President Donald Trump released a heartfelt tribute to Chicago Bears legend Mike Ditka, honoring the Hall of Fame player and coach as both a champion and steadfast supporter of the MAGA movement. The remarks followed Trump learning of Ditka’s death during a South Lawn exchange Friday.

Trump described Ditka immediately upon hearing the news: “He was a great guy,” he said. “He was with me all the way. He was tough.” “He was a winner. He was a tough cookie.”

The President’s reaction came after reporters approached him while he prepared to depart for Syracuse, where he had been scheduled to meet boxing icon Mike Tyson. Trump noted he received the news of Ditka’s passing for the first time and recalled the coach as a true winner who stood by his principles.

Trump later shared a formal written statement on Truth Social: “Mike Ditka was a great champion, both as a player and a Coach. He was MAGA all the way, and he will be missed. Rest in Peace, Mike! President DONALD J. TRUMP.”

The tribute highlighted their shared history of unyielding commitment to winning and direct communication. During a 2015 radio appearance with Trump, Ditka openly identified as an “ultra-ultra-ultra conservative” and praised the then-candidate’s vision for America. Both men built public identities around resilience, decisive action, and refusing to apologize for their positions.

The Chicago Bears confirmed Ditka died Friday morning at age 86 after a life deeply intertwined with the franchise. He helped Chicago win the 1963 NFL championship as a tight end before becoming head coach and leading the team to its sole Super Bowl victory in 1997. The Bears described his legacy as immeasurable, emphasizing his embodiment of toughness and blue-collar grit that defined the “Monsters of the Midway” era.

Ditka’s impact extended beyond football: He was a transformative tight end whose rookie season (56 catches for 1,076 yards and 12 touchdowns) redefined the position in the NFL. He earned five straight Pro Bowl selections, became the first tight end enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1988, and later guided Chicago to a dominant 15-1 season in 1985.