Mike Ditka played in the National Football League for 12 seasons between the years of 1961-1972. As a player, he set Chicago Bears team records for most consecutive games with a reception (49), most receptions by a rookie (56) and most touchdown catches by a rookie (12). He coached the Chicago Bears for 11 seasons, and led them to a Super Bowl win in 1985 over the New England Patriots, in a blowout victory, 46-10.
Fast Facts:
- Born October 18, 1939 in Carnegie, Pennsylvania
- Attended Aliquippa High School
- Alma-mater: University of Pittsburgh
- Fraternity: Sigma Chi
- Drafted to the NFL in 1961
- Voted rookie of the year in 1961
- Played tight end for the Chicago Bears from 1961-1966
- Played for the Philadelphia Eagles from 1967-1968
- Played for the Dallas Cowboys from 1969-1972
- Head coach for the Chicago Bears from 1982-1992
Brief Biography
Upon retiring from his hall of fame NFL career, legendary coach Tom Landry immediately hired Ditka on as an assistant coach for the Dallas Cowboys. Ten years later, George Halas hired Ditka on to coach the Chicago Bears. Three years later, Ditka took the team to a 15-1 season and a Super Bowl XX victory. He later had an unsuccessful run with the New Orleans Saints, where he ended his career.
Mike Ditka Vital Stats
- Career Stats: Mike Ditka's Statistics
- Height: 6'3"
- Weight: 230lbs
- Rookie Year: 1961
Mike Ditka Timeline
October 18, 1939: Born in Carnegie, Pennsylvania
1961: Drafted by Chicago Bears
1967: Traded to Philadelphia Eagles
1969: Traded to Dallas Cowboys
1972: Retires from playing football
1972: Becomes offensive assistant and special teams coach for Dallas Cowboys
1982: Becomes head coach of Chicago Bears
1986: Leads Bears to victory in Super Bowl over the New England Patriots
1992: Fired by Bears owner Mike McCaskey
1997: Hired as head coach of New Orleans Saints
2000: Retired from coaching
Mike Ditka Fansites, Blogs, and Forums
- Google Blog Search: Mike Ditka