The former NFL player and coach died on Oct. 9, at 9 a.m., surrounded by family and friends inside his Chicago condo.
Legendary Chicago Bears head coach Mike Ditka has passed away inside his Chicago condo at the age of 86.
The former NFL player and coach died on Oct. 9, at 9 a.m., surrounded by family and friends, according to The Athletic.
His death was announced via an emotional statement from his family. "It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Mike Ditka," the statement read.
"While the world knew Mike as a Hall of Fame football player, legendary coach, and leader of the Chicago Bears' Super Bowl XX championship team, we knew him as the heart of our family," it continued.
A cause of death has not been announced.
Legendary Chicago Bears head coach Mike Ditka has passed away inside his Chicago condo at the age of 86. (Getty Images) His passing comes less than two years after he and his wife, Diana Ditka, purchased $575,000 condo in Chicago's Streetville neighborhood, marking their return to Illinois after spending time in Florida.
According to the Chicago Tribune, the couple picked up the two-bedroom residence in November 2024.
Located on the 30th floor of a luxe high-rise, the condo comes complete with two bedrooms and two bathrooms.
It also boasts a chic marble touches and modern hardwood flooring.
The dwelling was initially listed for $599,000 in Aug. 2024 before they picked it up for $24,000 below the asking price.
Interestingly, the purchase price was identical to the amount the couple had received when they sold their previous condo in the same building in late 2023.
Their former residence, which was positioned on the 39th floor, sprawled across 1,904 square feet and boasted two bedrooms.
They snapped up that property in 2000 for $700,000, holding on to it for over 20 years before selling it.
The couple's Chicago real estate history extended beyond the Streeterville building.
The former NFL player and coach died on Oct. 9, at 9 a.m., surrounded by family and friends, according to The Athletic. (Getty Images) 
His death was announced via an emotional statement from his family. "It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Mike Ditka," the statement read. (James Drake/Getty Images) They previously owned a home in a suburb north of Chicago, before offloading the abode in 1997.
The purchase marked a homecoming for the celebrated coach, who had maintained close ties to Chicago throughout his career, even after relocating to the Sunshine State.
In an interview with the Chicago Sun-Times shortly after his return, Ditka expressed his excitement about once again living in the city where he had made NFL history.
"This city is my home. I love it," he told the outlet in November 2024.
Before returning to Chicago, Ditka and his wife maintained a longtime residence in Naples, where they owned a custom-built home for more than two decades.
The couple purchased a lot in a luxe gated community for $70,000 in 2002 and built a spacious single-family property that served primarily as a part-time retreat.
The four-bedroom, four-bathroom home offered 3,436 square feet of living space. It also boasted a den and an outdoor entertaining area.
Upon entering the home, guests are stunned by a grand foyer, wooden touches and expansive living spaces.
Outside, the home boasted a resort-style swimming pool, spa and a three-car garage.
The home was positioned in North Naples.
After returning to Chicago, they put their Florida pad on the market in December 2024 for $1.3 million.
The home quickly attracted interest, securing a buyer in just 12 days.
The sale closed on Feb. 6, 2025, for $1.1 million, about $180,000 below its original asking price.
Although the sports icon was born in Carnegie, PA, and raised in nearby Aliquippa, it was Chicago that became the defining city of his professional life.
His ties to the Windy City began back in 1961, when the Bears chose him with the fifth overall pick in the NFL draft.
Shortly after, Ditka quickly established himself as one of the league's most achieved tight ends.
He helped the Bears capture the NFL championship in 1963 before eventually continuing his playing career with the Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys.
His passing comes less than two years after he and his wife, Diana Ditka, purchased $575,000 condo in Chicago's Streetville neighborhood, marking their return to Illinois after spending time in Florida. (their former Florida home seen) (Google Maps) 
His ties to the Windy City began back in 1961, when the Bears chose him with the fifth overall pick in the NFL draft. (Al Bello/Allsport/Getty Images) While playing for Dallas, he added another championship to his resume when the Cowboys defeated the Miami Dolphins in Super Bowl VI.
After retiring as a player, Ditka transitioned into coaching, initially working under Dallas Cowboys head coach Tom Landry.
However, Chicago eventually came calling again. In 1982, Bears founder George Halas brought Ditka back to the franchise, this time as head coach—a homecoming that came to define his career.
Three years after taking the reins, Ditka led the Bears through an extraordinary 1985 season, finishing with a 15-1 regular-season record before defeating the New England Patriots 46-10 in Super Bowl XX in January 1986.
The victory cemented his place in Chicago sports history and transformed him into a household name.
His larger-than-life personality, unmistakable mustache, and famously fiery coaching style helped make him a cultural icon far beyond the football field.
Ditka remained the Bears' head coach through the 1992 season before later spending three seasons leading the New Orleans Saints.
He also became a familiar television personality, working as an NFL commentator and making appearances on popular entertainment programs.
In 1988, Ditka became the first tight end inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
The Bears further honored his contributions to the franchise in 2013, retiring his No. 89 jersey during a ceremony at Soldier Field.
Even decades after his departure from the Bears, Ditka remained closely associated with Chicago, where his influence extended into the restaurant business, television, and the city's sporting culture.
His death marks the loss of a figure whose name became synonymous with the franchise he helped lead to its only Super Bowl championship.
For generations of Chicago football fans, Ditka will remain best remembered as the coach who brought the Lombardi Trophy home to the Windy City.