Work address: 100 E. Chestnut St., Chicago, Il
TV & FILM ACTING
– Appearing as himself in “Kicking & Screaming” with Will Ferrell
– Currently an ESPN commentator and has worked for NBC and called Bears games, all as himself.
– “SNI” (1993) appeared as himself for a Superfans sketch.
– “Co-hosted “The Mike Ditka Show” as himself. (1982)
– Wide range of TV appearances include “Cheers” (played himself), “Becker” (played himself), “L.A. Law” (played himself), “According to Jim” (played himself), “Coach” (played himself) and “3rd Rock from the Sun” (played Coach Mafferty).
ENDORSER
– Erectile dysfunction medicine Levitra. “I am not embarrassed by coming out and saying I have ED,” Ditka said. “Not to talk about it would have been stupid.
– Other ventures have included: Majestic Star Casino, Montgomery Ward, Peak antifreeze, Talman Home Federal Savings & Loan Association, Budget Rent A Car, TCBY, a regional auto dealers group, Campbell’s Chunky Soup, Dristan, La-Z-Boy, Haynes, McDonald’s, TGIF, Protector and Rugby One.
SINGER
Sang some of the most memorable renditions of “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” at Wrigley Field, most recently on Saturday with Ferrell.
AUTHOR
Co-wrote “First a Bear: Now a Saint. Mike Ditka’s Insights, Outbursts, Kudos and Comebacks
Co-wrote “Ditka: An Autobiography
TEAM OWNER
Minority ownership stake in the Arena Football League’s Chicago Rush.
RESTAURATEUR
Proprietor of Chicago’s Mike Ditka’s. Another Ditka restaurant opened in Chicago in 1986 and closed in 1992 while others have served fans in Naples, Fla. and New Orleans.
FOOTBALL
Drafted to play for the Bears in 1961 after an All-American senior season in Pittsburgh.
Named NFL Rookie of the Year and played for the Bears, Eagles and Cowboys.
Coached the Bears to a Superbowl win during the 1985 season and later headed the New Orleans Saints.
Inducted into the Pro Football’s Hall of Fame.
QUOTABLES
“My code word for success is `ACE’: Attitude, Character and Enthusiasm.”
“Pain never really bothered me.”
PEOPLE SKILLS
As a public speaker for All-American Speakers, his appearance fee lists between $25,001 and $35,000.
Once broke his hand punching a locker after a Bears loss.
PERSONAL
Married to wife Diana.
Father of four(Mike, Mark, Megan and Matthew).
Previously married to Marguerite.
Oversees the Mike Ditka Foundation, which raises money for Misericordia.
Plays a six handicap in golf.
Enjoys a fine Dunhill cigar.
POLITICS
Illinois Republicans spoke to him about running for the U.S. Senate, but he decided against it. “Listen gang, we’ve all been there. We’ve all done something,” Ditka said then. “But I’ll be darn if I want my past or my present or future dragged out in the media. I have enough problems to convince my wife.”
REFERENCES
Dick Butkus
Readers of Cigar Aficionado
Anyone named Grabowski
