yards, and 5 touchdowns.
1966: Plays Out Option with Bears
In 1966, Mike Ditka played out his option with the Chicago Bears after failing to reach a contract agreement with George Halas.
February 8, 1967: Signs with Houston Oilers
On February 8, 1967, Mike Ditka signed a contract with the Houston Oilers.
April 26, 1967: Traded to Philadelphia Eagles
Mike Ditka was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles on April 26, 1967.
1968: Plays for Eagles, Changes Number Back to 89
In 1968, Mike Ditka played for the Philadelphia Eagles and changed his jersey number back to 89.
1968: Plays for Eagles
Mike Ditka played for the Philadelphia Eagles in 1968.
January 28, 1969: Traded to Dallas Cowboys
On January 28, 1969, Mike Ditka was traded to the Dallas Cowboys.
1970: Cowboys Reach Super Bowl V
In 1970, Mike Ditka and the Dallas Cowboys reached Super Bowl V but lost to the Baltimore Colts.
1971: Super Bowl VI Victory with Cowboys
Mike Ditka won Super Bowl VI with the Dallas Cowboys in 1971.
1972: Starts at Tight End for Cowboys
In 1972, Mike Ditka became the starting tight end for the Dallas Cowboys.
1972: Retirement from Playing
Mike Ditka retired from playing professional football in 1972.
1972: Comparison to the 1972 Dolphins
The 1985 Chicago Bears are often compared to the undefeated 1972 Miami Dolphins in discussions about the greatest NFL teams of all time.
March 1, 1973: Retirement and Coaching Debut
On March 1, 1973, Mike Ditka retired as a player and became the Cowboys wide receiver assistant coach under Tom Landry. At the time of his retirement, he held the record for most receptions by a tight end with 427.
1973: Divorce from Marge
Mike Ditka and Marge divorced in 1973.
1977: Super Bowl Victory as Assistant Coach
In 1977, the Dallas Cowboys, with Mike Ditka as an assistant coach, won Super Bowl XII.
1977: Marriage to Diane
Mike Ditka married Diane Trantham in 1977.
1981: Bears Fire Coach Armstrong
Following the 1981 season, the Chicago Bears fired their head coach, Neill Armstrong, paving the way for Mike Ditka's return to the team.
1981: NFC Championship Loss and Letter to Halas
In 1981, the Dallas Cowboys, with Mike Ditka as an assistant coach, lost the NFC Championship game to the San Francisco 49ers. During this time, Ditka expressed interest in coaching the Chicago Bears in a letter to George Halas.
1982: Ditka Becomes Bears Head Coach
Mike Ditka was hired as head coach of the Chicago Bears in 1982, marking his return to the franchise where he began his NFL playing career.
1982: Begins Coaching the Bears
Mike Ditka began his tenure as head coach of the Chicago Bears in 1982.
1984: NFC Championship Loss to 49ers
In 1984, the Chicago Bears, led by coach Mike Ditka, lost to the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship Game. The 49ers went on to win the Super Bowl that year.
1985: Ditka Co-authors Book on the 85 Bears
Ditka co-authored "The 85 Bears: We Were the Greatest" with Rick Telander, reflecting on the 1985 Chicago Bears season.
1985: Chicago Bears Championship as Head Coach
In 1985, Mike Ditka coached the Chicago Bears to a championship victory.
1985: Coach of the Year and Defensive Dominance
In 1985, Mike Ditka was named NFL Coach of the Year. His team, the 1985 Chicago Bears, is widely regarded as having one of the greatest defenses in NFL history.
1985: NFL Coach of the Year
In 1985, Mike Ditka was named the AP and UPI NFL Coach of the Year.
1985: DUI Arrest
In 1985, following a game against the San Francisco 49ers, Mike Ditka was arrested and convicted of driving under the influence near O'Hare International Airport.
1985: Super Bowl Shuffle Appearance
Mike Ditka and members of the 1985 Chicago Bears recreated the "Super Bowl Shuffle" in a Boost Mobile commercial during Super Bowl XLIV.
1985: Books about Ditka and the Bears
Several books about Mike Ditka and the Chicago Bears, including "Monsters: The 1985 Chicago Bears and the Wild Heart of Football," were published, highlighting his significance in the team's history.
1985: Super Bowl XX Championship
The 1985 Chicago Bears, coached by Mike Ditka, won Super Bowl XX.
1985: Road to Super Bowl XX
The 1985 season saw the Chicago Bears achieve a 15-1 regular season record under Mike Ditka's leadership, culminating in their Super Bowl XX victory.
