Ditka was inducted into the College Football HOF in 1986 and then into the Pro Football HOF two yrs later.
After Mike Ditka’s passing, I got to thinking about his affect on football and people. It’s interesting how after someone passes away especially a public figure there’s a lot of discussion around that person and their effect on others.
The Man’s Impact
I grew up during the time when he led the Bears and that cast of characters. He had a distinct style about him and always looked like someone you wouldn’t want to cross. He coached Walter Payton (RIP) who was one of my all-time favorite players. I’ll always remember him sitting on that bench after Chicago lost to Washington in the 1987 Divisional Playoffs. It was the final game of his career. Coach Ditka had such great respect for him as well as what the game meant to the people of Chicago. In 1985, he was the head coach for the dominant Bears during their forever-memorable Super Bowl-winning season. He enjoyed a Hall of Fame playing career with the Bears. He was the first tight end to be inducted into Canton’s Pro Football Hall of Fame. Here’s a point to keep in mind in this day and age of zero-patience and over-sized expectations. Ditka was not an instant success on the football field. It took him time to learn and grow into the sport during his high school days.
The Tough Guy With A Heart of Gold
Hearing stories from his colleagues what struck me profoundly was his generosity and willingness to help others. Da Coach only carried $100 bills and put them to great use. While it’s sad that his health had deteriorated in later years, it’s been wonderful hearing so many amazing, and equally funny, stories about a man who lived his own way.
The Green Bay Packer legend and Hall of Famer, Jerry Kramer, started the Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund in 2007. The following year, Ditka was named the Fund’s Chairman which continues to this day helping former pro football players with financial, medical and transportation assistance among other services.
For many years, part of my dedicated routine was tuning into Sunday NFL Countdown which Coach was an analyst on for about a decade. I always appreciated his contributions. I would’ve loved to have met him, talked life, football, while listening to Sinatra and enjoying a fine cigar. He was old school, no nonsense, classy and personable. By all accounts, a true larger-than-life guy.
Thank you, Coach Ditka. May You Rest In Eternal Peace.
On the subject of fine smokes, Saturday Oct 17th is the annual “Cigar Game.” The #6 Alabama Crimson Tide visits the #14 Tennessee Volunteers, 3:30pm EST. As tradition goes, the winning team plus their fans light up and puff away right in the stadium. Well, whoever gets it, I got a head start on ‘em..
