Mike Ditka
Pro Football Hall of Famer
A native of Carnegie, Pennsylvania, Mike Ditka grew up as the son of a steel-mine worker. He was a three sports star in high school, and was a college football Consensus All-American at the University of Pittsburgh in 1960. Drafted in the first round by George Halas of the Chicago Bears, Ditka was the 5th…
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Full Bio
A native of Carnegie, Pennsylvania, Mike Ditka grew up as the son of a steel-mine worker. He was a three sports star in high school, and was a college football Consensus All-American at the University of Pittsburgh in 1960. Drafted in the first round by George Halas of the Chicago Bears, Ditka was the 5th overall selection in 1961 NFL draft, and was honored that year as the NFL’s Rookie of the Year.
Ditka played tight end for the National Football League’s Chicago Bears (1961-1966), Philadelphia Eagles (1967-1968) and Dallas Cowboys (1969-1972). He still holds four Chicago Bears receiving records; consecutive games with a reception (49), TD receptions in one game (4), receptions by rookie (56) and most TD receptions by a rookie (12).
Ditka has won three Super Bowls, as player (Dallas—Super Bowl VI), as an assistant coach (Dallas—Super Bowl XII) and as a head coach (Chicago—Super Bowl XX). He was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1988.
His name is synonymous with the Chicago Bears. “Da Coach or Iron Mike” played for and coached the Chicago Bears for 17 seasons. In 1982, Coach Halas named Ditka, the 9th Head Coach in the history of the Chicago Bears. He coached the Bears from 1982 to 1992, compiling a win-loss record of 112 to 68 during that time. He guided the Bears to six NFC Central Divisional titles, in addition to three NFC title games. His ’85 Bears won the NFL crown in Super Bowl XX. The ’85 Bears are considered amongst the NFL’s “Best Ever Team” going 18-1 that year. Twice, Ditka was named the NFL’s Coach of the Year (’85 and ’88). From 1985-1988, he lead the Bears to 52 wins—the most ever by an NFL team in a four-year span in NFL history. He left the Bears football organization in 1992.
Ditka returned to coaching in the NFL as Head Coach for the New Orleans Saints from 1997 to 2000.
Today, Ditka also shares his drive and team-building skills with audiences across the country. In his presentations “ACE” – Attitude, Character and Enthusiasm, he shares the lessons learned in a life of commitment and attention to the fundamentals—resulting in victory. He delivers a powerful presentation that highlights the key characteristics people need to achieve their personal and professional goals.
Currently, Ditka is a former commentator and analyst for ESPN, a restaurateur, an actor, a commercial spokesperson and an avid golfer. He is involved with many charitable organizations, including Misericordia, a residential facility for mentally and physically challenged youths.
Ditka resides in Naples and Chicago with his wife, Diana.
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MEDTRONIC
Everything went great! and our speaker was wonderful! Thank you so much for all your help PDA! Looking forward to the next one.
UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI – KANSAS CITY
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BAYLOR UNIVERSITY CAMPUS
We had a fantastic day with Inge! She was very engaging with all those that attended. Her personal stories about the holocaust were very special and we were moved that she was willing to share them with everyone. Thank you again, PDA for all your hard work and dedication to make this program such a success!
SALT LAKE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Dear PDA Group, Thank you so much for your hard work in scheduling our speaker! From the moment we reached out to you the first time, you worked with us on all details and logistics and kept us up-to-date on the progress. Thank you for all your hard work on making our event such a success! We couldn't have done it without you and your team!
SAP COMPANY
Thank you again, Dr. Kimbrough, for a great presentation, our attendees are still talking about it!
CAMPUS LABS
Dr. Henry Lee's presentation was entertaining, insightful and wise. I, and everyone at Pfizer, especially appreciate the remarks you directed about following your passion and preparing yourself to excel. Thank you, everyone, at PDA for helping to make this happen!
PFIZER
The event was successful! I received many messages expressing how awesome, outstanding and inspiring Ms. Webb-Christburg's speech was."
DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. MEMORIAL BREAKFAST, BOSTON, MLK SPEAKER
Everything went well. Atsuko was very easy to work with and the students enjoyed her performance! Thank you again for your recommendation and I hope to work with you again in the future!
CENTRAL MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
Dr. Novello left this morning after a very successful event on our campus! Thank you PDA Group for your help from the first phone to the last you were with us every step of the way.
GRAND VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY
Jordan Carlos was very very entertaining! A majority of students who answered the event survey indicated they really enjoyed Jordan and definitely will bring him back!
WESTERN CAROLINA UNIVERSITY
On behalf of myself and my organization Entertainment Unlimited the Campus Programming Board of Ferris State University, we thank you PDA and Dan for a successful event!! Dan was magnificent! Students really enjoyed the presentation. I know I did. Can't wait to bring in more programs with PDA Group.
FERRIS STATE UNIVERSITY
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WESTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
Thank you, Peter, for all your help, you'll be happy to know that the event went incredibly well! Aneesa Ferreira was by far one of the best speakers we've ever had!
FURMAN UNIVERSITY
Topics
ACE – Attitude, Character and Enthusiasm
Mike Ditka delivers a powerful presentation that highlights the key characteristics people need to achieve their personal and professional goals. With his first-hand experience, clear illustrations and humorous anecdotes, he shows why he is considered one of the best motivational speakers in all of the NFL. His presentation has impact and immediate, take-home value.
The Fundamentals of Winning
Lessons in Leadership
Business Management & Leadership
Sports Motivation & Achievement
Videos
Mike Ditka, Motivational Speaker
News
Testimonials
Mike Ditka’s keynote address could not have been more perfect! He was a very eloquent speaker and our guests loved his presentation.
Advocate Christ Medical Center & Hope Children's Hospital
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