The [Patriots](https://nesn.com/new-england-patriots) face the Bears in a Thursday night game in Chicago. Both teams have a short turnaround after playing on Sunday. Fans in attendance will be treated to a potentially fun game and a ceremony honoring a legend.
Bears legend Mike Ditka passed away on October 9. Ditka, 86, was a former NFL tight end who was known for coaching the Bears for 11 years. He won 106 games in Chicago and helped the team win Super Bowl XX.
The Super Bowl matchup actually saw the Bears beat the Patriots, 46–10. It’s only fitting the two teams face off on a night Ditka will be honored in the Bears’ first home game since his passing.
Here’s a breakdown how the Bears plan to honor Mike Ditka on Thursday night.
How Bears are honoring Mike Ditka vs. vs. Patriots
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The Bears announced that the first 10,000 fans in attendance will get knitted headbands that match Ditka's iconic sweater. Speaking of iconic, the Bears will give fans fake mustaches to honor Ditka.
Meanwhile, the Pro Football Hall of Fame will put out a display in Soldier Field’s south courtyard, and the Soldier Field grass will feature a Ditka stencil.
> 89 forever 💙 https://t.co/EdesuIiCju
>
> — Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) [October 22, 2026](https://x.com/ChicagoBears/status/2113351673959809057?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Before the game, there will be a moment of silence before the National Anthem. During the game, Bears players will wear a football-shaped patch with his No. 89 on their jerseys, right over their heart.
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