Born:
Drafted: Mike Ditka was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the first round of the 1961 NFL Draft with the fifth overall pick.
Years Played:
Position Played: Tight End
Played For: Chicago Bears (1961-66), Philadelphia (1967-68), Dallas (1969-72)
Alma Mater: University of Pittsburgh
Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame: 1988
Nickname:
Little Known Fact:
Not only did Ditka excell on the football field at the University of Pittsburgh, he was also an outfielder on the baseball team, a forward on the basketball team, and a champion of the intramural wrestling team.
Mike Ditka Quotes:
"Before you can win, you have to believe you are worthy."
"Success isn’t measured by money or power or social rank. Success is measured by your discipline and inner peace."
"If you’re not in the parade, you watch the parade. That’s life."
"You're never a loser until you quit trying."
"Success isn't permanent, and failure isn't fatal"
Coaching Record:
Coaching Highlights:
Coached the 1985 Chicago Bears to a Super Bowl XX championship.
Best Season:
As a player, Mike Ditka's best statistical season came in 1961, his rookie season, when he caught 56 passes for 1076 yards and 12 touchdowns. His career high in recptions came in 1964 when he pulled in 75 passes.
College Highlights:
• Named Concensus All-America (1960)
• Inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame (1986)
• Pittsburgh Retired Jersey No. 89 (1997)
NFL Career Totals:
In 12 NFL seasons, Ditka recorded 427 receptions for 5,812 yards and 43 touchdowns.
NFL Highlights:
• Named Rookie of the Year (1961)
• Named NFL All-Pro Four Times (1961-64)
• Selected to Play in Five Straight Pro Bowls (1961-65)
• Member of 75th Anniversary NFL Team
• First Tight End Inducted into Pro Football Hall of Fame (1988)
