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The Bears honored the legendary Mike Ditka with a moment of silence before Thursday night's game against the New England Patriots.

Mike Ditka was a Bear through and through. From being drafted fifth overall in 1961, to helping the Bears win the 1963 NFL Championship, to coaching them to their unforgettable Super Bowl XX victory, Ditka left an indelible mark on Chicago Bears history. As a player, coach and Chicago sports icon, he embodied the toughness, grit and tradition that define the franchise. In this 2013 interview, Ditka reflects on a legacy defined by his deep connection to the Chicago Bears.

To honor the legendary Mike Ditka, ChicagoBears.com takes a look back at "Iron Mike" through the years, including his time as a Hall of Fame tight end and Super Bowl-winning coach. (Photos via Chicago Bears and AP)

Affectionately known as "Iron Mike" and "Da Coach," Mike Ditka revolutionized the tight end position during a Hall of Fame playing career with the Bears and later led the franchise to a Super Bowl championship as head coach. Ditka's family announced Friday morning that the Bears and NFL legend has passed away at age 86.

The legendary Mike Ditka was honored with a moment of silence before the national anthem at Sunday's Bears-Packers game.

Bears coach Ben Johnson opened his press conference Friday by extending his condolences to Hall of Famer Mike Ditka's family following his passing, describing Ditka as "the gold standard" and "a legend."

When news of Mike Ditka's passing broke Friday, former Bears players, media personalities and others took to social media to pay tribute to the Hall of Fame coach and tight end.

Head coach Ben Johnson addresses the media Friday at Halas Hall.

More than any other NFL player or coach, Mike Ditka embodied the toughness, grit and blue-collar mentality that earned the Chicago Bears the fearsome nickname the "Monsters of the Midway."