MIKE DITKA
Born October 18, 1939 in Carnegie, Pennsylvania – Raised in Aliquippa, Pennsylvania
Attended Aliquippa High School and played basketball, baseball, and football
Played football for University of Pittsburgh – Was All-American as a senior in 1960
Ditka played defensive end, linebacker, and tight end in college
The Chicago Bears drafted Ditka in the first round in 1961
Voted NFL rookie of the year in 1961
He was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles in 1967 and played for two years ('67-'68)
Ditka was then traded to the Dallas Cowboys where he played for four years ('68-'72)
Caught 7-yard touchdown pass to help Cowboys win Super Bowl VI
Played 12 seasons in the NFL from 1961-1972
Worked as assistant coach for the Dallas Cowboys from 1973-1981
Won Super Bowl Championship in 1974 with the Dallas Cowboys as an assistant coach
Won Super Bowl Championship in 1985 with the Chicago Bears
Worked as the New Orleans Saints head coach from 1997-2000
Second and only other person to win the Super Bowl as a player, assistant coach, and head coach
Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on July 30, 1988
First Tight End to be inducted into the Hall of Fame
tired with 427 career receptions, most ever by a Tight End at that time
Golf is his favorite hobby – which he plays to a six handicap
He is married to Diana and has four children, Mike, Mark, Megan, and Matthew
Quote: "My code-word for success is "ACE": Attitude, Character, and Enthusiasm."
Also – "Pain never really bothered me."