What happened: Legendary NFL player and coach Mike Ditka has died at the age of 86. The news of his passing was reported by ABC News.

Why it matters: Ditka was a transformative figure in professional football, achieving legendary status on the field and the sideline. He cemented his legacy by coaching the 1985 Chicago Bears to a Super Bowl victory, building one of the most dominant teams in history.

What to watch: The NFL community is expected to hold tributes honoring his contributions across the league.