Trump comments on the death of former Bears coach Mike Ditka
President Donald Trump praised former Chicago Bears coach Mike Ditka as a supportive friend and winner after the former NFL star’s death was announced.
President Donald Trump was informed on the South Lawn that former Chicago Bears head coach Mike Ditka had died before traveling to Syracuse. Trump responded, saying, "Oh, he did? He was a great guy. He was with me all the way. He was tough. Mike Ditka — that's a sad one. He was great. He was a big supporter of mine, and he was a winner. He was a tough cookie."
Ditka, who led the Bears to a Super Bowl XX victory in 1985 and was a Hall of Fame player and coach, had publicly supported Trump during the 2016 presidential campaign. His family announced his passing at age 86 in a statement describing him as a beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend.
Ditka’s football career included a Hall of Fame playing tenure as a tight end with the Bears, Eagles and Cowboys, followed by coaching stints with the Bears (1982-1992) and the New Orleans Saints (1997-1999).