Chicago Bears Honor Late Coach Mike Ditka with Fan Mustache Giveaways
Fans sported Ditka's signature look at Soldier Field's first home game since the Hall of Fame coach's passing.
The Chicago Bears held their first home game at Soldier Field since the passing of legendary coach Mike Ditka on Oct. 9, honoring the Pro Football Hall of Famer with a moment of silence and fan giveaways. Fans paid tribute to Ditka, who died at age 86, by donning his iconic sweater, glasses, and mustache combination.
The team distributed fake mustaches to attendees, a nod to Ditka's distinctive facial hair. Before kickoff, a moment of silence was observed for the beloved figure.
"Tonight, we remember Mike Ditka, a Hall of Fame tight end and coach of the 1985 Super Bowl-champion Chicago Bears. Tough, strong and fearless, ‘Iron Mike’ will always belong to the Bears," the stadium's PA announcer stated.
Ditka, a first-round draft pick for the Bears in 1961, became the first modern tight end to be selected to the Hall of Fame. He also won a Super Bowl as a player with the Dallas Cowboys. His NFL career included Offensive Rookie of the Year honors in 1961 and five consecutive Pro Bowl selections from 1961 to 1965. He was also named All-Pro five times.
His family announced his death with a statement: "It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Mike Ditka." The statement continued, "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."
The Bears organization released its own statement, calling Ditka "legendary and treasured." The team noted his "immeasurable" impact over decades as a player, coach, and ambassador, highlighting his role in bringing championships to the city and creating lasting memories for fans.
Dan Dakich, reflecting on Ditka's coaching career, described him as "the most fun coach I've ever watched," recalling his energetic and sometimes boisterous sideline presence, often delivered with a sense of humor.
Fans wearing costume mustaches cheer after a moment of silence honoring the late Chicago Bears head coach Mike Ditka before the first half of an NFL football game against the New England Patriots in Chicago on Thursday, Oct. 22, 2026. (AP Photo/David Banks)
Fans stand during a moment of silence for Mike Ditka prior to the game between the Chicago Bears and the New England Patriots at Soldier Field on Oct. 22, 2026, in Chicago, Ill. (Getty Images)
Chicago Bears fans dress up as former coach Mike Ditka during a game against the Cincinnati Bengals on Nov. 2, 2025, at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Icon Sportswire)
Ditka's legacy is deeply intertwined with the Bears and the city of Chicago, embodying toughness and grit, qualities that resonated with the team's fanbase.