Former Chicago Bears coach Mike Ditka, who died Friday at age 86, was remembered across the NFL this weekend, including by fans in Green Bay who dressed up as the Hall of Fame coach during Sunday’s Bears-Packers game.
Multiple fans at Lambeau Field wore the classic 1980s-style Bears sweater, fake mustaches, sunglasses and cigars associated with Ditka’s trademark look, the same image spoofed for years on “Saturday Night Live” and celebrated in NFL Films highlights.
Before kickoff of the game between the Bears and Packers, rivals since 1921, the Packers held a moment of silence for Ditka with the University of Wisconsin band standing at attention on the field.
“Ladies and gentlemen, the Green Bay Packers and the NFL community are saddened to learn of the passing of Pro Football Hall of Famer Mike Ditka,” the stadium announcer said. “We extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and the entire Chicago Bears organization. At this time please join in a moment of silence.”
The silence ended with applause from the Packers crowd.
In New Orleans, the Saints — the team Ditka coached from 1997 to 1999 — held their own moment of silence before their home game against the Minnesota Vikings.
Bears players wore No. 89 helmet decals Sunday in honor of Ditka’s retired number, and coach Ben Johnson reportedly showed the team a tribute video during a meeting Saturday night. Johnson called Ditka “the gold standard” and said he felt humbled to hold the same job Ditka once did.
In Chicago, fans gathered at Ditka’s restaurant in Oak Brook, and a local business held Ditka trivia along with a signed-jersey giveaway. The Bears lowered their flag to half-staff at Halas Hall on Friday and put up a memorial image outside Soldier Field, calling Ditka’s impact on the franchise “immeasurable.”
Television networks broadcasting NFL games on Sunday also paid tribute to Ditka, who led the Bears to their only Super Bowl title following the 1985 season.
