The former All-Pro tight end with the Chicago Bears is remembered best for leading his former team to a Super Bowl victory as a head coach in 1986. Before that, he won two Lombardi trophies with the Cowboys as a player (1972) and assistant coach (1977). In the twilight of his career as a player, Ditka formed a relationship with legendary coach Tom Landry that helped set him on the path to greatness.
Cowboys‘ owner Jerry Jones released a statement on Ditka’s passing Friday:
“Mike just wore the persona of football,” Jones said. “As a player, a coach, a leader and a champion. It was all reflected in his personality and presence, and it made him an iconic part of the game and the NFL. His memory and impact will always be felt. If you love football, you will miss Mike Ditka.”
Cowboys’ head coach Brian Schottenheimer also spoke on Ditka’s passing Friday. Schottenheimer’s father, Marty, was a head coach against Ditka three times in his career.