NFL Coaches Share Memories of Mike Ditka Following His Passing

<p>Mike Ditka, who last coached in the NFL in 1999, passed away on Friday at the age of 86. His influence on football has been significant across generations.</p><p>Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell and Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh shared memories of Ditka, a legend of the Chicago Bears. Campbell learned of Ditka's death during a news conference and recounted their first meeting.</p><p>"I got a great Ditka story. Somebody I just loved growing up, man, and Ditka was it. Huge fan. So, when I'm able to come out, I'm getting drafted to go to the combine. Well, the Saints want to meet with me, in particular, Mike Ditka, right? Tight end, uh, hell of a player, hell of a coach, all the whole thing," Campbell said.</p><p>Campbell, feeling nervous about meeting the Hall of Fame tight end, expected to find others in the room with Ditka.</p><p>"No. I go in and there's one little light on. It's like a little lamp in the corner, you know? It's at the train station and there's nothing in there. There's no couches there. The room is totally cleaned out and there's one little table and the room is full of smoke," Campbell described.</p><p>"I mean, you can't hardly even see him. You just see this image off in the corner of this little lamp and smoke everywhere and he's got that big fat cigar."</p><p>Campbell reflected on the meeting as one of the "best" and most "intimidating" experiences of his life, but he cherishes the memory.</p><p>"It was awesome though, man. Just him asking questions about, where you grew up, how you think, how you're wired, the game, what you see, it was awesome. And thoughts and prayers go out to his family. You know, he's a legend. He's a legend," Campbell said.</p><p>Harbaugh, who was drafted by Ditka in the first round of the 1987 NFL Draft while he was head coach of the Bears, recalled Ditka's generosity during a game plan review in Ditka's office.</p><p>During their discussion, Ditka began writing checks for people in need.</p><p>"Then I finally said, 'Hey, you know, what are you doing, coach?' And he said he had gotten a letter, and it was like a stack of letters, and people that were in need that he was writing $500 checks each," Harbaugh told reporters.</p><p>"‘I, do you know those people?'" Harbaugh asked.</p><p>"'No, don't know them.' And that was all he said."</p><p>Harbaugh noted that Ditka did not publicize his charitable acts, which he witnessed firsthand, calling Ditka a "great man."</p><p>Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson referred to Ditka as the organization's gold standard.</p><p>"I just want to start off extending my condolences to the Ditka family. Sad news here this morning, obviously. As far as I’m concerned, coach Ditka is the gold standard in terms of this place. He’s a legend around here, as a player, as a coach. His impact is still being felt to this day and as the head coach of the Bears," Johnson said at a press conference.</p><p>"I feel humbled to be in that same chair that he was once in. It’s a sad day just hearing he is passing on, he’s in our thoughts and prayers."</p><p>Several other NFL coaches acknowledged Ditka's death during their Friday news conferences and offered condolences to his family.</p><p>Ditka won Super Bowls as a player and assistant coach with the Dallas Cowboys and as head coach of the Bears.</p><p>A pioneer of the modern receiving tight end position, Ditka revolutionized the role after the Bears drafted him in 1961. He became the first tight end inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.</p><p>Ditka's illustrious career and numerous accolades are well-documented, and his stories and lasting impact will be remembered for generations.</p>