Mike Ditka, legendary Bears coach who led Chicago to its only Super Bowl title, dies at 86

Mike Ditka, a football legend who went from a star tight end for the Chicago Bears to its most famous coach to this day, has died at the age of 86.

The Bears released a statement, writing in part, "Mike's impact on the Chicago Bears organization, over decades as a player, coach, and proud icon and ambassador for our organization, is immeasurable...We extend our love, prayers, and heartfelt condolences to the Ditka family, and join all Bears fans in deep sadness and reverence as we remember and honor Mike Ditka."

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker also posted about his death, writing, "Da Coach was not only an icon in Chicago, but the entire football world. Our thoughts are with Mike Ditka's family, friends, and Bears fans today. May his memory be a blessing."

The Hall of Fame said the flag outside their museum will be flown at half staff in Ditka's honor.

Emery Moorehead, a tight end on Ditka's Super Bowl-winning team, shared his memories of his coach with CBS News Chicago.

"'Da Coach,' as we knew him, was like this invincible character that you thought would live forever," said former CBS News Chicago sports anchor Ryan Baker, who knew Ditka well and interviewed him often. "So it feels surreal to be talking about the passing of Mike Ditka, even though it was inevitable."

Ditka was born Oct. 18, 1939. Before he became Da Coach, the legend of "Iron" Mike Ditka was forged in the blue-collar town of Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, northwest of Pittsburgh.

"If you wanted to be good at something, you had to work at it," Ditka told CBS Chicago in 1985, "and nobody was going to give you nothing for nothing."

"I didn't particularly like those people I was playing against, I really didn't," Ditka said. "I wasn't a guy who went up and shook hands before the game or after the game."

However, after a contract dispute with owner George "Papa Bear" Halas, the five-time Pro Bowler was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles prior to the 1967 season.

Ditka would cap off his playing days by catching a touchdown in Super Bowl VI for the Dallas Cowboys. Upon retirement, he immediately joined Tom Landry's coaching staff in Dallas.

As coach, both fans and the media couldn't get enough of Ditka's gruff and tough coaching persona. Ditka's fiery sideline demeanor quickly turned into on-field success.