Mike Ditka dies at 86; Trump calls him a lifelong MAGA supporter
Mike Ditka, Hall of Fame tight end and former Chicago Bears head coach, died at age 86 on Oct. 9, 2026, according to a statement released by his family.
Ditka’s death is notable not only for his impact on the NFL but also for his outspoken support of former President Donald Trump, a relationship that highlighted the crossover between sports celebrity and political advocacy.
Ditka spent 12 seasons as a player with the Bears, Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys, earning NFL Rookie of the Year honors in 1961 and five consecutive Pro Bowl selections. He returned to Chicago as head coach in 1982, leading the Bears to a dominant 18‑1 season and a Super Bowl XX victory in January 1986. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1988 and remained a vocal critic of NFL protests and “America‑hating” activists.
“He was a great guy. He was with me all the way. He was tough,” Trump said on the South Lawn before heading north on Oct. 9, after being informed of Ditka’s passing. “That’s a sad one. You’re just telling me that now for the first time… Wow, he was great. He was a big supporter of mine… he was a winner, he was a tough cookie, he was great.”
Trump later posted on Truth Social, reiterating his admiration: “He was MAGA all the way, and he will be missed.” He added, “Mike Ditka was a great champion, both as a player and a coach. He was MAGA all the way, and he will be missed. Rest in peace, Mike!”
The Ditka family’s statement described him as a “beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend,” noting that while the world knew him as a football icon, his family remembered the man behind the legend.
The Chicago Bears issued a tribute, calling Ditka “one of the greatest figures in Bears history” and promising to honor his legacy at upcoming team events.
Tributes from former teammates, NFL officials and fans are expected to continue throughout the week, while Trump’s comments may fuel further discussion about the role of athletes in political discourse.
