Mike Ditka Biography

Mike Ditka, born October 18, 1939, is an American former professional football player, coach, and commentator. He was named UPI NFL Rookie of the Year in 1961 and earned five Pro Bowl selections and six All-Pro honors during his NFL career with the Chicago Bears, Philadelphia Eagles, and Dallas Cowboys. Ditka made history as the first tight end in NFL history to record 1,000 receiving yards in a single season. He won an NFL championship with the 1963 Chicago Bears and later secured three Super Bowl titles as a player, assistant coach, and head coach. Ditka is one of only two individuals to win a Super Bowl in all three roles: player, assistant coach, and head coach. He played in the 1963 championship as a player and later led the Chicago Bears to victory in the 1985 title game. He played college football for the University of Pittsburgh from 1958 to 1960, where he competed in football, baseball, and basketball.