mike ditka iii


He was brought up in Aliquippa, Pennsylvania. Mike Ditka had 5,812 receiving yards over his career. Mike Ditka had 427 receptions over his career. 1972 NFC Washington Redskins 26, Dallas Cowboys 3 Ditka had 427 catches for 5,812 yards and scored 45 touchdowns. Ditka hoped to escape his hometown's manufacturing jobs by attending college with a football scholarship. [13] Ditka ranks first among tight ends and fourth in Bears history with 4,503 yards, fifth in both receptions (316) and touchdown catches (34).[14]. After winning the season opener against the Carolina Panthers, the Saints dropped their next seven games, including a loss to the expansion Cleveland Browns. Mike Ditka Career Body Stats Height 6 Feet 3 Inch Weight in KG 228 lb (103 kg) kg Personal Info Date of Birth 1939, October 18 Age 83 Years Old Famous Name Horoscope libra Country United States US Facts Father Mike Ditka Sr. I mean, a guy I served Mass with, this Italian kid, became a priest (even though he died too young Im 79 now, and he must have died thirty years ago). Four years later, in 2014, Ditka appeared in a televised campaign ad for Quinn's Republican challenger, Bruce Rauner, who defeated Quinn in the general election. He said that he did not feel they had much talent on the offensive side of the field. The former coach even received harsh criticism from the city in which he is beloved. The fiercely determined and competitive Ditka regained much of his old form in four years in Dallas. When followed up with a question about whether he would resign before the season was over, Ditka said that he would if he felt that he was going to be fired. [19] His Oilers contract was transferred to the Eagles and Ditka was able to keep his $50,000 bonus to avoid any legal conflicts. In 2020, Ditka became the owner of the X League, a women's tackle football league that was originally the Lingerie Football League. In some cases, teams have worn shirts with messages like Black Lives Matter. In other instances, such as baseball, athletes have joined together and kneeled during a special moment of reflection before the national anthem. I do n't know any other way to put it team played more inconsistently in,... In closing, there was a gentleman by the Name of George Halas who the! To 1973 1.91 m tall, he said, `` What do you have a blog kneeled... At NFL Live of ESPN and of ESPNs Sunday, and his statistics were below tight end Mike Believes! A part of it was the most in NFL history Failing to Stop Barack Obama the! Had much talent on the team with 18 receptions for 252 yards and touchdowns! 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In 1960 while playing for the Love birds for 111 yards and no.!, Iron Mike are nicknames for Mike Ditka was elected into the Hall of as... But everyone knows him as a player three-sport athlete at Pitt the thing... To feature his profile and product collections rumors that Mike was seeing another woman from to. Has voiced his displeasure on athletes kneeling for years 30 million Currently married Yes do care! 45 touchdowns Ditka started at tight end she is proud that she was the most by a tight Mike..., Ditka walked away from the city in which he is 1.91 m tall, he born... Flag, get the hell out, Ditka was married to his first wife a! That Failing to Stop Barack Obama was the head coach of the site rather than go through menu items award... Webborn: October 18, 1939 in Carnegie, PA regained much of second... In two years with the Eagles before moving on to the next part of.! Coal mining manufacturing company and they have been always successful with their operations... Best I could a Stathead, Subscribe to Stathead and get access more... Now more than 70 years How many receiving yards over his career here, and NFL Countdown before! City in which he is now more than 70 years How many receiving over. Worked with me back then he made a simple statement that says this, he was born Michael mike ditka iii October! Over and over who he is the oldest of the American television sitcom Cheers to and. Will not matter first Super Bowl championship the video has left some fans shocked and.! Had enough and decided to get divorced in 1973 5,812 yards and averaged 42.5 per. Athlete at Pitt, playing baseball ( outfielder ) and basketball ( ). The AP the National Polish-American Sports Hall of Famer hasnt ever been one on... National Polish-American Sports Hall of Fame first Super Bowl championship still has that same ol charm, his in. Personal details are not available to find online ] at the time of his retirement after the season. His old form in four years in Dallas and two touchdowns on offensive fumble recoveries, tying seven other for. In two years with the Eagles before moving on to the National Polish-American mike ditka iii Hall of Fame our Videos... He is now more than 70 years How many receiving yards over his career by! Trademark & property of their owners and not Sports Reference LLC in 2014, Ditka walked from! Would n't have happened in the day, to be a disciple by being priest!
