Bears pay tribute to legendary Mike Ditka Thursday at Soldier Field
Story by Gabby Hajduk, photos by Bears photographers
ChicagoBears.com documents the Bears' tribute to iconic and beloved Bears coach and tight end Mike Ditka throughout Thursday night's game against the New England Patriots at Soldier Field.
Hall of Fame tight end and Super Bowl XX-winning head coach Mike Ditka, who passed away Oct. 9 at age 86, left a one-of-a-kind legacy within the Bears, NFL and Chicago communities. Ditka's impact on the Bears spanned generations, and his toughness, grit and blue-collar mentality embodied what it meant to be part of the "Monsters of the Midway."
In their first home game since Ditka's passing, the Bears and Bears fans paid tribute to the "Da Coach" at Soldier Field last Thursday throughout Thursday night's primetime win over the Patriots, who the Bears fittingly defeated in Super Bowl XX.
Outside Soldier Field before kickoff, a memorial display sat front and center at the RC Cola Red Zone, where fans could pick up a Ditka-inspired koozie modeled after his iconic sweater vest.
A similar tribute was set up on the main concourse of Soldier Field, featuring Ditka's Hall of Fame bust and gold jacket.
Upon arrival, all fans received a stick-on mustache to honor Ditka's iconic look, and the first 10,000 fans through the gates also received a Ticketmaster-sponsored Bears knit headband designed to resemble Ditka's famous sweater. Face painters in the concourse also used stencils that resembled Ditka's face.
Inside the Bears Pro Shop, fans could also purchase Ditka-inspired merchandise, including t-shirts, sweaters and jerseys.
Outside the Miller Lite Midway, a life-sized Ditka bobblehead was on display for fans to take photos with.
Ditka was also honored throughout the game itself. The Bears painted a commemorative logo featuring Ditka's retired No. 89 on their sideline. That logo was also placed on an on-field flag that the Monster Squad brought out pregame. Before the national anthem performance, the Bears also held a moment of silence for Ditka.
Every Bears player's jersey featured a patch with the same commemorative logo. Bears staff members also sported pins with the same look.
During the game, former Bears center Jay Hilgenberg, a member of the Super Bowl XX champions, participated in the Cheers to the Game segment, where he shared a special sentiment about his former coach.
"Ditka loved Chicago," Hilgenberg said. "He loved the Bears. And we all loved him. If it wasn't for Ditka, we wouldn't have a Super Bowl. He was the cause of the Super Bowl."
Bears fans celebrated Ditka at every corner of Soldier Field Thursday night. Along with the giveaways, thousands of fans came dressed as Ditka, sporting fake and real mustaches, aviator glasses, various versions of the navy "Bears" sweater or sweater vest and even fake cigars, while others made signs honoring him — dedications that showcased the love and adoration Bears fans will always have for Da Coach.
