The Chicago Bears will make sure they honor legendary coach Mike Ditka in Week 5. Ditka — who led the Bears to a win in Super Bowl XX — died Friday. He was 86.
In tribute to Ditka, the team unveiled a helmet decal featuring No. 89, the number Ditka wore when he was a tight end with the franchise.
The decal will appear on the back of the team’s helmet, just under the American flag.
For 89 💙 pic.twitter.com/0pynPgHoBb
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) October 11, 2026
While Ditka is arguably more known for his stint as a head coach, he began his legend as a tight end with the Bears. He is credited with redefining the position, becoming one of the first tight ends to be used as a major receiving threat.
In his six seasons with the Bears, Ditka made five Pro Bowls and was a two-time first team All-Pro selection. He gained 4,503 receiving yards and scored 34 touchdowns with the franchise. Ditka later played for both the Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys.
His excellence as a player got him inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame while he was still coaching.
As a coach, Ditka excelled with the Bears. In 11 seasons with the franchise, he posted a .631 winning percentage and won a Super Bowl. Following his time in Chicago, Ditka coached the New Orleans Saints, where he went 15-33 in three seasons.
His excellence as both a player and coach, combined with his outspoken personality, made Ditka a popular figure in the game, even after his retirement. Because of that, a number of individuals paid tribute to Ditka on Friday.
The Bears will add one more tribute to that list Sunday.