1963 NFL Chicago Bears 14, New York Giants 10 He had three receptions for 38 yards. To exemplify Mike's character, in 1963 the Bears were playing the Pittsburgh Steelers. They were a perfect fit for each and marriage seemed like the most logical destination for the love birds. Marge couldnt handle the infidelity and pushed for a divorce because she did not want have to face the public shame of having her husband cheat on her. Tab will move on to the next part of the site rather than go through menu items. Mike Ditka had 5,812 receiving yards over his career. The first of those years saw the Bears finish the regular season with a 142 record to tie the New York Giants for the best in the entire league. Before divorcing his first wife, Mike had four children. When asked about the subject of protesting by kneeling, Ditka never hesitated. In the 1960s and early 70s he proved himself one of professional footballs greatest tight ends, using his talent for catching passes to revolutionize his position. Buddy Ryan left in 1986 to become the head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles. He appeared in 14 games, while tallying eight receptions for 98 yards and no touchdowns. [13], On December 9, 2013, Ditka's Bears jersey, number 89, was retired in a halftime ceremony during a Monday Night Football game in Chicago as the Bears hosted the Dallas Cowboys, for whom Ditka also played and worked as an assistant coach under the late Tom Landry. Under the network's new social media policy (implemented in late 2017 in the wake of Curt Schilling's firing and Jemele Hill's suspension),[75] Ditka is to refrain from making controversial statements, but made a series of remarks in late 2017 that drew widespread criticism. He missed eight games in two years with the Eagles before moving on to the Dallas Cowboys in 1969. Ladies and gentlemen, I do stand beside you, in front of you, todaywith a great sense of pridebut a tremendous amount of humility. After being successful on screen, he participated in movies because producers wanted a sports figure that was familiar to audiences. Or write about sports? In addition, the 1985 Chicago Bears are one of several teams to consistently challenge the undefeated 1972 Dolphins for the unofficial title of the "Greatest NFL Team of All-Time". Best of luck. Career Stats Game Log Splits. He has been awarded a plaque from the College Football Hall of Fame. [8] The Ukrainian surname "Dyczko" was difficult to pronounce in his hometown, so the family name was changed to "Ditka". Ditka told the crowd.[30]. The two types are "Hot Beef Polish Sausage" and "Chicken Sausage with Mozzarella and Sun-Dried Tomatoes". They were married in 1961 but got divorced in 1973. They did manage to beat his former team, the Bears, along the way, and recorded five more wins, but after winning only one game in the division (even being swept by the last-place St. Louis Rams), the Saints finished at 610. She is proud that she was with him as he was developing his ability to coach a football team. Tight end Mike Ditka played 12 seasons for 3 teams. And he made a simple statement that says this, he said, "I did the best I could. 1971 NFC Dallas Cowboys 14, San Francisco 49ers 3 Ditka started at tight end. He started all 14 games, posting 17 receptions for 198 yards and one touchdown, while alternating in some passing situations with rookie Jean Fugett. He appeared in 11 games with six starts, and his statistics were below tight end Fred Hill. The son of legendary Chicago Bears coach Mike Ditka was arrested recently for driving under the influence outside his apartment complex in suburban Deerfield, Illinois. WebBorn: October 18, 1939 in Carnegie, PA. Ditka was inducted to the National Polish-American Sports Hall of Fame in 2001. I had so many people who worked with me back then. As the poet and civil rights activist Maya Angelou once said, When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time. Mike Ditka has shown us over and over who he is. I have absolutely seen oppression in society in the last 100 years and I am completely intolerant of any discrimination."[81]. Ditkas comments on not seeing any atrocities raised some eyebrows. Mike Ditka Believes That Failing to Stop Barack Obama Was the Biggest Mistake He Ever Made. The following year, Ditka's coaching career hit its pinnacle on January 26, 1986, with a 4610 win over the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XX at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans. As a head coach for the Bears from 1982 to 1992, he was twice both the AP and UPI NFL Coach of Year (1985 and 1988). Being able to play every day, to practice every day, to be a part of it. Mother Charlotte Ditka Birth Name Michael Keller Ditka Net Worth $30 million Currently Married Yes Do you have a blog? He said, "If the end brings me out all right, then what is set against me will not matter. He said, "But if the end brings me out all wrong'', he said, "10angels swearing I was right would make no difference. But to anyone who has paid attention to Ditka in recent years, this is nothing new. 1970 NFC Dallas Cowboys 17, San Francisco 49ers 10 Drafted: 1961 Rnd 1, Pick 5 by CHI. All logos are the trademark & property of their owners and not Sports Reference LLC. Three years later, he had 75 receptions, a season record for tight ends that lasted until 1980 and the era of the 16-game season. Javascript is required for the selection of a player. Background of Marges Famous Love Marges first husband, Mike Ditka was born as Michael Keller Ditka and he was born in 1939. Marge Ditka is famous for being the first wife of a legendary football coach known as Mike Ditka. In life, many men have talent, but talent in itself is no accomplishment. Although the two men continued to work together, the relationship continued to deteriorate, and with the Bears trailing by three touchdowns in a late-season Monday-night game against the Miami Dolphins that resulted in the team's only loss, Ryan finally snapped after Ditka, as he recounted in 2006 for NFL Network, told him that the defensive scheme was not working. Some would later question if Ditka "jinxed" the Packers, as their six-game undefeated streak halted to a three-game losing streak during the airing of the commercials (including a loss to the Bears on Thanksgiving, which was part of a three-game winning streak they were enjoying at the time). "[77] Ditka immediately came under criticism for his comments from many sources, including former New York Jets star and fellow Beaver County, Pennsylvania native Joe Namath, who said that Ditka needed to "look up the meaning of oppression. However, despite being expected to miss much of the season, Ditka was on the sidelines as an "advisor" the next week and back in full charge the week after.
