The Chicago Bears held their first home game at Soldier Field since the death of longtime coach Mike Ditka, honoring him Thursday night with a tribute that included fake mustaches handed out to fans in a nod to his signature look.
Ditka died Oct. 9 at age 86. A Pro Football Hall of Famer as a tight end and the coach who led the Bears to their 1985 Super Bowl championship, his death hit the city hard.
Many fans arrived at Soldier Field dressed in Ditka’s trademark style: sweater, glasses and mustache. A moment of silence was held before kickoff.
“Tonight, we remember Mike Ditka, a Hall of Fame tight end and coach of the 1985 Super Bowl-champion Chicago Bears. Tough, strong and fearless, ‘Iron Mike’ will always belong to the Bears,” the PA announcer told the crowd.
A Career Built in Chicago
Ditka was drafted by the Bears in 1961 and became the first modern receiving tight end and the first tight end selected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He won Offensive Rookie of the Year in 1961, made five consecutive Pro Bowls from 1961 to 1965, and earned five All-Pro selections. He later won a Super Bowl as a player with the Dallas Cowboys before returning to Chicago as head coach, where he led the Bears to their 1985 Super Bowl XX title.
The Ditka family released a statement earlier this month following his death.
“It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Mike Ditka. While the world knew Mike as a Hall of Fame football player, legendary coach, and leader of the Chicago Bears’ Super Bowl XX championship team, we knew him as the heart of our family. Mike will be missed beyond measure and remembered forever.”
The Bears organization also issued a statement following his passing.
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of legendary and treasured Chicago Bear and Pro Football Hall of Famer Mike Ditka. Mike’s impact on the Chicago Bears organization, over decades as a player, coach, and proud icon and ambassador for our organization, is immeasurable. His integral role in bringing world championships to our city and our franchise, both as a player and as our coach, established prominence and excellence at a world-class level, but also created a lifetime of cherished memories in the hearts and minds of Bears fans that will last for generations. We extend our love, prayers, and heartfelt condolences to the Ditka family, and join all Bears fans in deep sadness and reverence as we remember and honor Mike Ditka.”
Thursday’s tribute marked the first chance for Bears fans to collectively honor Ditka at Soldier Field since his death, with the mustache giveaway serving as a lighthearted but heartfelt salute to a figure who came to embody the city’s football identity.
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