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Former Chicago Bears coach Mike Ditka speaks during a ceremony for the unveiling of statues of Hall of Famers Walter Payton and George Halas outside of Gate 0 at Soldier Field, Tuesday morning, Sept. 3, 2019. | Ashlee Rezin Garcia/Sun-Times
Ashlee Rezin Garcia/Sun-Times/Ashlee Rezin Garcia/Sun-Times
Mike Ditka earned some grudging respect from the Bears’ rivals on Friday.
Shortly after his death, the Packers put out a statement praising the Hall of Fame tight end and iconoclast coach.
“One of the fiercest competitors in NFL history, Mike helped define the intensity and tradition of the Packers-Bears rivalry, the oldest in professional football,” a statement from the Packers read. “He embodied the toughness and passion that have made the rivalry one of the most storied in all of sports.
“While he was a formidable opponent, his contributions to the game and to a rivalry that has meant so much to both franchises will always be respected and remembered by the Green Bay Packers.”
The Packers figure to acknowledge Ditka’s death at Lambeau Field on Sunday before the teams line up for the 214th playing of the rivalry game. The Bears are likely to add a helmet sticker or jersey patch in Ditka’s honor, too.