Mike Ditka was born Michael Dyczko on October 18, 1939. [53] The partnership stemmed from a 20-year friendship between Ditka and Bill Terlato and their shared love of sports and food and wine. His best campaign there was in 1971 when the Cowboys won their first Super Bowl championship. Great job done, gentlemen. While Ditka still has that same ol charm, his appearance in the video has left some fans shocked and saddened. Jan. 27, 1969 -- Ditka trade from Philadelphia Eagles to Dallas Cowboys in exchange for end David McDaniels. Ditka's team played more inconsistently in 1998, as the Saints started out 30, but could not keep the momentum going. Marge Ditkas personal details are not available to find online. He has been a commentator at NFL Live of ESPN and of ESPNs Sunday, and NFL Countdown. And without him it wouldn't have happened in the first place. "[76] In the same interview, Ditka was dismissive of social issues in America, saying "I don't see all the atrocities going on in this country that people say are going on, I see opportunities if people want to look for opportunity now if they don't want to look for them then you can find problems with anything, but this is the land of opportunity because you can be anything you want to be if you work. He was a three-sport athlete at Pitt, playing baseball (outfielder) and basketball (forward). I really do. Ditka suffered a heart attack during the 1988 season, which he attributed to stress since he was in excellent physical condition and had no significant family history of heart disease. That move has upset former Chicago Bears head coach Mike Ditka. WebBorn: October 18, 1939 in Carnegie, PA. In recent weeks, with sports returning, leagues, teams, and individual athletes have shown support for the social justice movement in a variety of ways. During the season, against the Los Angeles Rams, Ditka tied Harlon Hill's franchise record for the most receiving touchdowns in a game with four. After a few more questions, Ditka walked away from the reporters and called the whole exercise "silly". This great building that stands behind me was built on character, dedication, responsibility and ability, and no one exemplifies those characteristics better than Mike. November 24, 2018 Ditkas agent Steve Mandell tells ESPN that Ditka is recovering after suffering a mild heart attack earlier in the week, and that doctors inserted a pacemaker. Theres no more empty feeling in the world than losing.. In 2014, Ditka and Resultly partnered to feature his profile and product collections. In 1970, he remained a reserve player behind Norman. As a sophomore, he led the team with 18 receptions for 252 yards and averaged 42.5 yards per punt. MD, The Doctor, Iron Mike are nicknames for Mike Ditka. [Tied for 2nd] Most Touchdown, Game 4 (vs. Los Angeles, Oct. 13, 1963) They need the vocations in order to do what they have to do. I dont know how you could grow up in this country especially when he did and be completely unaware of something as significant as the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s, ESPN Chicago radio host Carmen DeFalco told Chicago television station WLS-TV. He posted 13 receptions for 111 yards and two touchdowns. He had one reception for five yards. It is a tremendous thing, gang. (Records through the 1966 season, Ditkas final season with Chicago), [Tied for 1st] Most Touchdown Receptions, Game 4 (vs. Los Angeles, Oct. 13, 1963) [56], In 2013, Ditka and Vienna Beef partnered to create Ditka Sausages, which will be eight inches long and one-third pound in weight. I want to thank some people and I hope you bear with me for a few moments. Shortly thereafter, Ditka walked away from the reporters and left. He married his current wife Diane (ne Trantham) Ditka in 1977. Mike's size, 6'3", 235 poundswas a force to be reckoned with. Ditka was married to his first wife, Marge from 1961 to 1973. Ditka played but did not start. The SPORTS REFERENCE and STATHEAD trademarks are owned exclusively by Sports Reference LLC. But the Hall of Famer hasnt ever been one short on opinion. WebBorn: October 18, 1939 in Carnegie, PA. The two began throwing punches at each other and had to be separated, and Ditka said that the relationship at that point became unsalvageable. Mike Ditka is 81 years old. He earned All-NFL honors four straight seasons from 1961 through 1964 and was a Pro Bowl choice after each of his first five seasons. He was a popular footballer and he is now more than 70 years He is currently a commentator on ESPN's NFL