Mike Ditka Biography - Chicago Bears Football

Mike Ditka Biography

Dallas Cowboys - Chicago Bears - Tight End

The story goes that the Chicago Bears owner and former coach George Halas drafted Mike Ditka because the youngster reminded Halas of himself - A tough, ornery end willing to do whatever it took to win.  The talented newcomer didn't care about statistics. He just wanted to contribute to the team's success, and contribute he did.

In 1963, Mike Ditka played a central role in Chicago's divisional title.  In a race that the Chicago Bears won by half a game. Ditka was a pivotal player in four crucial contests.  Early in the season against the Baltimore Colts, he led the blocking on Ron Bull's winning score, crushing the final defender with a devastating hit. In the next game, he single handedly destroyed the Rams with four touchdown grabs.

Late in the season, Mike Ditka made a key reception against the Pittsburgh Steelers to set up a game tying field goal.  Taking a short toss up the middle, the broad shouldered Chicago Bear plowed through six Steeler tacklers en route to a 63 yard gain.  In the must win season finale against the Detroit Lions, his spectacular leaping catch in the end zone clinched the game and the division crown for the Bears.

The NFL Championship game proved to be a classic defensive battle in which the Bears and Giants scratched and clawed for every yard, the type of contest tailor made for Mike Ditka.  Late in the third quarter, with the Bears down 10-7 and facing third and long.  Chicago quarterback Billy Wade went to his most dependable receiver, Ditka.  In heavy traffic, the big tight end outfought defenders for a short pass and bullied his way to the Giants 1 yard line, setting up Bobby Wade's game winning plunge. When the gun sounded, the Bears had their first title in 17 years and Mike Ditka had his first, sweet drink of victory, a taste he would grow accustomed to throughout his illustrious career.

Mike Ditka's Timeline Biography

• Age 7 - Accidentally sets woods on fire trying first cigarette behind his home.
• Age 12 - Chases brother over center field fence for dropping a fly ball in a Pony League baseball game.
• Age  15 - Challenges larger Aliquippa HS teammates to run at him during practice; gets up crying but never backs down.
• Age 19 - Knocks himself out charging full speed into steel blocking sled during University of Pi - Leads Bears to first NFL Championship in 17 yearsttsburgh football practice.
• Age 20 - Not allowed to scrimmage with Panthers during the week because he goes too hard in practice.
• Age 21: Drafted in the first round by the Chicago Bears.
• 1961 - Named Rookie of the Year after scoring 12 touchdowns.
• 1963 - Leads Bears to first NFL Championship in 17 years.
• Chosen for third consecutive Pro Bowl.
• 1972 - Scores Touchdown in Dallas Super Bowl victory
• 1976 - Plays final game.
• 1986 - Coaches Bears to 15-1 record and Super Bowl win.

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