January 26, 1986: Super Bowl XX Victory
On January 26, 1986, Mike Ditka coached the Chicago Bears to a dominant victory in Super Bowl XX against the New England Patriots.
1986: Induction into College Football Hall of Fame
Mike Ditka was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1986.
1986: Space Shuttle Challenger Disaster
The Space Shuttle Challenger disaster occurred in 1986, causing the postponement of the Chicago Bears' White House visit.
1986: College Football Hall of Fame Induction
Mike Ditka was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1986.
1986: Ditka Publishes Autobiography
Ditka published his autobiography, "Ditka: An Autobiography," in 1986.
1986: Ryan's Departure and Bears' Continued Success
Buddy Ryan left the Bears to coach the Philadelphia Eagles in 1986. The Bears, under Ditka, continued their success, winning the Central Division in 1986, 1987, and 1988. Despite a 14-2 record in 1986, matching the eventual Super Bowl champion New York Giants, they lost their first playoff game.
1987: Second Playoff Loss to Redskins
In 1987, the Chicago Bears finished with an 11-4 record but were defeated by the Washington Redskins in the playoffs. Washington went on to win the Super Bowl.
1987: Release of "The Grabowski Shuffle"
In 1987, the music video "The Grabowski Shuffle," starring Ditka, was released, inspired by his comments about his team's work ethic.
1988: Fog Bowl Victory and NFC Championship Loss
The 1988 Bears won the "Fog Bowl" against the Philadelphia Eagles in the playoffs but lost to the eventual Super Bowl champion San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship game. This marked Ditka's last NFC Championship appearance until 2006.
1988: NFL Coach of the Year
Mike Ditka was named the AP and UPI NFL Coach of the Year for the second time in 1988.
1988: Pro Football Hall of Fame Induction
Mike Ditka was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1988.
1988: Heart Attack and Second Coach of the Year Award
Mike Ditka suffered a heart attack during the 1988 season but quickly returned to coaching, leading the Bears to a 12-4 record and earning his second Coach of the Year award.
1988: Heart Attack
In 1988, during a successful season, Ditka experienced a heart attack but made a swift recovery.
1988: Hall of Fame Induction
In 1988, Mike Ditka was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, becoming the first tight end to receive this honor. His career achievements included 427 receptions for 5,812 yards and 43 touchdowns.
1989: Bears' Decline Begins
After a strong start in 1989, the Chicago Bears finished with a disappointing 6-10 record, marking the start of a decline.
1989: Residence in Bannockburn, Illinois
Mike Ditka resided in Bannockburn, Illinois, from 1989 to 1997.
1990: Winning the Central Division
The Bears rallied to win the Central Division in 1990.
1991: Playoff Loss to Cowboys
In 1991, the Bears reached the playoffs as a wild-card team but were eliminated by the Dallas Cowboys.
1991: Release of Mike Ditka Ultimate Football
The computer game "Mike Ditka Ultimate Football" was released in 1991.
1992: Saints' Last Winning Season and Playoff Appearance
The New Orleans Saints hadn't had a winning season or made the playoffs since 1992.
1992: Ends Coaching the Bears
Mike Ditka's time as head coach of the Chicago Bears ended in 1992.
1992: Disappointing Season Leads to Firing
A disappointing 5-11 record in 1992 ultimately led to Ditka's dismissal from the Bears after the season.
January 5, 1993: Ditka Fired by Bears
On January 5, 1993, Mike Ditka was fired as head coach of the Chicago Bears, despite having the second-most wins in franchise history.
1993: Ditka's Appearance on Cheers
Ditka appeared in the final episode of the sitcom Cheers in 1993.
1993: Ditka Joins NBC as Broadcaster
Ditka began his broadcasting career with NBC in 1993, after leaving the Chicago Bears.
1995: Release of Quarterback Attack with Mike Ditka
The video game "Quarterback Attack with Mike Ditka" was released in 1995.
1996: Saints' Struggles and Mora's Resignation
The Saints finished the 1996 season tied for the second-worst record in the league, leading to Jim Mora's resignation.
1997: Residence in English Turn, New Orleans
From 1997 to 2001, Mike Ditka lived in English Turn, New Orleans.
1997: Ditka's Montgomery Ward Ads and Big Shot Soda Ad
In 1997, Ditka appeared in ads for Montgomery Ward and 'Big Shot' soda.
1997: Move from Bannockburn
In 1997, Ditka moved from Bannockburn, Illinois.
1997: Ditka's First Season with the Saints
In 1997, Ditka's first season back in the NFL with the Saints, the team struggled initially, losing four of their first five games but also beating Ditka's former team, the Chicago Bears. They finished with a 6-10 record.
