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The Chicago Bears selected Mike Ditka from the University of Pittsburgh in the first round (5th overall) of the 1961 draft.
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Ditka quickly changed the tight end position when he became one of the first to catch a large number passes.
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Ditka earned Rookie of the Year honors in 1961 after catching 56 passes for 1,076 yards and 12 touchdowns.
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Mike Ditka moved into a starting role with the Bears early in his rookie season and didn't miss another start with the team for 84 straight games.
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Mike Ditka was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles in 1967 and spent two seasons with the club.
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Ditka joined the Dallas Cowboys in 1969 and in 1971 he helped lead the Cowboys to their first Super Bowl championship.
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He completed his 12-year career with 427 receptions for 5,812 yards and 43 touchdowns.
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Mike Ditka was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1988. He was the first tight end to earn the honor.
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Mike Ditka's Hall of Fame mural.
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Mike Ditka's Hall of Fame bust.