Chicago Bears

Former Bears Head Coach Mike Ditka Recovering From Heart Attack

Ditka also suffered a heart attack in 1988

Hall of Fame tight end and former Chicago Bears coach Mike Ditka is recovering from a mild heart attack.

Steve Mandell, Ditka's agent, tells ESPN that doctors inserted a pacemaker. He says Ditka "is doing much better," and the iconic coach "appreciates the outpouring of support and expects to be home soon."

The Bears wished Ditka "a speedy recovery" on Twitter.

The 79-year-old Ditka played 12 seasons in the NFL and made the Pro Bowl five times. He finished with 427 receptions for 5,812 yards and 43 touchdowns.

"Coach Ditka had a minor heart attack," the former coach's charity said on social media. "Doctors inserted a pacemaker and he is doing much better. He appreciates the outpouring of support and expects to be home soon." 

Ditka might be best known for his coaching career. He coached the Bears and the New Orleans Saints, finishing with a 121-95 record in 14 years, and he led Chicago to the Super Bowl title after the 1985 season.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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