Mike Ditka

• Inducted on July 30th, 1988
• Real name is Mike Dyzcko (Ukrainian name)
• Attended Pittsburgh University
• Observers once suggested that Ditka could be a great linebacker, defensive end, fullback, or offensive lineman
• In Ditka's first 6 seasons he was considered to be one of the most feared players in the NFL
• Hall of Famer Bill George commented that "He is the best rookie I have ever seen. Ten more like him and there would be no room for me on the team"
• In his rookie season, Ditka caught 56 balls for 1,076 yards with 12 touchdowns. He won Rookie of the Year over Fran Tarkenton and went to the Pro Bowl
• Accomplished all of that with a knee injury in the 11th game that a surgeon said "three out of four men require surgery for an injury like this, but you are the exception"
• Helped win the Bears first championship in 17 years in 1963
• Played in 84 straight games with the Bears
• Won a Super Bowl with the Cowboys
• "I just try to hit the other guy before he hits me and if I hit hard enough, maybe he won't want to hit me back"
• Went on to Coach the Bears to a victory in Super Bowl XX