Donald Trump paid tribute to Mike Ditka, with the president claiming the NFL legend was a 'big supporter' of his when reporters told him that the 86-year-old had died
Donald Trump spoke on Mike Ditka's death with Mike Tyson behind him
Donald Trump spoke on Mike Ditka's death with Mike Tyson behind him(Image: X: @RapidResponse47)
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Donald Trump made it clear how he felt about Mike Ditka's death.
On Friday, NFL legend Ditka died at 86, and his family released a statement announcing his passing. Many around the NFL paid their respects to the former Chicago Bears star, who was the first tight end in league history to surpass 1,000 receiving yards in a single season and helped lead the team to the 1985 Super Bowl title.
Ditka's play laid the foundation for others moving forward, with Travis Kelce being among those who have benefited from what the star did in his career. Now, the president has made known his thoughts on Ditka's death after being alerted to the news.
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"He was a great guy, he was with me all the way, he was tough," Trump told reporters on the South Lawn. "Mike Ditka is, that's a sad one, you're just telling me that now for the first time. They heard about it, wow, he was great, he was great, he was a, he was a big supporter of mine. Yeah, now he was a winner, he was a tough cookie, he was great."
It wasn't just Trump who shared their thoguhts on Ditka's death. Former president and Chicago native Barack Obama took to social media to send a message to Ditka's family, sharing a story of how massive the legendary figure was in the Windy City for what he'd done with the Bears.
"When I got to Chicago in the summer of 1985, Mike Ditka and the Chicago Bears were king," Obama's post began, with a picture of Ditka holding a Bears jersey with the former president's name and the number 85 on it, commemorating the 1985 Bears team.
Ditka's family announced Friday that the NFL legend died, aged 86
Ditka's family announced Friday that the NFL legend died, aged 86(Image: Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
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"Coach Ditka set the tone for a team that was punishing, dominant, and fun — and the city loved him for it. I’m thinking of the Ditka family and Bears fans everywhere on the passing of a legend."
As he became a more vocal conservative, Ditka criticized the Obama administration, believing that the 2004 Illinois Senate election would have been different had he run against Obama.
The Bears also released their own statement, writing, "We are deeply saddened by the passing of legendary and treasured Chicago Bear and Pro Football Hall of Famer Mike Ditka. Mike’s impact on the Chicago Bears organization, over decades as a player, coach, and proud icon and ambassador for our organization, is immeasurable.
"His integral role in bringing world championships to our city and our franchise, both as a player and as our coach, established prominence and excellence at a world-class level, but also created a lifetime of cherished memories in the hearts and minds of Bears fans that will last for generations.
“We extend our love, prayers, and heartfelt condolences to the Ditka family, and join all Bears fans in deep sadness and reverence as we remember and honor Mike Ditka.”
The tributes poured in after Ditka's family released the following statement: "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.
"Mike will be missed beyond measure and remembered forever."