Mike Ditka tributes pour in from former President Obama, Chicago's sports teams and around the NFL

Mike Ditka was “Iron Mike” as a player who revolutionized the tight end position and later became the easily recognizable and often imitated fiery, mustached and sweater vest-wearing “Da Coach” of the Chicago Bears during a Super Bowl-winning tenure.

Ditka died Friday at 86, his family announced in a statement.

The Pro Football Hall of Famer was remembered by the sports world and beyond for his impact on the game as both a player and a coach, and later as a TV analyst.

Here are some notable reactions to Ditka's death and tributes to his legacy:

“We are deeply saddened by the passing of legendary and treasured Chicago Bear and Pro Football Hall of Famer Mike Ditka. Mike’s impact on the Chicago Bears organization, over decades as a player, coach, and proud icon and ambassador for our organization, is immeasurable. His integral role in bringing world championships to our city and our franchise, both as a player and as our coach, established prominence and excellence at a world-class level, but also created a lifetime of cherished memories in the hearts and minds of Bears fans that will last for generations.

“We extend our love, prayers, and heartfelt condolences to the Ditka family, and join all Bears fans in deep sadness and reverence as we remember and honor Mike Ditka.” — via team site.

“When I got to Chicago in the summer of 1985, Mike Ditka and the Chicago Bears were king. Coach Ditka set the tone for a team that was punishing, dominant, and fun — and the city loved him for it. I’m thinking of the Ditka family and Bears fans everywhere on the passing of a legend.” — via X.

“Mike Ditka epitomized football over so many years. He brought intensity, authenticity, and an unmistakable personality to everything he did. As a Hall of Fame player, Super Bowl-winning coach with his beloved and iconic Bears, and as a broadcaster, Mike served as an ambassador for the game and inspired generations of fans. Through his work with the Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund, Mike was a champion for taking care of those who helped build our game. We extend our deepest condolences to Diana and the Ditka family.”

"We proudly honor his chapters as a head coach in New Orleans. While his time leading our franchise on the field was brief in longevity, his presence left an indelible mark on our organization. Mike approached his tenure with the Saints with the same bold authenticity and relentless drive that defined his entire career. Beyond the wins and losses, his genuine kindness, vibrant personality, and immense generosity to many within our facility created an enduring legacy that our staff and community still fondly remember.

“While the football world remembers ‘Iron Mike’ for his unparalleled competitive spirit, we admire the true character, passion, and unique energy he brought to our franchise.” — via team site.

“I just want to start off by extending my condolences to the Ditka family. Sad news here this morning, obviously. As far as I’m concerned, Coach Ditka is the gold standard in terms of this place. He’s a legend around here as a player, as a coach. His impact is still being felt to this day. As the head coach of the Bears, I feel humbled to be in that same chair that he was once in. It’s a sad day, just hearing he’s passing on. He’s in our thoughts and prayers."

“We are deeply saddened by the passing of legendary Chicago Bears coach and player, Mike Ditka. Coach Ditka helped define Chicago sports, represented everything great about Chicago and left an unforgettable imprint on our city. He was tough, passionate, loyal and proud and will be forever remembered as a champion, both of his team and of our city.” — via X.

“We join the Bears and the city of Chicago in remembering the legendary Mike Ditka. Thank you for the memories, Coach. — via X.

“The White Sox send our condolences to the family, friends and fans of legendary Mike Ditka. He will be greatly missed.” — via X.

“Remembering a Chicago legend. We join the Bears in honoring the life and legacy of Mike Ditka. Thank you, Coach for all you did for Chicago.” — via X.

“It’s with a heavy heart that I’m sharing the Ditka family has announced the passing of Mike Ditka this morning. Da Coach. Hall of Famer. The heartbeat of the ’85 Bears and a Super Bowl champion. Chicago won’t be the same. Prayers to Diana and the family. RIP, Coach.” — via X.

“My condolences to the Ditka family and to all Bear fans on the passing of Coach Mike Ditka. It was truly an honor to play against you and your teams. Now rest in peace and God Bless you Coach.” — via X.

“One of the fiercest competitors in NFL history, Mike helped define the intensity and tradition of the Packers-Bears rivalry, the oldest in professional football. He embodied the toughness and passion that have made the rivalry one of the most storied in all of sports. While he was a formidable opponent, his contributions to the game and to a rivalry that has meant so much to both franchises will always be respected and remembered by the Green Bay Packers.” — via X.

“Mike Ditka was the embodiment of a Pitt man. He brought the toughness and pride of western Pennsylvania to the University of Pittsburgh, became one of the greatest players in the history of our program and carried the Pitt name with him to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He achieved everything as a player and a coach, yet he never lost his connection to where he came from. On behalf of the entire Pitt Athletics family, I extend our deepest condolences to the Ditka family.”

“When our players see Mike Ditka’s name, I want them to understand how he competed. He gave everything he had and expected the same from the guys beside him. That’s Pitt. He showed us that tough people find a way through tough times and taught us to fight for the names on the front and back of our jerseys. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and everyone he impacted throughout his tremendous life. His toughness will forever be a part of this program.”

