NFL world unites in tributes after Mike Ditka dies at 86

JJ Watt led tributes to the former player and coach, with the NFL community sharing memories of Ditka's influence on the sport across multiple generations.

On air: Hank Ledger, Vera Bullock and Dale Bearman on Weekend Edition
Published 7:00 AM ET, Saturday, October 10, 2026

At a glance

First reported by Yahoo Sports.
Covered on BBN on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at 7:00 AM ET on Weekend Edition, by Hank Ledger, Vera Bullock and Dale Bearman.
Topics: Mike Ditka, NFL.
BBN covered this story before: Lions coach Dan Campbell shares cigar-room Ditka story (October 10).

The real story

The reporting behind this segment. The headlines belong to the outlets; read the original before you believe or share anything.

Yahoo SportsCredited on air (no link to the original report)

What BBN said about it

Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorThis just in: Yahoo Sports reports JJ Watt says the NFL community has united after the death of Mike Ditka, who was eighty-six.
Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorWatt called him an absolute legend.
Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorWelcome back. It's seven Eastern, four Pacific, and this is Weekend Edition, still with us.
Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorPlayers, coaches and fans across the league have been sharing memories of a man who shaped the sport as a player, a coach and a voice.
Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorWatt's message was about togetherness, and that's lovely to see on a weekend morning.
Dale Bearman · Chief Skeptic & ContributorEighty-six years.
Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorA long life, and a lot of football.
Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorRest easy, coach.