NFL Hall of Fame legend Ditka dies at 86, family and team mourn

[Central News Agency] Mike Ditka, the legendary coach of the Chicago Bears of the Professional American Football League, passed away today at the age of 86.

Agence France-Presse reported that Ditka was the fifth overall pick in the 1961 NFL draft. He served as a tight end from 1961 to 1972 and helped the Bears win the 1963 NFL championship.

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As a coach, Ditka led the Bears to win the 1986 Super Bowl, beating the New England Patriots 46-10, ending the Bears and Chicago's 23-year championship drought.

"It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend, Mike Ditka," the Ditka family said in a statement.

"The world knows Mike as a Hall of Fame football player, a legendary coach, and the leader who led the Chicago Bears to Super Bowl 20, but in our hearts, he is the heart of our family. We will miss Mike immensely and remember him forever."

The Bears said in a statement: "Whether it is as a player, coach, or as an iconic figure and ambassador who is proud of the Bears, Mike's impact on the Chicago Bears has been profound." (Compiler: Su Wanchun/Verification: Xu Ruicheng) 1151010