“Mike Ditka was a national treasure. His accomplishments as a player and coach for the Chicago Bears long ago put him in the Pro Football Hall of Fame for both. We were lucky at ESPN to have him as a teammate on Sunday NFL Countdown for over a decade. Not only did he put a smile on our faces every week, he did the same for millions of viewers.

“Our heartfelt condolences to Mike’s family, his Bears family, and to the countless people he touched from near and afar. It is impossible to think of the history of the NFL without seeing his face and his famous mustache. Sadly, Mike has passed on, but his legend will live forever.”

“Coach, man, we had some great times, laughs, and memories over the years. Always admired your style. Thank you for the talks, advice, and friendship. Chicago lost a legend Rest easy, Coach.” — via X.

See AP’s full NFL coverage here

FILE - Former NFL coach and University of Pittsburgh alumnus, Mike Ditka speaks at a news conference for the retirement of the No. 75 jersey for former Pittsburgh offensive lineman Jim Covert before an NCAA football game between the Pittsburgh and the Notre Dame, Saturday, Nov. 7, 2015 in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic, File)

FILE - Chicago Bears coach Mike Ditka talks with quarterback Mike Hohensee during NFL football practice, Thursday, Sept. 25, 198, in Lake Forest, Ill. (AP Photo/Charles Bennet, File)

FILE - In this Jan. 26, 1986 file photo shows, Chicago Bears coach Mike Ditka reaches out to shake hands with New England Patriots coach Raymond Berry after the Bears won the NFL football Super Bowl XX game in New Orleans. (AP Photo/File)

FILE - New Orleans Saints head coach Mike Ditka, right, yells at offical Bill Lovett during he first half of the Saints 20-3 loss to the Falcons in Atlanta, Sunday, Nov. 23, 1997. (AP Photo/Alan Mothner, File)

FILE - Former Chicago Bears player and football coach Mike Ditka waits for the halftime ceremony where his No. 89 was to be retired by the Bears during an NFL football game between the Bears and the Dallas Cowboys, Monday, Dec. 9, 2013, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh, File)

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) — The New York Jets ruled out running back Breece Hall, wide receiver Adonai Mitchell and left guard Dylan Parham on Friday for their game against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday.

Coach Aaron Glenn said he likes “exactly where they're trending” in their recovery from injuries, but the Jets will be without three offensive starters as they try to snap a three-game skid.

Hall missed last week's loss at Chicago with a quadriceps injury that occurred the week before at Detroit. It'll also be the second game in a row that Parham will be sidelined after he hurt a knee against the Lions.

Mitchell will miss a third straight game after injuring a finger during practice. Glenn has been evasive about the nature of the injury, which he said happened when Mitchell caught a finger in a jersey. But the coach initially didn't seem to think it would be serious after it happened two weeks ago.

“Well, when it comes to a receiver and you talk about a finger, I mean, those things can vary when it comes to difficulties as far as catching the ball and the pain tolerance,” Glenn said Friday. “Actually, he's progressing faster than we thought that he would once we got to the end of it, knowing exactly what the prognosis was when it comes to his finger.

“Again, I like where he's at and hopefully we'll see how that goes into next week.”

Glenn said Mitchell didn't need a procedure to repair the injury, but declined to say whether the finger was broken or sprained.

“I'm not a doctor,” Glenn said. “I know it's an issue with his finger.”

When asked by a reporter if the medical staff told him the nature of the injury, Glenn said flatly: “They told me enough. I coach football.”

Mitchell had nine catches for 123 yards in the first two games while complementing top wide receiver Garrett Wilson. The Jets have made several moves to try to offset Mitchell's absence, including signing Malik McClain and Jamaal Pritchett from the practice squad and elevating veteran Sterling Shepard the last two games.

The offense should get a boost from the return of tight end Mason Taylor, who missed two games with a thumb injury and is off the injury report.

Veteran wide receiver Tim Patrick, on injured reserve since the start of the season with a groin injury, had his 21-day practice window started on Wednesday and was a full participant this week. He was listed as questionable and Glenn said the Jets will make a decision before the game as to whether he's activated.

Linebacker Kiko Mauigoa will miss a third straight game with a quadriceps injury.

Glenn indicated both cornerback Jarvis Brownlee Jr. (concussion) and edge rusher Kingsley Enagbare (knee) have a chance to play Sunday. Brownlee was removed from the injury report on Friday, while Enagbare was listed as questionable.

Edge rusher Will McDonald was a new addition to the injury report with a calf issue that has him questionable to play after a limited practice Friday.

—

See AP’s full NFL coverage here

New York Jets head coach Aaron Glenn speaks during a news conference following an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026, in Chicago. (AP Photo/David Banks)

New York Jets' Dylan Parham is injured during the second half of an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions in Detroit, Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

New York Jets' Breece Hall runs during the first half of an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions in Detroit, Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Rey Del Rio)