Lions coach shares touching memory of Mike Ditka after learning of Bears legend’s death

Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell shared a personal memory of Mike Ditka following news of the Hall of Fame coach's death at age 86. During a press conference, Campbell described a 1999 pre-draft meeting with Ditka, then coaching the New Orleans Saints, which took place in a smoke-filled room at a train station. Ditka, a legendary figure who led the Chicago Bears to a Super Bowl XX victory and was the first tight end inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, died on a Friday, as confirmed by Jarrett Payton. No cause of death was immediately released.

Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell shared a personal memory of Mike Ditka following news of the Hall of Fame coach's death at age 86. During a press conference, Campbell described a 1999 pre-draft meeting with Ditka, then coaching the New Orleans Saints, which took place in a smoke-filled room at a train station. Ditka, a legendary figure who led the Chicago Bears to a Super Bowl XX victory and was the first tight end inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, died on a Friday, as confirmed by Jarrett Payton. No cause of death was immediately released.