NFL legend Mike Ditka dead at 86

CHICAGO, United States (AFP)—Mike Ditka, a larger-than-life coaching legend for the Chicago Bears who won two NFL titles as both a player and coach, died on Friday, his family announced. He was 86.

Ditka, the fifth overall pick in the 1961 NFL Draft, played as a tight end from 1961-1972 and helped the Bears win the 1963 league crown. He also caught a touchdown pass for Dallas in the Cowboys’ 1972 Super Bowl triumph.

As a coach, Ditka guided the Bears to victory in the 1986 Super Bowl, the 46-10 rout of New England ending a 23-year title drought for the team and the city. He was also an assistant coach for the Cowboys in their 1978 Super Bowl triumph over Denver.