Trump Remembers Mike Ditka Following His Death

President Donald Trump expressed his condolences following the death of former Chicago Bears coach Mike Ditka, who passed away at the age of 86. Trump referred to Ditka as a 'winner' and a longtime supporter. 'He was a great guy. He was with me all the way. He was tough,' Trump stated. Ditka's family announced his death on Friday morning, and the Chicago Bears confirmed it in a statement honoring his contributions to the organization. Trump mentioned that he had not been aware of Ditka's passing before the conversation, saying, 'That’s a sad one. You’re just telling me that now for the first time.' He continued, 'Wow. He was great. He was a big supporter of mine. Yeah, no, he was a winner. He was a tough cookie. He was great.' Ditka publicly supported Trump during the 2016 presidential campaign, although he declined an invitation to speak at the Republican National Convention. Trump acknowledged Ditka's support, stating, 'Coach Ditka, I really appreciate everything you’ve said about me, you are a winner. A real winner.' Ditka, known as 'Iron Mike' and 'Da Coach,' had a distinguished career in football, winning championships as both a player and a head coach. He was selected fifth overall in the 1961 NFL draft and earned NFL Rookie of the Year honors that season. Ditka made the Pro Bowl in each of his first five seasons and helped the Bears win the 1963 NFL championship. He played 12 NFL seasons and finished his career with 427 catches for 5,812 yards and 43 touchdowns. Ditka was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1988 and returned to coach the Bears in 1982, leading them to a Super Bowl victory in 1986.