Favre4Ever+ 4,476 Posted May 24, 2013 The Chicago Bears will retire Mike Ditka's No. 89 on Dec. 9 during halftime of their "Monday Night Football" game against the Dallas Cowboys at Soldier Field, the team announced Friday."Mike Ditka embodies the spirit of everything the Bears are about," Bears chairman George H. McCaskey said to the team's website. "He's an icon. The last time we won a championship Mike Ditka was our coach and the last time we won before that Mike Ditka was a player. The organization knew [that retiring his number] was the right thing to do." Ditka, a Hall of Famer, coached the 1985 Bears to the Super Bowl XX title and played on the 1963 championship team. He is credited with revolutionizing the tight end position with his pass-catching ability. He ranks first in Bears history among tight ends and fourth overall with 4,502 receiving yards, fifth with 316 catches and 34 touchdowns. The former rookie of the year was a two-time All-Pro and six-time Pro-Bowler. http://espn.go.com/chicago/nfl/story/_/id/9307526/mike-ditka-chicago-bears-no-89-retired About time. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DitkaBear89 5 Posted May 25, 2013 ABSOLUTELY! ABOUT TIME IS RIGHT!! This should have been done years ago. This man exemplifies the legendary toughness of the Bears, a true Icon! LONG overdue…congrats Mike! I love ya man!! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Favre4Ever+ 4,476 Posted May 25, 2013 Absolutely. Ditka IS the Bears just as much if not more than any other player or coach in team history outside of Halas. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
