Bears pay tribute to Mike Ditka ahead of 'Thursday Night Football'
The Bears returned home for the first time since Mike Ditka's death. Take a look at how the team paid tribute to the legend.
The Chicago Bears returned home for the first time since NFL Hall of Famer Mike Ditka died at the age of 86 on Oct. 9 . A representative of Ditka's told USA TODAY that he died of natural causes .
Best known as the coach of the Super Bowl champion 1985 Bears, Ditka was a force to be reckoned with between the white lines too.
He helped revolutionize the tight end position, etching his name into NFL history as both a player and coach.
The Bears paid tribute to Ditka ahead of a "Thursday Night Football" matchup against the New England Patriots on Oct. 22.
Of course, Ditka's iconic mustache was a key part of the tribute. The Bears gave away mustaches as part of a stadium-wide giveaway at Soldier Field.
In addition to a helmet decal, Ditka's No. 89 was painted on the field at the stadium.
The Bears announced that there would be other fan activations, on-field recognition and moments honoring the legendary coach in addition to the tribute.
Mike Ditka dies at 86. Revisit his career as a NFL player and coach
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