Former Chicago Bears coach Mike Ditka, who died Friday at age 86, was remembered across the NFL this weekend in a series of tributes that stretched from Green Bay to New Orleans.
During Sunday’s game between the Bears and the Green Bay Packers, two franchises whose rivalry dates to 1921, multiple fans arrived at Lambeau Field dressed as Ditka. Several wore the 1980s-style Bears sweater associated with his coaching years, fake mustaches, sunglasses and mock cigars, recreating the look made famous by NFL Films footage and years of Saturday Night Live parodies.
Before kickoff, the Packers held a moment of silence for Ditka as the University of Wisconsin band stood at attention on the field. The public address announcer told the crowd: “Ladies and gentlemen, the Green Bay Packers and the NFL community are saddened to learn of the passing of Pro Football Hall of Famer Mike Ditka. We extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and the entire Chicago Bears organization. At this time please join in a moment of silence.” The silence ended with applause from the Green Bay crowd.
In New Orleans, where Ditka coached the Saints from 1997 to 1999, the team held its own moment of silence before its home game against the Minnesota Vikings.
The Bears marked the day with several gestures. Players wore No. 89 helmet decals in honor of Ditka’s retired Bears number, and coach Ben Johnson reportedly showed the team a tribute video during a meeting Saturday night. Johnson called Ditka “the gold standard” and said he felt humbled to hold the same coaching position Ditka once did.
The Bears had already lowered the flag to half-staff at Halas Hall on Friday, displayed a memorial image outside Soldier Field, and described Ditka’s impact on the organization as “immeasurable.”
In Chicago, fans gathered at Ditka’s restaurant in Oak Brook, and a local business held Ditka trivia and giveaways of signed jerseys. Television networks broadcasting NFL games on Sunday also included tributes to the coach.
Ditka led the Bears to victory in Super Bowl XX and remains one of the most recognizable figures in franchise history. The displays this weekend, including from fans of the Bears’ longtime rival, reflected how far his influence extended beyond Chicago.
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