For a while life was good again at Soldier Field. Mike Ditka returned to Soldier Field while he was honored and his jersey was retired, Bears quarterback Josh McCown threw a career-high four touchdowns, and the Bears scored on their first eight possessions leading to a win over the Dallas Cowboys that brings them to a tie in the standings in the NFC North with the Detroit Lions. Now for the bad news: Chicago Bears head coach Marc Trestman reiterated after the game that quarterback Jay Cutler will return to the starting lineup when he receives medical clearance from the team’s doctors. Let’s just reminisce.
Mike Ditka (left) with Chicago Bears Vice President of Business Administration John Bostrom holding the NFL Vince Lombardi Trophy awarded to the Chicago Bears after winning Super Bowl XX with Mike Ditka, Head Coach.
Gov. Pat Quinn declared Monday “Mike Ditka Day.” Ditka’s jersey #89 was retired during a halftime ceremony as the Bears beat the Dallas Cowboys 45-28.
Coach Ditka gave a special shoutout to the Cowboys at halftime, specifically Coach Tom Landry, who gave Ditka his first coaching job. The halftime ceremony was quick, as Ditka, age 74, went on the field without a hat or gloves with a -10 wind chill whipping through Soldier Field.
“They’re pretty supportive in this city and they’ve always been. I’ve been very blessed,”
— Mike Ditka
Mike Ditka is the only individual in modern NFL history to win a championship with the same team as a player and a head coach, and Ditka is the only person to participate in both of the last two Chicago Bears’ championships, as a player in 1963 and as head coach in 1985. Mike Ditka and Tom Flores are the only individuals to an NFL title as a player, an assistant coach, and a head coach.
How did Alshon Jeffery catch this?! AMAZING!
MUST-SEE: http://t.co/vWDOH5qPku #DALvsCHI
— NFL (@nfl) December 10, 2013
Amazing Alshon Jeffery catch.
See Official Bears Video …
Bears Official Video of Mike Ditka honor …
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