Trump Reacts to the Death of Mike Ditka

On a surprising note, President Donald Trump received some unexpected news on the South Lawn before his trip to Syracuse this past Friday. Just before heading out with Mike Tyson and New York Yankees president Randy Levine, Trump’s press pool shared that Mike Ditka, the legendary Chicago Bears head coach, had passed away.

The president’s response was immediate and heartfelt. “Oh, he did? He was a great guy. He was with me all the way. He was tough,” Trump remarked, clearly affected by the news. “Mike Ditka — that’s a sad one.” He went on to highlight Ditka’s support for him during the 2016 election, calling him “a big supporter” and “a winner.” Those sentiments, they just can’t help but resonate.

Mike Ditka was best known for coaching the iconic 1985 Bears, who stormed through the NFL with an impressive 18-1 record, only losing to the Miami Dolphins before clinching the Super Bowl title.

The announcement of Ditka’s death was made by his family earlier that morning. They expressed their deep sadness in a statement: “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.”

Ditka had a remarkable career, first making his mark as a tight end, winning a Super Bowl with the Dallas Cowboys and later becoming a distinguished coach for the Bears. His straightforward manner and distinctive style made him an iconic figure, admired by fans and imitated by many.

Drafted by the Chicago Bears in 1961, Ditka became the first modern receiving tight end and gained entry into the Pro Football Hall of Fame as the first tight end ever selected. Over the years, he earned NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year honors in 1961, was selected to five consecutive Pro Bowls from 1961 to 1965, and made five All-Pro teams. His playing career spanned from 1961 to 1972, during which he recorded 427 receptions for 5,812 yards and 43 touchdowns. Notably, he played on teams that secured the 1963 NFL championship with Chicago and Super Bowl VI with Dallas.

After retiring as a player, Ditka transitioned to coaching, taking the helm as head coach of the Bears in 1982, where he earned NFL Coach of the Year honors in both 1985 and 1988. He coached the Bears until 1992 and later led the New Orleans Saints from 1997 to 1999.