The Last King of Soldier Field
Mike Ditka has died at 86. But before “Da Coach” became a Chicago legend, he was a young champion under George Halas, a warrior sent away, and finally the man summoned home to restore the kingdom.
What followed in 1985 hardly seems like ordinary sports history. There was Walter Payton, the aging champion who had carried the Bears through the wilderness; Jim McMahon, the wild young prince in sunglasses; Buddy Ryan, the rival general commanding his fearsome 46 Defense; Mike Singletary, the captain; William “The Refrigerator” Perry, the giant; and Ditka—the former player who returned to become…
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