Dec 9, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears former player and coach Mike Ditka (left) is honored during halftime during an NFL game between the Dallas Cowboys and Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
#7: Ditka’s #89 Retired
12/9/13: Bears 45 – Cowboys 28
It was another frigid night at Soldier Field and I was there as well. The Bears were hosting the Cowboys, one of Mike Ditka’s former teams. I’m not sure why they scheduled this game for December, as the temperature was well below freezing, but the Bears chose to retire Ditka’s #89 at halftime. Josh McCown hit Alshon Jeffery with an incredible TD pass and the route was on.
#6: “The Fridge Game”
10/21/85: Bears 20 – Packers 7
George Cumby, meet William Perry. A folk hero and a legend was born on Monday Night Football. Mike Ditka had already exacted his revenge on Bill Walsh and the 49ers the week before, bringing Perry in to the backfield to block for Payton. The next week, it went from revenge to ego. The Bears pounded the Packers 23-7 as Perry blocked for Payton but also rushed for a TD of his own.