Trivia

From time to time, Ditka would dine at Harry Caray's restaurant in Chicago. One waiter recalled that Ditka would order a bottle of wine, have a few glasses with dinner and then tell the waiter that he (the waiter) could take the rest home with him.

Head coach of the National Football League's Chicago Bears (1982-1992).

A Republican, Ditka considered running for the Illinois seat in the U.S. Senate in 2004; he dropped out, reportedly, among other things, he didn't have his wife's blessing.

2 November 1988: Suffered a heart attack after the Bears lost to the New England Patriots, but returned on November 13th to oversee a win over Washington, 34-14.

His father was a steel-mine worker of Ukrainian ancestry.

While a rookie with the Chicago Bears, Ditka was the object of attempted hazing by his teammates. They told him he was going to sing his alma mater's fight song. Ditka's reply: "I'm not singing sh*t, and you can't make me." They relented.

NFL Rookie of the Year (1961)

Has had to have both hips replaced.

Has four children: Mike, Mark, Megan and Matthew.

Inducted into the ESPN Chicago Hall of Fame in 2011 (inaugural class) with Michael Jordan, Walter Payton, Ernie Banks, and Dick Butkus.

Was fired from the New Orleans Saints in December 1999 after three losing seasons with the team.

20 January 1982: Hired as the ninth coach in Chicago Bears history by George Halas.

Inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1986.

Played tight end for the National Football League's Chicago Bears (1961-1966), Philadelphia Eagles (1967-1968), and Dallas Cowboys (1969-1972).

Holds Chicago Bears records for consecutive games with a reception (49 between December 3, 1961, and October 10, 1965), touchdown receptions (4, tied with Harlon Hill), most receptions by a rookie (56) and most touchdown catches by a rookie (12).

Caught a touchdown pass in the Dallas Cowboys' 24-3 win over the Miami Dolphins in Super Bowl VI.

30 July 1988: Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Head coach of the National Football League's New Orleans Saints (1997-2000).

Inducted into the Beaver County [Pennsylvania] Sports Hall of Fame in 1977.

Life Loyal Member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity.

Was an All-American at the University of Pittsburgh.

Analyst on CBS's "NFL Today" (2001)

Was a three-sport star at Aliquippa (PA) High School, playing basketball, baseball and football.

(? - 1999) Head coach of the New Orleans Saints Pro football team.