Packers honour Mike Ditka with tribute before Bears clash
Mike Ditka, the NFL coach and Hall of Famer, died at 86 from natural causes after years of heart problems, a stroke and other health issues.
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What happened
Mike Ditka, the NFL coach and Hall of Famer, died at 86 from natural causes after years of heart problems, a stroke and other health issues. Tributes followed from figures including President Donald Trump and former Bears players and coaches. Before their Week 5 game against the Chicago Bears, the Green Bay Packers honoured him with a moment of silence, and fans in Green Bay dressed in classic Ditka costumes.
Why it matters
The reports describe the tribute as a recognition of Ditka's legacy with the Chicago Bears, where he worked for more than three decades. The Bears-Packers rivalry is among the oldest in the league's history.
Timeline
- Oct 10, 7:27 AM ET: Ditka's death at 86 from natural causes was reported.
- Oct 11, 2:48 PM ET: Packers fans in Green Bay wore Ditka costumes and the team held a moment of silence before kickoff.
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