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One of the most legendary NFL players in history has died aged 86.
NFL star Mike Ditka has passed away and the player’s family have issued a heart-breaking tribute for the Hall of Fame player.
The family stated: “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.”
The statement added: “Mike will be missed beyond measure and remembered forever.” Ditka’s cause of death is unclear.
The NFL legend famously led the 1985 Chicago Bears to a Super Bowl victory.
Three years later Dikta was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1988.
Dikta also had a very successful career on the pitch aside from his success in coaching.
The hall of famer was drafted by the Chicago bears in 1961 with the fifth overall pick. He was also drafted by the Houston Oilers with the eighth overall pick in the same year. He went on to sign for the Bears.
Heartbroken fans have taken to social media to share their thoughts and prayers.
One social media user wrote: “Condolences to all of Mike’s close friends and family. As well as #DaBears fans.”
Another added: “RIP to one of the best coaches to ever do it! Prayers to his family.”
A third penned: “Coach sat for HOURS signing autographs, taking pictures, talking with fans at training camp in Plattesville, Wisconsin. The Ditka Show on CBS, he stayed after the show to take pictures and talk with the fans. I’ll remember those moments with him forever. Great, great man.”
In Ditka’s enshrinement speech to the NFL Hall of Fame he stated: “In life, many men have talent, but talent in itself is no accomplishment.”
“Excellence in football and excellence in life is bred when men recognize their opportunities and then pursue them with a passion, and I think that sums up what the players of the National Football League and NFL Hall of Fame stand for. They recognize an opportunity and they went after it.”
The coach was also a well-known name outside the stadium as he appeared in numerous TV commercials and also a “Saturday Night Live” TV sketch.
Dikta leaves behind four children, three sons and a daughter. The man suffered numerous health issues during his life. The NFL legend suffered from a stroke in 2012 and was later hit with a major heart attack in 2018.