Donald Trump pays tribute to deceased Bears coach Mike Ditka

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 10 Oct, 01:48 · Archive

Chicago Bears Hall of Fame coach Mike Ditka has died at 86, and President Trump called him 'a great guy' and 'a tough cookie' when informed of his death on Friday.

Chicago Bears Hall of Fame coach Mike Ditka has died at 86. His family announced his death on Friday with a statement saying: 'It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Mike Ditka.'

President Trump was informed of Ditka's death on the South Lawn of the White House on Friday whilst preparing to travel to Syracuse with boxing legend Mike Tyson and New York Yankees president Randy Levine. The press pool told Trump the news, catching him by surprise. Trump described Ditka as 'a great guy', 'a big supporter' of his, and 'a tough cookie' who 'was with me all the way'. He added that Ditka 'was a winner' and called the death 'a sad one'.

Ditka had supported Trump ahead of the 2016 election. As a player, he won the Super Bowl with Dallas. As a coach, he led the Chicago Bears to their only Super Bowl title in 1985, when the team won 18 games before losing only to Miami and then winning the championship. He became an iconic figure in American sports culture.

How it is being reported

• Moment stunned Donald Trump discovers legendary Chicago Bears coach Mike Ditka has died as President pays tribute to his 'big supporter'Cameras captured the moment where President Donald Trump was informed of the passing of Chicago Bears player and coach Mike Ditka.Daily Mail Sport · 10 Oct, 01:37
• Trump gives raw reaction after finding out about Mike Ditka's death: 'A tough cookie'Trump called Mike Ditka "a tough cookie" and "a winner" after learning of the Hall of Fame Chicago Bears coach's death on the South Lawn Friday.Fox News · 10 Oct, 01:13

In this story: Mike Ditka · Donald Trump · Chicago Bears · Mike Tyson · New York Yankees · Dallas · Miami Dolphins

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