President Donald Trump released a heartfelt tribute to Chicago Bears legend Mike Ditka, honoring the Hall of Fame player and coach as both a champion and unwavering supporter of the MAGA movement. The announcement followed Trump learning of Ditka’s death during a South Lawn exchange Friday.

Trump described Ditka immediately as “a great guy,” emphasizing their shared history: “He was with me all the way. He was tough. He was a winner. He was a tough cookie.” The remarks came after Trump paused mid-departure to Syracuse, where he was preparing for a boxing match with Mike Tyson, and addressed reporters’ inquiries about Ditka’s passing.

The President later posted a formal written statement on Truth Social: “Mike Ditka was a great champion, both as a player and a Coach. He was MAGA all the way, and he will be missed. Rest in Peace, Mike! President DONALD J. TRUMP.”

Ditka openly backed Trump before the 2016 election, calling himself an “ultra-ultra-ultra conservative” during a 2015 radio appearance with the then-candidate. He praised Trump’s vision for America and described their mutual alignment on winning and uncompromising principles. Both men built public identities around resilience, direct communication, and refusing to apologize for their stance.

The Chicago Bears confirmed Ditka died Friday morning at age 86, citing his profound impact across decades as a player, coach, and ambassador. As a tight end, he helped Chicago win the 1963 NFL championship before returning as head coach to lead the team to a Super Bowl XX victory over New England in 1990. His Hall of Fame career included 427 receptions, 5,812 receiving yards, and 43 touchdowns over 12 seasons.

The franchise described Ditka as embodying the “toughness, grit and blue-collar mentality” long associated with Chicago’s football legacy. A Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee in 1988, Ditka redefined the tight end position during his rookie season and became the first tight end elected to the Hall of Fame.