Coverage dated October 18, 2026

Chicago Bears honor Mike Ditka with uniform patches on coach's 87th birthday

Headline from NBC Chicago

ATLANTA, GEORGIA – OCTOBER 18: Caleb Williams #18 of the Chicago Bears warms up prior to the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Huntington Bank Field on October 18, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

NBC Chicago's own description from its feed. We collect headlines and these descriptions, not full articles; read the original reporting below.

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NBC Chicago
Chicago Bears honor Mike Ditka with uniform patches on coach's 87th birthday (opens NBC Chicago)
Published Oct 18, 2026
NBC Chicago's feed description
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – OCTOBER 18: Caleb Williams #18 of the Chicago Bears warms up prior to the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Huntington Bank Field on October 18, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Sun Times
Bears add Mike Ditka patch, pay tribute on what would have been his birthday (opens Sun Times)
Published Oct 18, 2026
Sun Times's feed description
ATLANTA — The Bears paid tribute to Mike Ditka on Sunday, which would have been his 87th birthday. The team posted a sketch of the former coach and player on their social media channels. He died Oct. 9. The Bears also moved their tribute to him from the backs of their helmet to their chest.