Fansided

Chicago Bears to Retire Mike Ditka’s Jersey in December

By Josh Sanchez

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Jan 31, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; Mike Ditka during the ESPN analysts press conference at the New Orleans Convention Center in preparation for Super Bowl XLVI to be played between the San Francisco 49ers and the Baltimore Ravens. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 31, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; Mike Ditka during the ESPN analysts press conference at the New Orleans Convention Center in preparation for Super Bowl XLVI to be played between the San Francisco 49ers and the Baltimore Ravens. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports /

Legendary head coach and tight end Mike Ditka has watched his name become synonymous with the Chicago Bears franchise over time, so it should come as no surprise if the franchise decided to find a way to honor him and that is exactly what will be happening this season. According to Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune, the Bears will retire Ditka’s No. 89 jersey at a December 9 game against the Dallas Cowboys at Soldier Field.

Ditka will become the first former Bears player to have his jersey since Dick Butkus and Gale Sayers received the honor in 1994.

As a player, Ditka was a five-time Pro Bowler and All-Pro. As a coach for the Bears, he led the team to to their NFL title in Super Bowl XX. It was long overdue that Ditka received this honor, so it is finally great to see the “Da Coach” finally get his due.

Congratulations to Mike Ditka for the honor.

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