He was the common denominator on the only two Chicago Bears championships since 1946.
He gave Diane Chambers an award on the final episode of “Cheers” and inspired a long-running “Saturday Night Live” skit that made “Da Bears” a household phrase.
He pitched countless products as a cultural icon with his bushy mustache, aviator sunglasses and combative persona.
He was the late, great Mike Ditka, a Hall of Fame player who revolutionized the tight end position, coach of one of the greatest teams in NFL history and one of America’s most recognizable sports figures.
Because of Ditka’s impact on and off the gridiron, USA TODAY Sports will publish a hardcover collector’s book titled “IRON MIKE: The Life and Legend of Mike Ditka.” It’s a must-have for Da Bears Nation.
Exclusive: Mike Ditka commemorative book
Our book will chronicle Ditka’s long career in the game — he’s in the College Football Hall of Fame for his days at Pitt, he’s in the Pro Football Hall of Fame for proving a tight end could be an offensive weapon and not just a sixth lineman, and he’s etched in Super Bowl history for leading the 1985 Bears.
That season, the Bears went 15-1 in the regular season, allowing only 12.4 points a game, and then steamrolled the Giants, Rams and Patriots in the playoffs by a combined score of 91-10. New England was crushed 46-10 in Super Bowl 20. The ’85 Bears included offensive stars (Walter “Sweetness” Payton, speedster Willie Gault and lineman Jim Covert), but the Monsters of the Midway defense was legendary (Mike Singletary, Richard Dent, Dan Hampton, Steve McMichael). Plus, 1985 was the rookie season for William “The Refrigerator” Perry, a rock of a D-lineman and short-yardage back.
Ditka’s story and the ’85 Bears’ story are interwoven in football lore. “Iron Mike” will include those, plus Ditka’s All-Pro season when the Bears won the 1963 NFL championship, Ditka’s 7-yard touchdown catch from Roger Staubach when the Cowboys won Super Bowl 6 and Ditka’s rise in the coaching ranks (starting under Tom Landry) and eventually becoming a fixture in pop culture until his death at age 86 on Oct. 9, 2026.
“Iron Mike” retails for $39.95, plus shipping and tax. If ordered now, there’s a 10% discount. So, get it for only $35.95. Order at Ditka.PictorialBook.com.
“Iron Mike” will not ship until after the Super Bowl — maybe Ben Johnson will deliver Da Bears’ second Super Bowl title! — but gift vouchers are available right now. Because the holiday season will be upon us soon, why not check something off the to-do list early?
“Iron Mike” will have it all: Da Bears. Da Coach. Da Legend.
Order Mike Ditka tribute book now
Contact Gene Myers at gmyers@usatodayco.com. Check out books and page prints from the USA TODAY Network— including books on the 2026 World Cup, Olympic gold medals by the U.S. men’s and women’s hockey teams, championships by the New York Knicks, Michigan Wolverines and Indiana Hoosiers, and tributes to Lou Holtz, Kyle Busch, John Sterling and Bob Uecker. Also available are Coach Steve’s youth sports survival guide and a book marking 200 years of the Erie Canal.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: New book celebrates the life and legacy of Mike Ditka
Our editors independently choose our recommendations. Some content is produced with paid support from a third party, however our editorial decisions remain independent. If you buy through our links, the USA TODAY Network may earn a commission. Prices and availability may change.
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