Trump reacts to Mike Ditka death, calls him a tough cookie

President Donald Trump expressed surprise and offered a raw tribute after being informed of the death of Chicago Bears head coach Mike Ditka while preparing to travel to Syracuse on Friday. The news reached the president on the South Lawn before he departed with Mike Tyson and New York Yankees president Randy Levine. Upon hearing that Ditka had died, Trump described the former coach as a great guy who was with him all the way. "Mike Ditka, that's a sad one," Trump said, adding that Ditka was a big supporter and a winner who could be described as a tough cookie.

The family of the Hall of Fame player and coach announced his passing in a statement issued Friday morning. The statement expressed profound sadness, describing Ditka as a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend. While the public knew him as a legendary coach and leader of the Chicago Bears' Super Bowl XX championship team, his family viewed him as the heart of their household.

Ditka built his reputation as a tight end before transitioning into coaching. Selected by the Chicago Bears in 1961, he established himself as the first modern receiving tight end and later became the first tight end inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He won NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year in 1961 and made five consecutive Pro Bowls from 1961 to 1965, earning five All-Pro selections. His playing career spanned stints with the Bears from 1961 to 1966, the Philadelphia Eagles from 1967 to 1968, and the Dallas Cowboys from 1969 to 1972. He finished his career with 427 receptions, 5,812 yards, and 43 touchdowns.

As a player, Ditka contributed to the Bears' 1963 NFL championship and the Cowboys' Super Bowl VI victory following the 1971 season. He retired after the 1972 season. His coaching tenure began when he became Chicago's head coach in 1982. He guided the team to an 18-1 record in 1985, losing only to the Miami Dolphins before securing a Super Bowl title. He was named NFL Coach of the Year in both 1985 and 1988. Ditka coached the Bears through 1992 and later led the New Orleans Saints from 1997 to 1999. He entered the College Football Hall of Fame in 1986 and the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1988.