ATLANTA — The Bears paid tribute to Mike Ditka on Sunday, which would have been his 87th birthday.
The team posted a sketch of the former coach and player on their social media channels. He died Oct. 9.
Remembering Da Coach on his 87th birthday ? pic.twitter.com/zxps4N0Hwx
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) October 18, 2026
The Bears continue to wear helmet decals with Ditka's No. 89 on them. The number was the last one the Bears retired before stopping the practice because they were running out of numbers to give players on their active roster.
The team plans to honor Ditka when they return to Soldier Field for a "Thursday Night Football" next week against the Patriots. The biggest win of Ditka's career was against that same team — in Super Bowl XX 40 years ago.
The Bears flew the flag at Halas Hall at half staff all last week in honor of the Pro Football Hall of Famer — he was the first tight end ever inducted — and coaching legend. The Bears play the Falcons on Sunday.
