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Did Mike Ditka ever play in the NFL?

Did Mike Ditka ever play in the NFL?

A first-round draft selection by the Bears, Ditka earned NFL Rookie of the Year honours in 1961. In each of his first five seasons in Chicago, he was chosen for the Pro Bowl, and he helped the Bears capture the 1963 NFL championship.

Is Ditka dead or alive?

Michael Keller Ditka (born Michael Dyczko on October 18, 1939) is an American former football player, coach, and television commentator….Mike Ditka.

No. 89, 98
AFL Draft: 1961 / Round: 1 / Pick: 8
Career history
As a player:
Chicago Bears (1961–1966) Philadelphia Eagles (1967–1968) Dallas Cowboys (1969–1972)

What nationality is Mike Ditka?

AmericanMike Ditka / Nationality

How much is Mike Ditka’s autograph worth?

PSA Price Guide

3×5/AP Gum Card GLAC
$20 $25 $45

What does the name Ditka mean?

prosperous in war
“prosperous in war”

Did Ditka have stroke?

While coaching the Bears, Ditka suffered a heart attack in 1988 — the same year he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame as a player. But he famously returned to work just 11 days later. He also suffered a stroke in 2012. Ditka still follows the Bears closely.

Where is Ditka today?

Since leaving the Saints, Ditka has continued to work as a motivational speaker, television commentator on CBS Sports, and also as an actor in commercials. He enjoys playing golf, collecting antique cars, and riding motorcycles.

How tall is Mike Ditka?

6′ 3″Mike Ditka / Height

What happened to Mike Ditka?

What did Mike Ditka say to the Chicago Bears?

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. “Thank you, thank you, thank you, and go Bears!”

Is Mike Ditka a Hall of Famer?

Mike Ditka. A member of both the College Football (1986) and Pro Football Hall of Fame (1988), he was the 1961 UPI NFL Rookie of Year, a five-time Pro Bowl selection and five-time All-Pro tight end with the Chicago Bears, Philadelphia Eagles, and Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League (NFL).

What draft pick was Mike Ditka?

The Chicago Bears drafted Ditka fifth overall in the 1961 NFL Draft, while the Houston Oilers drafted him eighth overall in the first round in the 1961 AFL Draft. He signed with the Bears and his presence was immediately felt.

When did Mike Ditka retire as a player?

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. At the time, his 427 receptions were the most by a tight end in NFL history.