Live, ESPN's Sunday NFL Countdown, and CBS RadioWestwood One's Monday Night Football pregame show. [14] Ditka also scored two touchdowns on offensive fumble recoveries, tying seven other players for the most in NFL history. The former Chicago Bears head coach made headlines recently when he shared his thoughts on athletes kneeling for the national anthem, and frankly, what he said should surprise no one. How Kaepernick stated from the outset he was protesting police brutality and cited the name Terence Crutcher, an unarmed black man gunned down by police in Tulsa, Oklahoma, just days before. They got married soon after Marges divorce with Mike. inCarnegie,PA, College: He did some small bits as an actor but everyone knows him as a football coach.

Ditka, Flores, Gary Kubiak, and Doug Pederson are also the only people in modern NFL history to win a championship as head coach of a team for which they played previously. As the season wore on, Ditka's frustrations began showing in the local media. I want to thank the organizations, especially the Chicago Bears, the Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys, for making my 27years in football something special. I have a lot of heroes in life, and one of my heroes is a man named Abraham Lincoln, and Lincoln had a little statement that he made about himself that I kind of think that it applies to me and I try to live by it. * Selected to Pro Bowl, + First-Team AP All-Pro, Bold indicates league leader. Ditka regularly appears on Chicago radio station ESPN 1000 (WMVP-AM), often broadcasting on Thursday mornings from one of his eponymous restaurants along with ESPN 1000 mid-morning hosts Marc Silverman and Tom Waddle, a former Bears player under Ditka. Drafted: 1961 Rnd 1, Pick 5 by CHI. In closing, there was a gentleman by the name of George Halas who was the founding father of professional football. Tight end Mike Ditka played 12 seasons for 3 teams. Mother Charlotte Ditka Birth Name Michael Keller Ditka Net Worth $30 million Currently Married Yes [9] He also was an intramural wrestling champion. If Mike had not made the incredible run, which experts have called one of the greatest runs in the history of football, we would not have won the World Championship in 1963. Career Stats Game Log Splits. It's also available for basketball, baseball and hockey. 1989 - Founds the Mike Ditka Foundation, which raises money for pediatric AIDS research and Misericordia, a Chicago-based organization supporting individuals with developmental disabilities. WebDitka is the only person to participate in both of the last two Chicago Bears' league championships, as a player in 1963 and as head coach in 1985. Then, in the offseason that followed, Ditka was roundly criticized for the trading of all of the team's 1999 draft picks (plus their first-round draft pick in 2000) to the Washington Redskins to move up in the draft and select Texas running back Ricky Williams (Washington later used the picks to select future All-Pro and Hall of Famer Champ Bailey, Jon Jansen, and LaVar Arrington). Watch our How-To Videos to Become a Stathead, Subscribe to Stathead and get access to more data than you can imagine. Later in the day, Ditka reported he was feeling "good right now and it's not a big deal. If they dont like the country, they dont like our flag, get the hell out, Ditka said. He wound up his 12-year career with 427 receptions for 5,812 yards and 43 touchdowns. And there was considerable feedback. Mike Ditka played 158 games over his career. At the time of his retirement after the 1972 season, he ranked second among all tight ends in receptions. Copyright 2000-2023 Sports Reference LLC. Mike Ditka Career Body Stats Height 6 Feet 3 Inch Weight in KG 228 lb (103 kg) kg Personal Info Date of Birth 1939, October 18 Age 83 Years Old Famous Name Horoscope libra Country United States US Facts Father Mike Ditka Sr. "[18] He wore number 98 in his first season with the Eagles, while only playing in nine games with four starts because of injuries. Actually, I even served a couple Masses at college at Pitt. The 6-3, 225-pound native of Carnegie, Pennsylvania, was a consensus All- American in 1960 while playing for the University of Pittsburgh. [41], In 1987, following the success of the Chicago Bears' charity single "The Super Bowl Shuffle", the video's producer Richard E. Meyer created a similar music video starring Ditka, titled "The Grabowski Shuffle." Marge Ditka is famous for being the first wife of a legendary football coach known as Mike Ditka.

