What people are saying on X · NFL ·
Legendary NFL Hall of Famer and former coach Mike Ditka died at age 86, announced by his family and multiple news outlets
16,419 posts · 8,038 accounts · -18% vs the day before
- Mike Ditka’s family announced his passing on Oct. 9, 2026, confirming he was 86 years old and a Hall of Fame tight end and Super Bowl‑winning coach[72]
- NFL network and major media outlets reported the death, with Fox News breaking the story and former teammates and broadcasters sharing tributes[64][65][66][67][68][69][70][71]
- The news sparked widespread reactions on X, including emotional posts from former NFL Today host Jay Glazer and a statement from the Chicago Bears community calling Ditka “the gold standard”[57][67]
Posts cited
[57] Chicago Bears · @chicagobears ·
Coach Johnson: "As far as I'm concerned Coach Ditka is the gold standard."
Open on X[64] Fox News · @foxnews ·
BREAKING: Legendary NFL coach and Hall of Fame tight end Mike Ditka has died at 86, according to multiple reports. Known as "Iron Mike," Ditka helped redefine the tight end position after being selected fifth overall in the 1961 NFL Draft. He retired as a player in 1972 before returning to Chicago as head coach, leading the Bears to a historic Super Bowl victory in 1986. In 1988, he made history again as the first tight end inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Open on X[65] Brad Biggs · @bradbiggs ·
Incomparable #Bears legend Mike Ditka - a Hall of Fame tight end and Super Bowl winning coach - has died. He was 86. An insightful journey into Ditka's legacy from Don Pierson.
Open on X[66] Catturd ™ · @catturd2 ·
Oh no - RIP NFL legend.
Open on X[67] Jay Glazer · @jayglazer ·
RIP to the legend, Da Coach, Mike Ditka. Got to work with and become very close to him while we are at The NFL Today on CBS together in 2000 and 2001. I learned soooo much from him, about generosity, about life. This man was such a great friend to be around and knock around NYC together pretty much every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights. Without a doubt the absolute time of my life! Soooo many hilarious stories. Like I said, learned SO much about life from him and I’m forever grateful! Love ya Coach #ditka
Open on X[68] PFT Commenter · @pftcommenter ·
Damn RIP. There was no bigger Football Guy
Open on X[69] Dave · @davebftv ·
Mike Ditka has passed away per @paytonsun RIP to a legend. Absolutely gutted
Open on X[70] Barstool Sports · @barstoolsports ·
A legendary rant from a legendary person RIP Mike Ditka
Open on X[71] JPA · @jasrifootball ·
Mike Ditka has passed away at the age of 86. Rest In Peace to a legend.
Open on X[72] Jarrett Payton · @paytonsun ·
It’s with a heavy heart that I’m sharing the Ditka family has announced the passing of Mike Ditka this morning. 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
Open on X
Written by an AI model from public posts; it can be wrong. Check the sources.