Bears fans don Mike Ditka's famous mustache as franchise legend honored at first home game since death

Ditka, a Pro Football Hall of Famer as a tight end and a beloved Bears coach, died at age 86, and it hit the entire city of Chicago hard.With their first home game back, it was expected that many Bears faithful would honor their former coach with his signature sweater, glasses and mustache combo.CLICK HERE FOR MORE OUTKICK SPORTS COVERAGEFans wearing costume mustaches cheer after a moment of silence honoring the late Chicago Bears head coach Mike Ditka before the first half of an NFL football game against the New England Patriots in Chicago on Thursday, Oct.22, 2026.

(AP Photo/David Banks)In fact, the Bears were handing out fake mustaches for fans to wear during the game – an ode to the most iconic facial hair in the city.As fans showcased their love for Ditka with their attire and more, a moment of silence was held for him before kickoff."Tonight, we remember Mike Ditka, a Hall of Fame tight end and coach of the 1985 Super Bowl-champion Chicago Bears.Tough, strong and fearless, ‘Iron Mike’ will always belong to the Bears," the PA announcer said over the speakers.THE CRAIG CARTON SHOW–UNFILTERED, UNAPOLOGETIC AND UNMISSABLE.

DOWNLOAD HIS DAILY PODCAST NOW!Before he led the Bears to a Super Bowl victory in 1985, he was a Super Bowl winner with the Dallas Cowboys as a player.But he was drafted by the Bears in 1961, becoming the first modern receiving tight end, while also being the first tight end selected to the Hall of Fame.He won Offensive Rookie of the Year in 1961, while making five consecutive Pro Bowls from 1961-65.

He was also a five-time All-Pro."It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Mike Ditka," a statement from his family earlier this month read."While the world knew Mike as a Hall of Fame football player, legendary coach, and leader of the Chicago Bears’ Super Bowl XX championship team, we knew him as the heart of our family.Fans stand during a moment of silence for M...