NFL legend Mike Ditka was a Catholic coach

Former professional football coach Mike Ditka died Friday at the age of 86. The Chicago Bears icon was a practicing Catholic who served as a lector at the 7 a.m. team Mass on game days during his ten years leading the team.

Ditka, who led the Bears to a Super Bowl XX victory in 1986, was a member of the Knights of Columbus and supported various charities. He credited his faith to his mother, a convert, and the nuns at his parochial school in Aliquippa, Pennsylvania. In a 2018 interview with the website One Peter Five, Ditka stated that the sacraments and his Catholic education were the most important aspects of his upbringing.

Before coaching, Ditka played tight end for the University of Pittsburgh and the Chicago Bears, Philadelphia Eagles, and Dallas Cowboys. He became the first tight end inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1988.