The Hall of Fame would like to wish the happiest of birthdays to Mike Ditka! The legendary Chicago Bears player and coach turns 83 today. #HBD | Pro Football Hall of Fame

An entire generation of fans knows Mike Ditka more for his work as a coach than as a legendary player. On the nine-year anniversary of Ditka's No. 89 being retired by Chicago Bears, we look back at that storied playing career. | Pro Football Hall of Fame

First a star tight end with the Chicago Bears, Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys and then a legendary head coach, Mike Ditka was enshrined in 1988. On the 35th anniversary of Ditka entering football's most exclusive club, Ditka will again be honored in Canton this summer. | Pro Football Hall of Fame

While younger generations remember him more for his career as a coach, it was Mike Dikta's work as a legendary tight end that forged his path to Canton. Today, we look back on Ditka's playing career on the 10-year anniversary of his No. 89 being retired by the Chicago Bears. | Pro Football Hall of Fame