BREAKING: Legendary NFL coach Mike Ditka dies at 86

"It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Mike Ditka. 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. Mike will be missed beyond measure and remembered forever," the family said in a statement.

The cause of his death was not announced. The NFL posted in his honor, saying, "The NFL is deeply saddened by the passing of Hall of Fame coach and tight end, Mike Ditka. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones.

Ditka was was drafted by the Bears as the number five overall pick in 1961 and won Rookie of the Year after he became the first tight end to have over 1,000 receiving yards. He played several seasons for the Bears and then went onto play for the Philadephia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys. After retiring from the league in 1973, he was hired to coach the Bears in 1982. He went onto coach the Bears to win their first ever and only Superbowl victory.

He was the first tight end to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1988. Although he was fired from his post at the Bears in the 1992 season, he went onto coach the Saints in 1997.