NFL Hall of Famer Mike Ditka Dies at 86, Agent Says Natural Causes
Mike Ditka, former Chicago Bears coach and Hall of Fame player, died at age 86 from natural causes, according to his longtime agent.
Mike Ditka, the former Chicago Bears head coach and Pro Football Hall of Famer, died on Friday at the age of 86. His longtime agent and business partner, Steve Mandell, told USA TODAY that the cause was natural, though the official death certificate has not yet been released.
Ditka had a history of serious health problems, including a heart attack during the 1988 season, a stroke in 2012 and another heart attack in 2018 that required a pacemaker. Despite those issues, he remained active in public appearances and football events.
Mandell said he spoke with Ditka the day before learning of his death and described him as a figure who had consistently fought through injuries and health setbacks.
Cook County officials in Illinois indicated they have not yet received the death certificate and noted that if Ditka was under a physician’s care, the doctor could complete the paperwork through standard procedures.