Chicago Bears

There aren’t many figures across NFL history who have a resume that compares to Mike Ditka’s.

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On Friday, the family of the former football player and coach announced Ditka died at age 86. As a coach alone, Ditka is remembered for contributing to two Super Bowl titles — including Chicago’s dominant 1985 run — but prior to then, he was also one of the greatest tight ends in NFL history.

As a five-time Pro Bowl tight end, Ditka went down as one of the greatest Bears players of all-time, before he even took to the sidelines to coach Chicago.

Here’s a look at where Ditka ranks among the greatest Bears players ever.

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Where Mike Ditka ranks among greatest Bears players of all time

Before he became a Super Bowl-winning assistant coach with the Cowboys and head coach with the Bears, Ditka spent 11 years as a tight end with the Bears, Eagles and Cowboys. Over that span, he earned five Pro Bowl nods, five All-Pro selections and an Offensive Rookie of the Year award, on top of winning the 1963 NFL championship with Chicago and Super Bowl VI with the Cowboys.

With his No. 89 retired by the Bears and selections to the NFL’s 75th and 100th Anniversary All-Time teams, Ditka undoubtedly ranks among the best Chicago players ever.

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The Sporting News’ Vinnie Iyer previously ranked Ditka at No. 6 among the Bears’ greatest players, noting his status as «the NFL’s pioneering receiving tight end.»

November 24, 1963 Returning to his hometown of #Pittsburgh for the first time as a pro, #Bears tight end Iron Mike Ditka rumbles 63 yards with a Billy Wade pass late in the game. The play sets up a Chicago field goal to salvage a 17-17 tie with the Steelers. A key play in the #DaBears’ 1963 NFL title march

— Kevin Gallagher (@KevG163) November 24, 2025

Ditka trailed only Bronko Nagurski, Gale Sayers, Sid Luckman, Dick Butkus and Walter Payton on Iyer’s list, which would pin him as the best tight end in Bears history. Previously, Bears.com writers Don Pierson and Dan Pompei also pinned Ditka as the No. 6 player in franchise history.

Considering his accomplishments as a coach on top of that, he’s one of the most beloved figures in Bears history.

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