1997: Return to the NFL
In 1997, Mike Ditka returned to the NFL as the New Orleans Saints' head coach after working as a television analyst for four years, replacing Jim Mora.
1997: Begins Coaching the Saints
Mike Ditka's time as head coach of the New Orleans Saints started in 1997.
1997: Jersey Retirement at Pitt
The University of Pittsburgh retired Mike Ditka's jersey number 89 in 1997.
1998: Saints' Inconsistent Season
The Saints had an inconsistent season in 1998, starting 3-0 but ultimately finishing with a losing record and missing the playoffs.
1998: "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" Performance at Wrigley Field
In 1998, Mike Ditka led the singing of "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" at a Chicago Cubs game, filling in for the late Harry Caray. His performance was met with criticism, with one blogger calling him "the worst 7th-inning singer in history."
1999: Ditka's Frustrations and a Short-Tempered Press Conference
During the 1999 season, Ditka's frustrations with the Saints' poor performance became evident, culminating in a short-tempered press conference where he dismissed reporters' questions.
1999: Controversial Trade for Ricky Williams
In 1999, Ditka traded all of the Saints' draft picks to the Redskins to draft Ricky Williams, a move that drew criticism, especially after a magazine cover featuring Ditka and Williams in a wedding dress.
1999: Ends Coaching the Saints
Mike Ditka's time as head coach of the New Orleans Saints ended in 1999.
January 6, 2000: Ditka's Final Victory and Dismissal from the Saints
On January 6, 2000, after a final victory against the Dallas Cowboys and a subsequent loss to the Carolina Panthers, Ditka and general manager Bill Kuharich were fired by the Saints.
2000: Ditka Joins CBS Sports
After being fired by the Saints, Ditka joined CBS Sports as a studio analyst in 2000.
2000: Impact of the Ricky Williams Trade
The Saints traded their first-round draft pick in 2000 to the Redskins as part of the Ricky Williams trade.
2001: Collaboration with John Vincent
Ditka began working with singer John Vincent in 2001. Vincent became a regular performer at Ditka's Chicago restaurant. They also co-founded a record label.
2001: Ditka Continues with CBS Sports
Ditka continued as a studio analyst at CBS Sports in 2001.
2001: Move from English Turn
In 2001, Ditka moved from English Turn, New Orleans.
2001: National Polish-American Sports Hall of Fame Induction
Mike Ditka was honored with induction into the National Polish-American Sports Hall of Fame in 2001.
2002: Ditka's Appearance on According to Jim
Ditka appeared as himself in an episode of According to Jim in 2002.
July 2004: Consideration of Senate Run
In July 2004, Ditka, a self-proclaimed "ultra-ultra-ultra conservative," considered running for the open U.S. Senate seat in Illinois against Barack Obama, but ultimately declined due to personal and business reasons.
November 2004: Obama's Senate Victory
Barack Obama won the Illinois U.S. Senate seat in November 2004, defeating Alan Keyes. Ditka later expressed regret about not running against Obama and criticized Obama's presidency.
2005: Questionable Charity Spending
In 2005, the "Hall of Fame Assistance Trust Fund" reportedly spent more on celebrity appearances at golf events than on aiding former NFL players in need.
2005: Ditka's Role in Kicking & Screaming
Ditka played a major role in the comedy movie Kicking & Screaming in 2005.
2006: Singletary Recounts Ditka's Promise
In 2006, Mike Singletary recounted a story about a team meeting in 1982 where Ditka promised the Bears a Super Bowl appearance within three years if they dedicated themselves to his leadership.
2006: Ditka Joins Seattle Radio Program
Starting in 2006, Ditka joined the Seattle radio program "Groz with Gas."
2006: Last NFC Championship Until 2006
The 1988 NFC Championship game was the last time Mike Ditka led the Chicago Bears to that stage of the playoffs until the team returned in 2006.
2006: Ditka and Ryan's Feud
In 2006, Ditka and Buddy Ryan's strained relationship was recounted, including a physical altercation during a game against the Miami Dolphins in 1985. Despite their differences, both were carried off the field by players after the Super Bowl victory.
January 2007: Advocacy for Former NFL Players
In January 2007, Mike Ditka leveraged the Chicago Bears' Super Bowl appearance to advocate for improved financial and medical support for former NFL players. He expressed frustration with the NFL's perceived neglect of its retired players and highlighted the efforts of the Gridiron Greats organization to raise funds and awareness for this cause.
September 10, 2007: Ditka as Color Commentator for Monday Night Football
Ditka served as color commentator for ESPN's Monday Night Football broadcast on September 10, 2007.
