Mike Ditka.

Mike Ditka. Mike Ditka, born in 1939, American football player and coach, who revolutionized the tight end position in the 1960s with his pass-catching ability and aggressive running style. As a coach, Ditka was intense, often motivating his teams with sideline and locker-room tirades. He directed the Chicago Bears to a 15-1 win-loss record in 1985 and a victory in Super Bowl XX. Ditka is one of only two NFL stars to have won Super Bowls both as a player and as a coach. (Tom Flores, who played for the Kansas City Chiefs in 1970 and coached the Oakland Raiders in 1981, is the other.) Born in Carnegie, Pennsylvania, Michael Keller Ditka was a 122 lb (55 kg) sophomore when he barely made his high school football squad. But by his senior year at the University of Pittsburgh in 1960, he had gained 100 lb (45 kg) and become a dangerous triple-threat player. As captain of the Pittsburgh football team, Ditka was a fierce linebacker, a skilled tight end, and one of the nation's best punters. His temper, intensity, and determination on the field earned him the nickname Iron Mike. He was named an All-American as a senior and was chosen in the first round of the 1961 NFL draft by the Chicago Bears. Ditka's first season was one of the best ever recorded by an NFL tight end. He amassed 1,076 yards and 12 touchdowns on 56 catches, winning the rookie of the year award. Three years later, his 75 catches during the 1964 regular season established what was then a record for tight ends. In six seasons with the Bears, Ditka started 84 consecutive games and made the All-Pro team four times. After the 1966 season he was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles, but injuries reduced his playing time significantly. He was traded again in 1969, this time to the Dallas Cowboys, where he revived his career. During the 1971 regular season Ditka caught 30 passes, and he capped the year by helping Dallas defeat the Miami Dolphins in Super Bowl VI. Ditka retired after the 1972 season with a league-record 427 career catches for tight ends (since broken). He returned to the Bears as head coach in 1982 and during an 11-year tenure compiled a 112-68 win-loss record (including playoff games). He was named coach of the year twice, once after the Bears' sensational 1985 season and ensuing Super Bowl victory, and again in 1988 when he led Chicago to a 12-4 win-loss record. Ditka left the Bears after the 1992 season and became a football commentator for NBC television. From 1997 to 1999 he was head coach of the New Orleans Saints. Ditka was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1988. He was the first tight end to earn the honor. Microsoft ® Encarta ® 2009. © 1993-2008 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.