The Hall of Fame would like to wish the happiest of birthdays to Mike Ditka! The legendary Chicago Bears player and coach turns 83 today. #HBD | Pro Football Hall of Fame

An entire generation of fans knows Mike Ditka more for his work as a coach than as a legendary player. On the nine-year anniversary of Ditka's No. 89 being retired by Chicago Bears, we look back at that storied playing career. | Pro Football Hall of Fame

While younger generations remember him more for his career as a coach, it was Mike Dikta's work as a legendary tight end that forged his path to Canton. Today, we look back on Ditka's playing career on the 10-year anniversary of his No. 89 being retired by the Chicago Bears. | Pro Football Hall of Fame

The Hall of Fame sends happy birthday wishes to Mike Ditka #142! The Class of 1988 member turns 86 today. 🎉🥳 #HBD | Pro Football Hall of Fame

🏈🎂On October 18, 1939 Mike Ditka was born in Carnegie, Pennsylvania. Ditka played for the University of Pittsburgh from 1958 until 1960 and was a Unanimous All-American his senior year. Ditka was selected by the Chicago Bears fifth overall in the 1961 NFL Draft, while the Houston Oilers drafted him eighth overall in the first round of the 1961 AFL Draft. He signed with the Bears as a tight end. A member of both the College (1986) and the Pro (1988) Football Halls of Fame, he was UPI NFL Rookie