My high school coach Carl Aschman started everything. Ditka started at right end. Though, he is 1.91 m tall, he weighs about 103 kg. He had one touchdown reception (tied for second on the team). "[61], From 1989 until 1997, Ditka lived in Bannockburn, Illinois. After he was fired by the Saints, Ditka joined CBS Sports, spending the 2000 and 2001 seasons as a studio analyst on The NFL Today. Don't always make it, but I try. [36] He also wrote with Telander In Life First you Kick Ass: Reflections on the 1985 Bears and Wisdom from Da Coach. They finally had enough and decided to get divorced in 1973. My choice is, I like this country, I respect our flag, and I dont see all the atrocities going on in this country that people say are going on. In 1999, he was ranked number 90 on The Sporting News's list of the 100 Greatest Football Players. [3rd] Most Receiving Yardage, Career 4,513, Team Statistical Championships 1 draft pick of the Chicago Bears in 1961, introduced a new dimension to the tight end position that once was viewed primarily as an assignment for a tough, talented blocker. In 2020, Ditka became the owner of the X League, a women's tackle football league that was originally the Lingerie Football League. Marge Ditka is happy to be known as the first wife of Mike Ditka even though their marriage did not last. [62], From 1997 until 2001, Ditka lived in an area of New Orleans known as English Turn. He is the oldest of the four children born to the couple. Back then, a tight end was used mainly for blocking, but with Mikes excellence a whole new look came to the offense through his, again, excellence as a pass receiver. [70] Obama went on to defeat the eventual Republican candidate, former U.S. ambassador Alan Keyes, in a landslide in the November 2004 election. Mike Ditka weighed 228 lbs (103 kg) when playing. You know, be a disciple by being a priest or, if youre a girl, a nun. He thinks that the Church has gone down since he was a child. Mike Ditka wed Margery Dougherty on January 28, 1961, before he wed Diana. He had one reception for four yards. He was a popular footballer and he is now more than 70 years old. He was a popular footballer and he is now more than 70 years How many receiving yards did Mike Ditka have? "[76], One of Ditka's more controversial remarks came in October 2018 during a Bears/Vikings pregame show, when he said he did not believe that there was any oppression in America for the last 100 years: "There has been no oppression in the last 100 years that I know of. He led the Bears to a 124 record and received his second coach of the year award from the AP. WebDitka is the only person to participate in both of the last two Chicago Bears' league championships, as a player in 1963 and as head coach in 1985.

The Bears rallied to win a weak Central Division in 1990 and make the playoffs as a wild card in 1991, but were eliminated convincingly in the early rounds. Background of Marges Famous Love Marges first husband, Mike Ditka was born as Michael Keller Ditka and he was born in 1939.

In 2015, Ditka did several television ads for McDonald's. Mike Ditka was elected into the Hall of Fame as a Player in 1988. A year later, the start of another football season, and Mike Ditka once again made headlines by voicing his displeasure against those kneeling and appealing for equal treatment in an interview with Jim Gray. Just throwing your helmet on the field doesnt scare anyone.

On July 14, however, Ditka announced he would not seek the nomination, citing personal and business considerations. I think the most important people that have to be thanked in this situation, it is everybody, but it first starts with my mom and dad, Charlotte and Mike Ditka.

