Chicago Bears retire Mike Ditka's No. 89 during halftime ceremony

Mike Ditka said any real or perceived acrimony between him and the Bears organization has been "Swept under the carpet" following the formal retirement of his No. 89 jersey Monday night at Soldier Field. "I saw Virginia and she looks wonderful," Ditka said of the daughter of Bears founder George Halas. Former Bears linebacker Otis Wilson, a key member of the '85 Bears, lauded Ditka's qualities as a coach and motivator. "I respect him for that and it came true. I kept saying: 'I am going to be one of those guys who is going to be here.' And he has been a consummate professional. I've got no problem with Mike Ditka. I mean, I had a chip on my shoulder when I played. I only wish the guys played like we did back in the day. But it's a different game now and Mike's getting his just due. I'm happy for him."
Source: CHICAGO TRIBUNE


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