What happened: Hall of Fame player and coach Mike Ditka died Friday morning at the age of 86. The Ditka family announced his passing in a statement.

Why it matters: Known as 'Da Coach,' Ditka served as the heartbeat of the 1985 Chicago Bears and led the franchise to a Super Bowl championship. He remains a defining historical figure for the organization and the NFL.

What to watch: The football community will continue to honor his legacy throughout the weekend.