The legendary NFL player, Bears coach, and cultural figure died October 9, 2026.

The men in the old Saturday Night Live skit would not have believed the news Friday. No, it can’t be true, Bill Swerski’s Superfans would’ve said. Mike Ditka can’t be gone.

Chris Farley as Tom Arnold, Victoria Jackson as Roseanne on Saturday Night Live on October 20, 1990 | NBCUniversal via Live ...

The former tight end and Super Bowl champ was known for his mercurial temper.

Travis Kelce and Patrick Mahomes joined the skit at the 2024 fundraiser for Children's Mercy.

Raised in a blue-collar Pennsylvania town, Mike Ditka earned a scholarship to Pitt and became "Da Coach" in Chicago. His family called him "the heart of our family" in announcing his death at 86.

Here’s a look back at Mike Ditka’s extraordinary life, from his humble beginnings in Pennsylvania to his dominant football career in Chicago.

Iron Mike’ won NFL titles as a player and coach, worked for NBC, CBS and ESPN and inspired a recurring ‘SNL’ sketch.

The Dolphins are signing QB Malik Willis to a 3-year, $67.5 million deal with $45 million guaranteed, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Willis' $22.5 million average annual salary ranks 21st ...

Mike Ditka, the fiery NFL legend and analyst who exuded toughness, was a part-time actor and inspired the classic recurring Saturday Night Live about “Da Bears,” died today. He was 86. His family ...