# @apnews on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/DeR5iaHjhSU
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/71369459-apnews-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/90816dec7d.jpg
- **Posted:** 2026-10-09T16:06:32.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** The Associated Press (@AP) — https://gondola.cc/AP

## Caption

Mike Ditka, who won NFL titles as a player and coach with the Chicago Bears, has died. He was 86.

Ditka’s family announced his death on Friday in a statement.

“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,” the family said.

Nicknamed “Iron Mike” as a player, Ditka helped revolutionize the tight-end position, then moved to the sidelines and took over as Chicago’s coach. After retiring, he became a restaurateur, pitchman and TV personality, as well as a forceful advocate for improved medical and retirement benefits for former players.

Read more at the link in bio.

#APPhoto by Phil Sandlin

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