Playing their first game since the man synonymous with their franchise died, the Bears paid tribute to Hall of Fame player and legendary coach Mike Ditka on Thursday night at Soldier Field.
The team stenciled a football with Ditka’s No. 89 on it onto the northwest sideline. The team is wearing a matching patch over the hearts of their navy jerseys.
The Bears handed out fake mustaches to all fans and a headband in the style of Ditka’s sweater vest to the first 10,000. They have scheduled a moment of silence before the national anthem. The Bears are playing the Patriots, the same team Ditka beat in Super Bowl XX.
Bears guard Jonah Jackson walked into the stadium wearing a long-sleeved No. 89 jersey. Ditka’s number was the last one retired by the Bears.
Tom Borich and his 12-year-old grandson, Kieran Chucketts, both from Superior, Wisconsin, came to pay their respects.
“I’ve been a Bears fan since the 1960s, but I was always by myself in the land of Packers and Vikings fans. Until my son-in-law and grandson came into the picture. Now I’ve finally got some Bears fans to root with me. It’s been a wonderful time,” Borich said. “Ditka embodies the toughness of Chicago and the toughness of the Bears. We’re excited to be here.”
@jonahjackson73 reppin' Da Coach 🤝 pic.twitter.com/7WjFZBbV1u
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) October 22, 2026
The Pro Football Hall of Fame posted a Ditka display on a concourse at Soldier Field. Ditka, who had 4,503 receiving yards from 1961-66, was the first tight end ever inducted into the Hall.
Ditka died Oct. 9. No public memorial has been announced. Thursday night, then, stood as a fitting tribute.
Ashlee Rezin contributed.
Bears pay tribute to Mike Ditka on ‘Thursday Night Football’ 2026
IUSTITIA.BG – Investigations 2009-2026 2026-10-22 23:48:46
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