Mike Ditka is back in Chicago. The city that made him still feels like home
The New York Times • • sports
Key Points:
- Mike Ditka, legendary Chicago Bears player and coach, has returned to Chicago after years in Florida, settling in a condominium near his former restaurant's location on the Gold Coast.
- Despite health struggles including hip replacements, a heart attack, and strokes, Ditka remains mentally sharp, proud, and surrounded by family, friends, and caregivers who support him.
- Ditka is celebrated for his toughness and legacy, having redefined the tight end position and led the Bears to a Super Bowl victory, and he continues to follow the team closely.
- Former teammates and friends frequently visit Ditka, and he maintains connections with the Chicago sports community, reflecting on his storied past with warmth and humor.
- Ditka emphasizes his deep connection to Chicago, calling it his true home, underscoring his identity as an iconic figure intertwined with the city's sports and cultural heritage.
