Mike Ditka's Personally Owned Overcoat Worn During 2013 Jersey Number Retirement Ceremony at Soldier Field
"GO BEARS!"
On December 9, 2013, Mike Ditka became 14th and final Chicago Bear to have his jersey number retired. A sold out Soldier Field witnessed Ditka take the frigid field during halftime where the Bears presented him with a framed presentation featuring his iconic Bears sweater and 89 jersey. Ditka told the crowd, "I've been living a dream for 74 years. I hope it will never stop but it will. But you people have been a big part of my dream. You brought me great joy to be able to please you. The players we had in 1985 are the greatest collection of guys I've ever been around. My teammates in 1963 - what a great bunch of guys. That was Coach Halas' last championship and I'm very proud to be a part of that team. I could go on but I want to say, thank you, thank you, thank you and GO BEARS!"
The coat includes Ditka's personal December 9 game program vs Dallas Cowboys where jersey number 89 was retired at halftime.
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