Mike Ditka, NFL Star And Football Analyst, Dead At 86

Mike Ditka, the former Chicago Bears coach and Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee, has died. He was 86.

His family announced Ditka's death Friday, ESPN reports. In a statement, the family said: "It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Mike Ditka... 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... Mike will be missed beyond measure and remembered forever."

Ditka was known for coaching the Bears to the only Super Bowl win in the team's history, a 46-10 victory over the New England Patriots in 1985. He later took a position as head coach of the New Orleans Saints.

During his tenure as a player, he played for the Bears, the Philadelphia Eagles, and the Dallas Cowboys. When he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1988, he was the first tight end to achieve that honor.

Ditka's post-NFL career was marked by stints as an on-air analyst for NBC and ESPN and by several appearances in TV shows and movies. He played himself on "Cheers," "L.A. Law," "Coach," "Becker," "According to Jim," and "Entourage," and appeared as a character named "Coach Mafferty" on "3rd Rock From the Sun."

He also provided massive inspiration for the Bears-obsessed characters in the "Bill Swerski's Superfans" sketches on "Saturday Night Live," and appeared on the late-night comedy show twice.

How will you remember Ditka? Let us know in the comments.