Legendary NFL coach Mike Ditka dies at 86

Mike Ditka died Friday at the age of 86, his family announced. Ditka was best known for leading the 1985 Chicago Bears to the only Super Bowl title in franchise history, according to Yahoo News.

Dikta's death was announced by his family in a social media post of the son of former running back great Walter Payton, Jarrett Payton.

It’s with a heavy heart that I’m sharing the Ditka family has announced the passing of Mike Ditka this morning," the post reads.

"Da Coach. Hall of Famer. The heartbeat of the ’85 Bears and a Super Bowl champion. Chicago won’t be the same. Prayers to Diana and the family. RIP, Coach. 🐻⬇️

Here’s a statement from the family:

"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.

With love and gratitude, The Ditka Family"

Ditka, in a football career that spanned nearly five decades, was inducted into the College Football and Pro Football's hall of fames. He also won NFL championships as a player, an assistant and a head coach, the latter in the 1985 season,Yahoo News also reports.

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