Ditka aggressively monetized his OWN name, image and likeness through television analytics, product endorsements, restaurant chains, and leveraging his "Da Bears" into a highly lucrative personal brand, YET as a coach, he demanded players prioritize the team concept above individual financial gain
@chicagotribune.comA record-setting and Hall of Fame tight end drafted with the No. 5 pick in 1961, Mike Ditka died Friday in Chicago, the city that adopted a guy from Western Pennsylvania as its own because of his unyielding toughness, intense determination and ability to connect with the Grabowskis. He was 86.
chicagotribune.com
Column: Mike Ditka’s larger-than-life persona defined the Chicago Bears — and is forever etched in stone