Fans wearing Bears sweaters, mustaches and sunglasses inspired by Mike Ditka gathered at the Bears-Packers game in Green Bay on Sunday, according to the source, following the former coach’s death Friday at age 86.
The Packers marked Ditka’s passing before kickoff with a moment of silence and condolences to his family and the Chicago Bears organization. The New Orleans Saints, whom Ditka coached from 1997 to 1999, also held a moment of silence before their game against Minnesota.
The Bears honored Ditka, whose No. 89 was retired by the team, with helmet decals. The source also reported that Chicago coach Ben Johnson showed players a tribute video the previous evening. Johnson described Ditka as “the gold standard,” according to the report.
Other tributes included a half-staff flag at the Bears’ Halas Hall facility and a memorial display outside Soldier Field. The source said fans also gathered at Ditka’s restaurant in Oak Brook, Illinois, for tribute events.
Ditka coached the Bears during the 1980s and later led the Saints. The article describes his distinctive clothing and appearance as a recognizable part of his public image. The accounts of the tributes and quoted remarks are attributed to the source.
