Bears pay tribute to Mike Ditka ahead of 'Thursday Night Football'

Da tribute for da coach.

The Chicago Bears returned home for the first time since NFL Hall of Famer Mike Ditka died at the age of 86 on Oct. 9. A representative of Ditka's told USA TODAY that he died of natural causes.

Best known as the coach of the Super Bowl champion 1985 Bears, Ditka was a force to be reckoned with between the white lines too.

He helped revolutionize the tight end position, etching his name into NFL history as both a player and coach.

The Bears paid tribute to Ditka ahead of a "Thursday Night Football" matchup against the New England Patriots on Oct. 22.

Take a look:

A moment of silence for Mike Ditka @ChicagoBearspic.twitter.com/jXWG0RE3EG

- NFL (@NFL) October 23, 2026

Staley Da Bear paying tribute to Mike Ditka #TNFonPrimepic.twitter.com/9T4ods7Onx

- NFL on Prime Video (@NFLonPrime) October 22, 2026

Fans of all ages are honoring Mike Ditka #TNFonPrimepic.twitter.com/GXIWhblCcl

- NFL on Prime Video (@NFLonPrime) October 23, 2026

Of course, Ditka's iconic mustache was a key part of the tribute. The Bears gave away mustaches as part of a stadium-wide giveaway at Soldier Field.

In addition to a helmet decal, Ditka's No. 89 was painted on the field at the stadium.

The Bears announced that there would be other fan activations, on-field recognition and moments honoring the legendary coach in addition to the tribute.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Bears pay tribute to Mike Ditka ahead of 'Thursday Night Football'