Legendary coach, Hall of Fame tight end Mike Ditka dies at 86

CHICAGO (KQTV) -- Legendary head coach and Hall of Fame tight end Mike Ditka has died at the age of 86.

Ditka's family made the announcement on Friday morning.

The former Chicago Bears coach led the 1985 team to the franchise's only Super Bowl championship. The '85 Bears had arguably one of the best defenses in NFL history.

"It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Mike Ditka," his family said in a statement. "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 the fifth overall pick in the 1961 NFL Draft by the Bears. He won Rookie of the Year honors after becoming the first tight end to go for more than 1,000 receiving yards. Ditka played six years for Chicago, two for the Philadelphia Eagles, and four for the Dallas Cowboys.

The Hall of Fame tight end was enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1988. He was a member of the 1963 Bears' NFL Championship team and the Cowboys' squad that won Super Bowl VI.

As a head coach of the Bears, he led the team to playoffs seven times in 11 seasons, a Super Bowl victory, and three NFC Championship Games.

Ditka was hired by New Orleans Saints in 1997 and spent three seasons as the teams' head coach (15-33).

The legendary coach and tight end spent several years as an analyst for NBC and ESPN.