(Chicago) — Mike Ditka, a legendary figure in Chicago sports, has died at the age of 86.

As a player for the Chicago Bears, Ditka became the first tight end inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. As a coach, he guided that franchise to its only Super Bowl title and his one-of-a-kind personality transcended sports into restaurants, entertainment and pop culture.

“It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Mike Ditka,” his family said in a statement. “While the world knew Mike as a Hall of Fame football player, legendary coach, and leader of the Chicago Bears’ Super Bowl XX championship team, we knew him as the heart of our family.

“Mike will be missed beyond measure and remembered forever.”

The fifth overall pick of the 1961 NFL draft by the Bears, Ditka won Rookie of the Year after becoming the first tight end to surpass 1,000 receiving yards. He played six years for the Bears, two in Philadelphia and four with Dallas. Ditka was a member of the Bears’ 1963 NFL championship team and the Cowboys’ squad that won Super Bowl VI.

It was as the Bears’ coach that Ditka rose to national prominence, guiding the 1985 squad and its incredible defense to the World Championship with a 46-10 thrashing of New England in Super Bowl XX. Ditka led the Bears to the playoffs seven times in his 11 seasons and played in the NFC Championship Game on three occasions.

He became an icon in Chicago, opening several restaurants and racking up endorsements. He starred in television commercials and appeared, as himself, in several television shows and in Will Ferrell’s 2005 comedy “Kicking and Screaming.” “Saturday Night Live” raised Dika’s profile even higher with an ongoing skit titled “Bill Swerski’s Superfans” that paid tribute to Ditka and “Da Bears.”

After his coaching career, Ditka worked as a studio analyst, first at NBC and then for ESPN.