NFL world reacts to death of Bears legend Mike Ditka

The NFL world is reeling following the passing of legendary Chicago Bears tight end and Super Bowl-winning head coach Mike Ditka on Friday. Ditka passed away at the age of 86 and leaves behind a legacy as one of the most successful sports figures in Chicago history.

Ditka, who was selected at No. 5 overall in the 1961 NFL draft, spent six seasons with the Bears and helped revolutionize the tight end position as we know it today. In 84 games with Chicago, Ditka totaled 316 receptions for 4,503 yards and 34 touchdowns. He was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles in 1967, where he would go on to play two seasons (1967-68) before spending four years with the Dallas Cowboys (1969-72).

After he retired from playing, Ditka got his coaching start with the Cowboys, serving as an assistant coach under Tom Landry for nine seasons. While working for Dallas, Ditka penned a letter to Bears owner George Halas expressing his desire to return to Chicago and serve as head coach.

The Bears hired Ditka as their head coach in 1982, and he coached the team for 11 seasons. His crowning moment came leading the legendary 1985 Bears to a Super Bowl XX championship, defeating the New England Patriots, 46-10. The '85 Bears had arguably the best defense of all-time and an explosive offense featuring Hall of Fame running back Walter Payton.

The news of Ditka's passing rocked the football world with Bears fans and general fans alike celebrating his life on social media. Here is how the NFL world reacted to the somber news.

NFL world reacts to death of Bears legend Mike Ditka