The Chicago Bears last won a Super Bowl back in 1986. Before that, their last national championship was in 1963. Instrumental in these two titles was Mike Ditka.
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| IImage source: nfl.com |
In 1963, the “Iron Mike” helped the Bears reach the pantheon of the National Football League playing tight end. He was drafted just two years prior, but his presence was already felt by the league early on as he was revolutionizing how the position was played.
Previously, tight ends had been used primarily as blockers, and rarely as receivers. But Ditka, who had superb blocking skills, was also incredibly adept at catching and rushing, which enabled the team’s coaching staff to also run plays for him.
After 11 seasons as a player (five with the Bears), Ditka ranks first among all tight ends in rushing (4,503 yards), fifth in reception (316), and fifth in touchdown catches (34).
As soon as Ditka retired from playing in 1972, he was hired as an assistant head coach by the Dallas Cowboys, the last team he suited up for as tight end. He helped Dallas win the 1977 Super Bowl.
Come 1982, the Bears had a head coaching vacancy and reached out to Ditka, who willingly accepted the job. As soon as he got on board, he promised a Super Bowl appearance within three seasons – a promise he got to keep. In 1985, Chicago did reach the championship game but ultimately lost to the San Francisco 49ers.
A year later, they again competed for the league title. The Bears defeated the New England Patriots, giving Ditka the distinction of being one of the only two players to win an NFL championship as a player, an assistant coach, and a head coach.
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| Image source: espn.com |
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