On This Day

Mike Ditka

Athlete

Born: American

Michael Keller Ditka ( DIT-kə; born Michael Dyczko; October 18, 1939) is an American former professional football player, coach, and commentator. During his playing career, he was UPI NFL Rookie of Year in 1961, a five-time Pro Bowl selection, and a six-time All-Pro tight end with the Chicago Bears, Philadelphia Eagles, and Dallas Cowboys in the National Football League (NFL); he was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1986 and the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1988. Ditka was the first tight end in NFL history to reach 1,000 yards receiving in his rookie season.

He was an NFL champion with the 1963 Bears and is a three-time Super Bowl champion, playing on the Cowboys' Super Bowl VI team, winning as an assistant coach for the Cowboys in Super Bowl XII, and coaching the Bears to victory in Super Bowl XX. He has been named to the NFL's 75th- and 100th-Anniversary All-Time Teams.

As a head coach for the Bears from 1982 to 1992, he was twice both the AP and UPI NFL Coach of Year (1985 and 1988).

Notable For

American football player, coach, and commentator

Mike Ditka's Historical Timeline

  1. Mike Ditka is born

    Mike Ditka, American athlete, known for american football player, coach, and commentator, was born on 1940-10-18.

  2. Chicago Bears' head coach Mike Ditka and defensive coordinator Buddy Ryan almost come to blows at halftime in a 38-24 lo

    Chicago Bears' head coach Mike Ditka and defensive coordinator Buddy Ryan almost come to blows at halftime in a 38-24 loss to the Miami Dolphins at the Orange Bowl, Miami; Chicago's only loss of the NFL season

Associated Historical Events

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Mike Ditka born?
Mike Ditka was born on 1940-10-18 (American).
What is Mike Ditka known for?
American football player, coach, and commentator
What historical events involved Mike Ditka?
Mike Ditka was involved in 2 recorded historical events, including Mike Ditka is born, Chicago Bears' head coach Mike Ditka and defensive coordinator Buddy Ryan almost come to blows at halftime in a 38-24 lo.

Related Years