 Mike Ditka is one of the most recognized and successful NFL personalities as a player, coach and television commentator.
Currently working as an analyst and commentator on CBS, this is Ditka's second stint in broadcasting, having spent four years as an NFL commentator and analyst on the NFL on NBC. Ditka has realized success as an All-American at the University of Pittsburgh, NFL Rookie of the Year (1961), All-Pro (1961-66), and Super Bowl champion as a player with Dallas (1972), Super Bowl champion as an assistant coach with Dallas (1977) and Super Bowl champion as head coach of the Chicago Bears (1986).
Ditka began his NFL career in 1961 when he was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the first round (fifth overall) from the University of Pittsburgh. Ditka's impact was immediate as he caught 56 passes and earned NFL Rookie of the Year honors. Ditka played six seasons with the Bears, earning Pro Bowl honors each year, before being traded to the Philadelphia Eagles in 1967.
After spending two years with the Eagles, he was traded to Dallas, where played four more years. He caught a touchdown pass in the Cowboys' 24-3 victory over the Miami Dolphins in Super Bowl VI.
The final tribute to Mike Ditka's playing career was bestowed upon him 16 years after his retirement when he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1988.
Ditka retired from his career as a player following the 1972 season, but was soon hired by Cowboys' head coach Tom Landry as an offensive assistant and special teams coach. In Ditka's nine seasons as an assistant with the Cowboys, his teams were in the playoffs eight times and won six divisional titles, three NFC Championships and the Super Bowl following the 1977 campaign.
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