December 2007: Closure of "Hall of Fame Assistance Trust Fund"
Ditka's charity, the "Hall of Fame Assistance Trust Fund," ceased operations in December 2007 following reports that it allocated more funds to celebrity golf events than to supporting injured players.
2007: Mike Ditka Resorts and Other Ventures
In 2007, Mike Ditka partnered with X Management and Geneva Hospitality to launch Mike Ditka Resorts in Orlando, Florida. He also owns a restaurant chain called "Ditka's" and a record label with singer John Vincent, who has performed at his Chicago restaurant since 2001.
2008: Ditka's Continued Role on Monday Night Football
Ditka continued his role as color commentator on Monday Night Football's doubleheader in 2008.
2010: Wine Labels Reflecting Ditka's Career
Ditka's wine labels, released in 2010, showcased milestones in his football journey, including "The Player," "The Coach," and "The Hall of Famer."
2010: Endorsement of Pat Quinn
In 2010, Mike Ditka publicly endorsed Democratic governor Pat Quinn during his reelection campaign, emphasizing Quinn's commitment to serving the people over self-interest.
October 2011: White House Visit with the 1985 Chicago Bears
In October 2011, Ditka and the 1985 Chicago Bears team finally visited the White House, presenting President Obama with a team jersey. This visit was delayed from 1986 due to the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster.
2011: Wine Labels Reflecting Ditka's Career
Ditka's wine labels, released in 2011, showcased milestones in his football journey, including "The Player," "The Coach," and "The Hall of Famer."
November 2012: Minor Stroke
Mike Ditka suffered a minor stroke at a country club near Chicago in November 2012, but reported feeling well soon after.
2012: Wine and Cigar Ventures
In 2012, Mike Ditka partnered with Terlato Wines to release his own wine collection, inspired by his career. He also collaborated with Camacho Cigars to launch "The Mike Ditka Kickoff Series" of cigars.
December 9, 2013: Jersey Retirement
On December 9, 2013, Mike Ditka's number 89 jersey was retired by the Chicago Bears during a Monday Night Football game against the Dallas Cowboys.
2013: Overstock.com Commercials with Jim McMahon
In 2013, Mike Ditka and former Bears quarterback Jim McMahon appeared together in a series of commercials for Overstock.com.
2013: Ditka Sausages Launch
Mike Ditka partnered with Vienna Beef in 2013 to introduce Ditka Sausages, available in "Hot Beef Polish Sausage" and "Chicken Sausage with Mozzarella and Sun-Dried Tomatoes" varieties.
2014: Endorsement of Bruce Rauner
Four years later, in 2014, Ditka switched his allegiance and appeared in a campaign ad for Bruce Rauner, Quinn's Republican challenger in the gubernatorial election.
2014: Partnership with Resultly
In 2014, Mike Ditka collaborated with Resultly, an online platform, to showcase his profile and curated product collections. He regularly interacted with users, sharing his favorite items from across the web.
2015: McDonald's Commercials and Packers "Jinx"
In 2015, Mike Ditka appeared in McDonald's commercials wearing a Green Bay Packers sweater vest. The Packers experienced a losing streak during the commercials' run, leading some to believe Ditka had "jinxed" them. A later commercial showed him discarding the Packers vest and returning to his Bears attire, after which the Packers' winning streak resumed.
March 2016: Ditka Moves to SportsCenter
In March 2016, Ditka transitioned to a remote-broadcasting analyst role with SportsCenter.
December 2016: Re-release of Quarterback Attack
"Quarterback Attack with Mike Ditka" was re-released for iTunes and Google Play in December 2016.
2017: Controversial Remarks on Kaepernick and Social Issues
In 2017, Ditka faced criticism for his comments on Colin Kaepernick's national anthem protests and social issues in America. He expressed disapproval of Kaepernick's actions and downplayed the significance of social problems in the country.
October 2018: Remarks on Oppression in America
In October 2018, Ditka sparked controversy by stating his belief that there hadn't been oppression in America in the last 100 years. He later clarified his remarks, apologizing to anyone offended and stating his intolerance for discrimination.
November 23, 2018: Heart Attack in Naples, Florida
Mike Ditka was hospitalized in Naples, Florida, on November 23, 2018, after experiencing a heart attack while golfing.
2018: Induction into Pitt Athletics Hall of Fame
Mike Ditka was inducted into the University of Pittsburgh Athletics Hall of Fame in 2018.
2020: Owner of X League
In 2020, Mike Ditka became the owner of the X League (formerly the Lingerie Football League).