What does one have to do to get their number retired in Chicago?

 

For years, Mike Dika would have liked to know.

 

He was head coach of the Chicago Bears from 1982-1992 with an impressive win in Super Bowl XX over the New England Patriots, the only Super Bowl win in franchise history. 

 

As a player, Ditka also has a stellar record and should be listed among the greatest tight ends in NFL history. Prominent on his résumé is starting role on the Bears' 1963 NFL championship team. As well, Ditka was selected to the Pro Bowl five times, along with being a five-time All-Pro during his playing career. He also holds a top-five spot on the Bears’ all-time list for receptions, receiving yards, and touchdown catches. The icing on the cake was being inducted in the Pro Football Hall of Fame as the first tight end back in 1988.

 

So, after years of being overlooked, the Bears have finally decided to make him the 14th man in team history to have his number retired.

 

To commemorate the noteworthy event, a ceremony will take place during halftime of the Bears’ game against another of Ditka's former teams -- the Dallas Cowboys -- on 9 December.