Ditka played tight end in the NFL from 1961 to 1972, spending his first six years in Chicago. Over his 12-year career, he caught 427 passes for 5,812 yards and 43 touchdowns, earning 5 Pro Bowl selections.

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He returned to the Windy City as head coach in 1982 and coached the Bears for 11 seasons.

The ’85 Bears are known as one of the best defenses in NFL history. Ditka led them to a 15-1 record and a Super Bowl XX win over the New England Patriots. It remains the franchise’s only Super Bowl win.

Ditka finished his coaching career with a 121-95 record and one Super Bowl title. He was the first tight end inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, enshrined in the Class of 1988.

Tributes to Ditka and his impact on the NFL and football poured in on social media.