When news of Mike Ditka's passing broke Friday, current & former Bears players, media personalities and others took to social media to pay tribute to the Hall of Fame coach and tight end.
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) October 9, 2026
Coach Johnson: "As far as I'm concerned Coach Ditka is the gold standard." pic.twitter.com/2xINRi2dtS
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) October 9, 2026
It’s with a heavy heart that I’m sharing the Ditka family has announced the passing of Mike Ditka this morning.
— Jarrett Payton (@paytonsun) October 9, 2026
Da Coach. Hall of Famer. The heartbeat of the ’85 Bears and a Super Bowl champion. Chicago won’t be the same.
Prayers to Diana and the family.
RIP, Coach. 🐻⬇️
Here’s… pic.twitter.com/NUDfwsjaNH
Bears flag at half staff at Halas Hall in honor of legendary player and coach Mike Ditka. pic.twitter.com/NzzZVHXwi4
— Larry Mayer (@LarryMayer) October 9, 2026
Waddle Reflects on What Mike Ditka Meant to Him.@carmendefalco@jurko64@twaddle87#MikeDitka #TommyWaddle #ChicagoBears #RIPDITKA pic.twitter.com/CkzabjBuz4
— ESPN Chicago (@ESPN1000) October 9, 2026
RIP Coach 🙏🏿 https://t.co/t75JJxgCmm
— Charles Tillman (@peanuttillman) October 9, 2026
The NFL is deeply saddened by the passing of Hall of Fame coach and tight end, Mike Ditka.
— NFL (@NFL) October 9, 2026
Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/H9cMGPc8ln
When I got to Chicago in the summer of 1985, Mike Ditka and the Chicago Bears were king. Coach Ditka set the tone for a team that was punishing, dominant, and fun — and the city loved him for it. I'm thinking of the Ditka family and Bears fans everywhere on the passing of a… pic.twitter.com/RKlJsahYbR
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) October 9, 2026
Fitting that Mike Ditka’s players gave him a legendary ride. Coach Ditka gave so much to so many. Many would agree that he is the most generous person they ever met. RIP. pic.twitter.com/8xuyEUUz9o
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 9, 2026
Nobody symbolized toughness better. My farewell to the legend. Unlocked here. https://t.co/kTfTBpPOGU
— Dan Pompei (@danpompei) October 9, 2026
It is sad but true. The great Mike Ditka has passed at 86. His impact on his sport, his city, and his people will be felt for eternity. Blessed that he was a part of my journey. 🙏
— Dan Pompei (@danpompei) October 9, 2026
Pro Football Hall of Famer Mike Ditka, whose toughness and leadership helped define an era of professional football, passed away at the age of 86, his family announced Friday. A member of the Hall's Class of 1988, Ditka's legacy as a player, coach and football icon will endure… pic.twitter.com/dz3zQ95a15
— Pro Football Hall of Fame (@ProFootballHOF) October 9, 2026
When I think of football, I think of Mike Ditka. pic.twitter.com/7HNZS2Zrvx
— Brian McCarthy (@NFLprguy) October 9, 2026
Bigger than life.
— Silvy (@WaddleandSilvy) October 9, 2026
That’s the best way to sum up the great Mike Ditka.
Bigger than life was how he played.
Bigger than life with how he coached.
Bigger than life w/ his toughness.
And that personality.
Coach Ditka was Chicago—even though he was from Pittsburg.
RIP Coach.
RIP to the legend, Da Coach, Mike Ditka. Got to work with and become very close to him while we are at The NFL Today on CBS together in 2000 and 2001. I learned soooo much from him, about generosity, about life. This man was such a great friend to be around and knock around NYC…
— Jay Glazer (@JayGlazer) October 9, 2026
We join the Bears and the city of Chicago in remembering the legendary Mike Ditka.
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) October 9, 2026
Thank you for the memories, Coach. pic.twitter.com/s97Dvsp2cq
The White Sox send our condolences to the family, friends and fans of legendary Mike Ditka. He will be greatly missed. pic.twitter.com/ClGDvsMlPW
— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) October 9, 2026
Coach, man, we had some great times, laughs, and memories over the years. Always admired your style. Thank you for the talks, advice, and friendship.
— Ozzie Guillen (@OzzieGuillen) October 9, 2026
Chicago lost a legend Rest easy, Coach. pic.twitter.com/J5x4BkyuLc
Remembering a Chicago legend. We join the Bears in honoring the life and legacy of Mike Ditka.
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) October 9, 2026
Thank you, Coach for all you did for Chicago ❤️ https://t.co/jm5O98TYsn pic.twitter.com/VwVV190cqz
A True Pitt Man.
— Pitt Football (@Pitt_FB) October 9, 2026
Rest In Peace, Mike Ditka. pic.twitter.com/wAdMlf5dvZ
When our players see Mike Ditka’s name, I want them to know how he competed. He gave everything and expected the same from his teammates. His toughness will forever be part of this program! Our thoughts & prayers are with his family and everyone he impacted. Rest in Peace, Coach. pic.twitter.com/MtgerHZOTy
— Pat Narduzzi (@CoachDuzzPittFB) October 9, 2026
I am heartbroken to learn of the passing of Mike Ditka. There is no figure in my career or my life who looms larger, he was truly larger than life and that will never change. Rest in peace Iron Mike, thank you for absolutely everything. pic.twitter.com/CxAywBxvJk
— Mike Greenberg (@Espngreeny) October 9, 2026
Sharing a microphone with Mike Ditka was an experience. He could be alternately feisty, hilarious, angry and jovial. I interviewed him on the @WGNRadio postgame show every game in ‘85, and while he might be impatient, he was a pro and he was honest! No one else like him. pic.twitter.com/r48O0vAuaJ
— Dave Eanet (@DaveEanet) October 9, 2026
