Topics: International Speakers Bureau, Inc. |
Fee Range: Call For Quote (fee note) |
|
|
 Biography: Mike Ditka is one of the most recognized and successful NFL personalities as a player, coach and television commentator. Currently working as an analyst and commentator on CBS, this is Ditka's second stint in broadcasting, having spent four years as an NFL commentator and analyst on the NFL on NBC. He holds an overall career coaching record of 127-101, including his three years with the New Orleans Saints and the 11 seasons he coached the Chicago Bears. His regular season coaching record is 121-95. Ditka has realized success as an All-American at the University of Pittsburgh, NFL Rookie of the Year (1961), All-Pro (1961-66), and Super Bowl champion as a player with Dallas (1972), Super Bowl champion as an assistant coach with Dallas (1977) and Super Bowl champion as head coach of the Chicago Bears (1986). During his 11 years with the Bears, Ditka's teams dominated the NFC Central with 52 regular season victories between 1985-1988. This mark is the most ever by an NFL team in any four-year period. Ditka ranks second among all Bears coaches in both tenure and victories, trailing only his first pro coach, George Halas, the team's founder and coach for 40 seasons. Ditka coached the Bears to six NFC Central titles, three appearances in the NFC title game, and a Super Bowl victory. In 1985, Ditka's team posted an 18-1 record. After Super Bowl XX, Ditka was named Coach of the Year. Ditka is the only Chicago Bear coach to lead his club to five straight post-season appearances. In 1988, Ditka won Coach of the Year honors during the same season in which he suffered a mid-season heart attack (11-22-88), and posted a 12-4 regular season record. The Bears would lose to the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship game at Soldier Field. Ditka began his NFL career in 1961 when he was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the first round (fifth overall) from the University of Pittsburgh. Ditka's impact was immediate as he caught 56 passes and earned NFL Rookie of the Year honors. Ditka played six seasons with the Bears, earning Pro Bowl honors each year, before being traded to the Philadelphia Eagles in 1967. After spending two years with the Eagles, he was traded to Dallas, where played four more years. He caught a touchdown pass in the Cowboys' 24-3 victory over the Miami Dolphins in Super Bowl VI. The final tribute to Mike Ditka's playing career was bestowed upon him 16 years after his retirement when he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame (July 30, 1988). Ditka retired from his career as a player following the 1972 season, but was soon hired by Cowboys' head coach Tom Landry as an offensive assistant and special teams coach. In Ditka's nine seasons as an assistant with the Cowboys, his teams were in the playoffs eight times and won six divisional titles, three NFC Championships and the Super Bowl following the 1977 campaign. Born October 18, 1939 in Carnegie, Pennsylvania, Ditka was raised in nearby Aliquippa where his father, Mike Sr., worked on the railroad. He was a three-sport athlete at Aliquippa High School, playing basketball, baseball and football. He enrolled at the University of Pittsburgh and was an All-American as a senior in 1960. Ditka played defensive end, linebacker and tight end. He also ranked among the nation's top punters with a 40-yard average in his final three seasons. Mike Ditka is actively involved in numerous charitable endeavors including Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Sports Teams Organized for Prevention of Drug Abuse, and the Say No to Drugs campaign. The Mike Ditka Foundation, established in 1989, raises money for Misericordia, a residential facility for developmentally disabled youth, and for the pediatric AIDS program at Children's Memorial Hospital. Ditka continues to assist his alma mater by sponsoring the Mike Ditka Endowed Scholarship Fund at the University of Pittsburgh. Since his days with the Chicago Bears, Ditka has opened Mike Ditka's Restaurants in Chicago, IL, Naples, FL and New Orleans, LA. His favorite hobby remains golf, which he plays to a six handicap. He is married (Diana) and has four children, Mike, Mark, Megan and Matthew. |
|
|
Programs: ACE - Attitude, Character and Enthusiasm Mike Ditka delivers a powerful presentation that highlights the key characteristics people need to achieve their personal and professional goals. With his first-hand experience, clear illustrations and humorous anecdotes, he shows why he is considered one of the best motivational speakers in all of the NFL. His presentation has impact and immediate, take-home value. |
|
|