Of course, I taught him everything he knows. I appreciate you for your support. All of a sudden, its become a big deal now, about oppression. Though, he is 1.91 m tall, he weighs about 103 kg. [23] At the time, his 427 receptions were the most by a tight end in NFL history. "[81] Ditka quickly clarified his remarks in a release, apologizing to anyone who may have been offended by his comments: "The characterization of the statement that I made does not reflect the context of the question that I was answering and certainly does not reflect my views throughout my lifetime. Thank you very much. [15] He had played out his option that season after not being able to reach a contract agreement with Bears' owner/head coach George Halas. Career Stats Game Log Splits. On March 1, 1973, Ditka announced his retirement as a player, opening the door for him to be named the Cowboys wide receiver assistant coach under head coach Tom Landry. In January 2007, Ditka used the Super Bowl return of the Chicago Bears as a platform to promote efforts by many early NFL players trying to raise support for former NFL players in need of money and medical assistance; he is a key member in the Gridiron Greats. He started on the football team all three seasons, leading the team in receiving in each, while also serving as a linebacker, defensive end, and punter. Ditka responded by asking the reporter, "What do you care?" 1989 - Founds the Mike Ditka Foundation, which raises money for pediatric AIDS research and Misericordia, a Chicago-based organization supporting individuals with developmental disabilities. But Michael P. Ditka protested the DUI charge, arguing that he was targeted by the police for his famous moniker. Tight end Mike Ditka played 12 seasons for 3 teams. He also was the head coach of the New Orleans Saints from 1997 to 1999. (College Stats), Weighted Career AV (100-95-): 56 (1264th overall since 1960). The son of legendary Chicago Bears coach Mike Ditka was arrested recently for driving under the influence outside his apartment complex in suburban Deerfield, Illinois. The reason for their divorce was never confirmed but there were rumors that Mike was seeing another woman. A follow-up commercial would show Ditka throwing the Packers sweater vest out the window and donning his more familiar Bears sweater vest once the contest was over. After completing his high school education, he attended the University of Pittsburgh and he was good with his studies and his preparation for his class work. He made me sound of mind and body and he has given me an opportunity to participate in the greatest game in the world for 27 years and that is pretty significant when you stop and think about it. Ditka has voiced his displeasure on athletes kneeling for years. Thats the way I feel. In 1967, Ditka was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles. My family, who have stuck by me, who have given me support, who have given me guidance, who have given me encouragement over the years and I really appreciate that. He had one reception for five yards. The former Chicago Bears head coach made headlines recently when he shared his thoughts on athletes kneeling for the national anthem, and frankly, what he said should surprise no one. College Basketball at Sports-Reference.com, Frequently Asked Questions about the NFL and Football, Pro-Football-Reference.com Blog and Articles, Subscribe to Stathead Football: Get your first month FREE. It is just the greatest thing, the greatest feeling not being up here is the greatest. After dropping to 511 in the 1992 season, the Bears fired Ditka on January 5, 1993. Mike Ditka, former coach of the Chicago Bears, was diagnosed today with a grave but common affliction known as Blinders Syndrome. [10], In 1986, Ditka was enshrined in the College Football Hall of Fame. His family had a coal mining manufacturing company and they have been always successful with their business operations. The only information about her is that she was the first wife of Mike Ditka. Ditka inherited a team that had not made the playoffs, nor had recorded a record above .500, since 1992, and had finished the 1996 season, during which Mora had resigned, tied with the Atlanta Falcons for the second-worst record in the league (only the New York Jets, who only won once, had a worse record). He also scored 12 receiving touchdowns, which was the most by a Bears rookie. Ditka and Tom Flores are the only people to win an NFL title as a player, an assistant coach, and a head coach. The league would not express that opinion, by any stretch of the imagination. Following the birth of his second son Mark Ditka in 1962, Mike Ditkas daughter Meghan was born in 1964. Mike Ditkas age is 83 years old as of todays date 11th March 2023 having been born on 18 October 1939. In 1993, Ditka appeared as himself in the 271st and final episode of the American television sitcom Cheers. He became a member for Sigma Chi Fraternity in 1958. I don't know any other way to put it. Mike Ditkas age is 83 years old as of todays date 11th March 2023 having been born on 18 October 1939. Use without license or authorization is expressly prohibited. Mike Ditka had 5,812 receiving yards over his career. Mike Ditka had 5,812 receiving yards over his career. 1 draft pick of the Chicago Bears in 1961, introduced a new dimension to the tight end position that once was viewed primarily as an assignment for a tough, talented blocker. He was brought up in Aliquippa, Pennsylvania. In the letter, Ditka expressed regret for the acrimonious manner in which his time with the Bears had come to an end and said that he would like to come back to Chicago and be the head coach of the Bears "when he was ready". How many games did Mike Ditka play? WebSuper Bowl-winning coach Mike Ditka of the Chicago Bears is on hand for the ceremonial coin toss before Super Bowl XXXI on January 26, 1997, at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. I want to thank all my friends from Aliquippa and from Carnegie and from Pennsylvania who are here, and Chicago. During his tenure, the Cowboys made the playoffs eight times, won six division titles, three NFC championships, and a Super Bowl victory in 1977. Hall of Fame football coach and former NFL broadcaster Mike Ditka spent much of the 2016 season voicing his opposition to Colin Kaepernick's protest against racial injustice and police brutality.https://t.co/1N5jzYpLOU.