Ditka died Friday at age 86, and Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell and Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh both recalled incredible stories about the Chicago Bears legend.Campbell learned of Ditka's death during a news conference and shared a story about their first interaction."I got a great Ditka story.
Somebody I just loved growing up, man, and Ditka was it.Huge fan.
So, when I'm able to come out, I'm getting drafted to go to the combine.Well, the Saints want to meet with me, in particular, Mike Ditka, right? Tight end, uh, hell of a player, hell of a coach, all the whole thing," Campbell said.CLICK HERE FOR MORE OUTKICK SPORTS COVERAGECHICAGO, IL - CIRCA 1980's: Head Coach Mike Ditka of the Chicago Bears on the field before a mid circa 1980's NFL football game at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois.
Ditka was the head coach of the Bears from 1982-92.(Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images) ( )Campbell, who was already nervous about meeting the Hall of Fame tight end, assumed there would be other people in the room with Ditka."No.
I go in and there's one little light on.It's like a little lamp in the corner, you know? It's at the train station and there's nothing in there.
There's no couches there.The room is totally cleaned out and there's one little table and the room is full of smoke," Campbell said."I mean, you can't hardly even see him.
You just see this image off in the corner of this little lamp and smoke everywhere and he's got that big fat cigar."Campbell called the meeting with Ditka one of the "best" and most "intimidating" experiences of his life, but looks back on it fondly."It was awesome though, man.Just him asking questions about, where you grew up, how you think, how you're wired, the game, what you see, it was awesome.
And thoughts and prayers go out to his family.You know, he's a legend.
He's a legend," Campbell said.Ditka drafted Harbaugh in the first round of the 1987 NFL Draft while serving as the Bears' head coach.The Ch...