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Pro Football Hall of Famer Mike Ditka has sadly passed away at the age of 86.

His family announced the news in a statement.

Read What Mike Ditka’s Family Wrote

They shared, (via TMZ), “It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Mike Ditka. While the world knew Mike as a Hall of Fame football player, legendary coach, and leader of the Chicago Bears’ Super Bowl XX championship team, we knew him as the heart of our family.”

The statement concluded, “Mike will be missed beyond measure and remembered forever.”

No Cause of Death Has Been Confirmed at This Time

While a cause of death was not confirmed, Mike did suffer from some health issues in recent years. He had a stroke in 2012, and a heart attack years later in 2018.

He played in the league as a tight end, and eventually became a coach as well.

Mike won Super Bowl VI as a player for the Dallas Cowboys, Super Bowl XII as an assistant coach for the Cowboys, and Super Bowl XX as the head coach of the famed 1985 Chicago Bears.

Our thoughts are with Mike Ditka‘s loved ones during this time. RIP.

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