Stephen A. remembers how Mike Ditka 'elevated the NFL' (1:37)

Courtney Cronin Oct 22, 2026, 09:03 PM ET

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Courtney Cronin joined ESPN in 2017, originally covering the Minnesota Vikings before switching to the Chicago Bears in 2022. Courtney is a frequent panelist on Around the Horn and host of Best Week Ever and GameNight on ESPN Radio. She also co-hosts The Chicago Bears Podcast on ESPN 1000. She previously worked at the San Jose Mercury News as a multimedia sports journalist.

CHICAGO -- The Bears honored the life and legacy of legendary coach Mike Ditka on Thursday in a manner fitting of "Da Coach."

Ahead of the team's first home game since Ditka's death Oct. 9, the first 10,000 fans who arrived at Soldier Field were given knit headbands inspired by the iconic Bears sweater that Ditka made famous during his 11 seasons coaching in Chicago.…