Fans everywhere were wishing Mike Ditka a happy birthday this past week. One of the most popular players and coaches in the history of the Chicago Bears franchise.
He came to the Bears as a first-round draft pick, fifth overall in the 1961 NFL Draft. Incidentally, he was also taken by the Houston Oilers, eighth overall, in that AFL draft. Luckily, he went with the Bears.
Ditka had a wildly successful career in Chicago, especially in his first year. He managed to score 12 touchdowns and was even named Rookie of the Year in the NFL.